The National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA) supports locally-led conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the United States. NPS-RTCA assists communities and public land managers in developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats, as well as creating outdoor recreation opportunities and programs that engage future generations in the outdoors. 


NPS-RTCA does not provide financial assistance or monetary grants. As a collaborative partner, we provide professional services to help you achieve your conservation and outdoor recreation project vision. Through an application process, community groups, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, national parks, and local, state and federal agencies can apply for NPS-RTCA technical assistance. 

Explore our Community Assistance publication 


 

Thumbnail image of video
Video: A Helping Hand for Your Community

See how NPS-RTCA can help implement your community's conservation and outdoor recreation projects.

Thumbnail of document
Publication: Indigenous Communities

Explore our new publication! Stories of Partnership: Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Achievements in Indigenous Communities

Natural Disasters
Natural Disaster Recovery & Resilience

Assisting communities in restoring parks post-disasters, enhancing climate resilience and sustainability through collaborative projects.

Map of the U.S.
Map: Community Assistance Projects

Explore an interactive map highlighting current NPS-RTCA projects across the country.

A person walks on a paved trail next to a bicyclist
Building Healthy Communities

Parks, Trails, Water Trails, Health, Heritage, Natural Disasters, Accessibility, Underutilized Spaces

A turtle rests on a rock by a river
Conserving Lands and Waters

Climate Change Adaptation, Land and Habitat Conservation, River Restoration

A sunset over a forest mountain scene
Public Land Collaboration

National Parks, State and Federal Lands

A bridge in front of a sunset over a river
Developing Organizational Capacity

Collaboration Services, Organizational Development

A stack of magazines and publications
Resources and Publications

Explore publications and resources published by NPS-RTCA or developed in collaboration with national and local partners.

Last updated: September 24, 2024