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Finding out
When federal land becomes available
for reuse, the General Services Administration (the military
agency, in cases of base closures, or at times, another federal
"disposing" agency) will notify other federal and state agencies.
Federal Lands to Parks staff review notices of available property
for park and recreation opportunities, and notify relevant state,
regional and/or local park agencies. Notices are often posted
on military or
General
Services Administration web sites. A state or local government
agency interested in property for parks or recreational areas
should notify the Federal Lands to Parks Program regional office
in writing of its interest. (See
Contact Us). The National Park Service typically has 25
days from the "notice of availability" to notify the General
Services Administration of state or local park and recreation
interests.
Applying
State
or local agencies apply for property through the National
Park Service Regional Federal Lands to Parks Program offices.
By request, the Federal Lands to Parks Program will help a
potential applicant in applying for and obtaining surplus
property for parks and recreation areas. Successful applications
support:
- the need for the property
for parks or recreation, and for historical, natural or
recreational preservation
- the applicant's capability
to operate and maintain the property for public parks and
recreation
- the suitability of the
property for park and recreational use
- the program of utilization
for the property which describes the proposed park and recreational
use and provides a site plan
Getting
Ownership
If the application is satisfactory,
the Federal Lands to Parks Program requests the property from
the Department of Defense or the General Services Administration,
or other federal agency disposing of property. Once the National
Park Service approves an application, the Federal Land to
Parks Program works as an advocate on behalf of the community
and its request for the park land. If successful, the National
Park Service deeds the land to the applicant with provisions
to ensure continued public access, recreational use, and stewardship.
Stewardship
After the land is conveyed, the Federal
Lands to Parks Program periodically monitors the property's
use and development to make sure that it is managed according
to the terms and conditions of the deed and approved use plan.
Property deeds specify that the property must remain for public
park and recreation use in perpetuity. Also, the property recipient
submits a brief biennial report on property use and condition.
This helps ensure continued public access and protection of
the property's natural and cultural resources.
Outcomes
A new public park and/or recreation area is established, an
existing park is expanded; open space, cultural, natural,
and recreational resources are protected; people gain access
to rivers, lakes, and open space, community and cultural centers,
sports and recreational facilities, and the like. Former federal
lands remain available for beneficial public use and conservation.
Still
have questions?
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Last
Modified 9-23-04