Right-of-Way Permits

NPS/J. Plotnik

A right-of-way (ROW) permit at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, issued by the National Park Service (NPS), allows utilities to pass over, under, or through NPS-managed lands. These permits are granted only under specific statutory authority and typically when no practicable alternative exists to using NPS lands. This applies regardless of whether the utility directly benefits the NPS and its visitors or simply traverses the park to serve external communities.

A ROW permit is required whenever you plan to construct or install a utility on NPS lands within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Typical projects that necessitate a ROW permit include electrical transmission and distribution lines, telephone lines, and broadband infrastructure like telecommunications sites, microwave towers, and fiber optics.

A ROW permit is intended for use and occupancy of NPS lands. It is not an easement, grant, or patent and does not convey any fee, limited estate, or property interest in the land. The permit is non-exclusive, meaning that the park reserves the right to allow visitor use of the land where appropriate.

The legal authority for issuing ROW permits on NPS lands is found in 54 USC 100902. Please note that the NPS generally does not have the authority to issue permits for roads, or oil and gas pipelines within Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

For additional information, including the application process, costs, co-location, and more, please visit the Right-of-Way Permit section on NPS.gov. If you have further questions or wish to inquire about applying for a ROW permit at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, please contact the ROW Program Coordinator at [e-mail].