Information for Park Neighbors

A snippet from our visitor log shows visitors come from long distances to enjoy the rural beauty of the Parkway. Their comments reflect their appreciation of what they see.

NPS Photo

 

 

A view of rural Mississippi at milepost 241.6, July 2022. The field in the foreground is in agricultural lease, most of the background field and side forests are within a scenic easement.

Image from Google Maps Street View

Living Next to a National Park

Did you know research shows living near a national park has positive impact on health and wealth? Living next to a national park is a powerful place to be, and with great power comes great responsibility. By maintaining the beauty and integrity of this scenic byway, our park neighbors are an essential component in providing the best experience for park visitors from all over the world.

 

Agricultural Leases are on land that traditionally has been farmed. Scenic Easements are on land that affects the view from the Parkway.

Adapted from Google map

Easements and Leases

Scenic easements and agricultural leases are located all along the Parkway and maintain the rural integrity of the view.

Scenic Easements: Basically, the view was purchased and is owned by the National Park Service, but the landowners own the land.

Agricultural Leases: Contracts between the Parkway and individuals who pay a fee and agree to farm the leased land according to particular guidelines.

 

This is a violation on a scenic easement. Trees were removed from the edge of the tree line, and the land was scarred.

NPS T. Berryhill

There are strict policies governing the uses of scenic easements and agricultural leases. See photo grid below to learn more about the regulations.

An area within the scenic easement was clear cut, which violated scenic easement restrictions and regulations.

 

Requirements and Restrictions

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  Agricultural Leases

  Restrictions and Requirements

  Ag leases are available for individuals.

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  Scenic Easements

  The View Purchased by the US Government

  Scenic easements views are owned by the government while the landowners own the land.

 

National Park Service Lease Opportunities

To learn more about opportunities to lease across the National Park Service, click here.