Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program

About Us

RTCA Program

The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program is a community assistance arm of the National Park Service (NPS). Made up of a national network of NPS conservation and recreation-planning professionals, RTCA assists interested community groups, nonprofits, Native organizations, and local, state, and federal government agencies working to protect natural areas and water resources and enhance close-to-home outdoor recreation opportunities. RTCA staff work collaboratively with our partners to: define their vision, goals, and objectives; analyze issues and opportunities; develop strategic action plans and project timelines; and achieve on-the-ground success on projects they initiate.

RTCA staff pose for a photo along a trail in Denali State Park.
RTCA staff assisting with sustainable trail re-alignment in Denali State Park.

Mission

The mission of RTCA is to assist community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives. RTCA staff provides guidance to communities so they can conserve waterways, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways.

Vision

RTCA's vision is a network of national, state and local parks, rivers, trails, greenways, and open spaces that links all Americans to the natural world and promotes quality of life.


Partnership Projects

  • A photo of a group of children from Naknek, Alaska raising their hands to answer a question while standing outside during a group discussion.

    Naknek, AK

    Sockeye Run Fitness Trail and Bike Path
    Visit Now...

  • A photo of two women walking with their backs toward the camera, down a flat wooded trail next to a lake.

    Mat-Su Borough, AK

    Green Infrastructure Training Course. Visit Now...

  • A photo of four men laying down black geoblock for a new subsistence ATV trail in the middle of a grassy field in Hooper Bay, Alaska.

    Hooper Bay, AK

    Sustainable Subsistence ATV Trail. Visit Now...


  • A photo of Janice Tower and a man standing underneath a Singletrack Advocates banner, cutting a ribbon at the opening of the new Hillside singletrack trails.

    Anchorage, AK

    Hillside Singletrack Mountain Bike Trails. Visit Now...



Last Updated: July 17, 2012