The National Park Service offers a range of publications, case studies, tool kits, and annual reports to help partners and communities best achieve their conservation and outdoor recreation project goals. The publications available have been written by our NPS staff or developed in collaboration with national and local partners.
Browse the NPS-RTCA document archive here.
Resources
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NPS-RTCA PublicationAn in-depth publication highlighting how NPS-RTCA works with communities on conservation and outdoor recreation projects.
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Publication: Indigenous CommunitiesStories of Partnership: Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Achievements in Indigenous Communities
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NPS-RTCA SummaryA document summarizing the work of NPS-RTCA, including service areas and frequently asked questions.
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River Town Review ToolkitAssess your river town’s outdoor recreation resources and develop recommendations to enhance those resources.
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Community Assistance DirectoryA directory of National Park Service community assistance programs.
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Enhancing Your Urban Tree CanopyLessons learned from "Trees for Kaimukī" for your community.
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Trail Planning Workshop ToolkitA step-by-step guide for communities, partners and local jurisdictions to use in developing and implementing a trail planning workshop.
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Logical Lasting LaunchesA publication offering guidance in designing canoe and kayak launches for a variety of access sites.
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Parks, Trails, and Health WorkbookA tool for incorporating public health considerations in the development of a park or trail.
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River Access Planning GuideA decision-making framework for enhancing river access.
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Water Trail Planning 101A step-by-step overview outlining the process of developing water trails.
Featured Publications
Parks
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Cameron Parish, LA: Revisioning ProjectAfter the hurricanes of 2020, NPS-RTCA developed outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism recommendations, in collaboration with FEMA.
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North Lake CharlesConnecting communities to nature and creating access to affordable and healthy foods in North Lake Charles, LA.
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DeRidder, LA: West Park Master PlanRestoring and improving West Park in DeRidder, LA after the hurricanes of 2020.
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Bayou Greenbelt Master PlanA bold vision to connect waterways, boost recreation, and enhance quality of life in Southwest Louisiana.
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Calcasieu Parish Facilities InventoryA post-hurricane effort to create a unified, online guide to all park facilities across Calcasieu Parish for easy public access.
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Ciales GreenwayCiales is transforming into a vibrant mountain destination—uniting outdoor adventure, resilience, and cultural pride in Puerto Rico.
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Old Camp Historic Park Concept PlanThis conceptual plan presents the Burns Paiute Tribe’s vision for the development of its Old Camp Historic Park.
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Blue River Park: Wildfire Recovery PlanCollaborating with the McKenzie Valley community and FEMA to restore Blue River Community Park after recent wildfires.
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Parks, Trails, and Health Workbook
A tool for incorporating public health considerations in the development of a park or trail.
Rivers
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River Town Review Toolkit
Assess your river town’s outdoor recreation resources and develop recommendations to enhance those resources.
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River Access Planning Guide
A decision-making framework for enhancing river access.
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Water Trail Planning 101
A step-by-step overview outlining the process of developing water trails.
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Logical Lasting Launches
A publication offering guidance in designing canoe and kayak launches for a variety of access sites.
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Lower White Salmon River VisionThe Lower White Salmon Coalition’s vision for 550 acres of land owned by PacifiCorp along the White Salmon River in White Salmon, WA.
Trails
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Cascade Head: Trail & Access ProposalRecommendations for trails, parking & management within and adjacent to the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area.
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Trail Planning Workshop Toolkit
A step-by-step guide for communities, partners and local jurisdictions to use in developing and implementing a trail planning workshop.
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Turtleback Trails Network Concept PlanThis plan provides a vision for several proposed recreation and conservation projects centered around the Rio Grande in Sierra County, NM.
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Parks, Trails, and Health Workbook
A tool for incorporating public health considerations in the development of a park or trail.
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Merced River Trail Vision PlanNPS-RTCA facilitated engagement of partners, land managers, and stakeholders to support collaboration in the development of this trail plan.
Last updated: April 30, 2025