Partners

General Services Administration (GSA)

The General Services Administration is the federal agency with the primary responsibilities for the Public Benefit Conveyance program under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act and serves as the federal government's real property disposal agent. Real property includes land along with any fixtures on it, such as buildings and other facilities. The GSA notifies NPS-FLP when federal surplus properties become available for disposal for potential community purposes. NPS-FLP then partners with communities to identify and acquire properties for public parks and recreation areas.

The GSA lists currently available surplus properties on its website.

Contact your National Park Service regional office for more information or if are interested in a property.

State and Local Governments and Territories

NPS-FLP helps states and local government agencies acquire surplus federal real estate for public parks and recreation area use at no cost. When the National Park Service transfers this land, its use is restricted to public parks and recreation in perpetuity by special covenants in the deed. As community demographics and needs evolve, NPS-FLP collaborates with the state or local government to address these changes while preserving public park and recreation opportunities within the program's guidelines and property deed.

U.S. Department of Defense / Military Services

The Department of Defense, which includes the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, is the largest federal landholding agency in the U.S. When military bases are closed or downsized under Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) laws, the General Services Administration delegates its land disposal authority to these military agencies. They typically engage in a local reuse planning process and may transfer or sell the land to other federal agencies, states, communities, or private sector interests. NPS-FLP collaborates with states and communities to promote public park and recreation interests while protecting important resources.

Related Programs

Historic Surplus Property (HSP) Program

HSP is a partnership program to preserve and reuse Federal Historic Properties. Federally-owned historic buildings that are no longer needed by the Federal government are declared surplus by the General Services Administration. Eligible state, county, and local governments can then obtain those historic buildings at no cost and to adapt them for new uses.

Along with FLP and NHLPA, HSP is one of the three public benefit conveyance programs within the National Park Service.

National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA) Program

The National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 (NHLPA) recognizes the cultural, recreational, and educational value associated with historic light stations. The NHLPA allows excess or no longer needed federally owned light stations included on, or eligible for inclusion on, the National Register of Historic Places to be transferred at no cost to federal agencies, state and local governments, and private entities.

The NHLPA is administered jointly by the National Park Service, General Services Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, and State Historic Preservation Officers.

Along with FLP and HSP, NHLPA is one of the three public benefit conveyance programs within the National Park Service.

Land and Water Conservation (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Division

LWCF provides grant funding to local governments to help plan, acquire and develop high-quality outdoor recreation resources and protect these areas forever. Many of these resources are in urban areas, creating a legacy of high quality, close-to-home recreation areas where Americans and visitors of all ages and abilities can get outdoors to stretch their bodies and minds.

The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) establishes priorities and the need for the acquisition of recreation land and the development of facilities. Requests for surplus properties that fall under NPS-FLP should be supported by the SCORP.

Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grants Program

ORLP offers matching grants (up to 50% of total project costs) to cities for park projects in underserved communities. Managed by the National Park Service and funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, ORLP grants assist communities with little to no access to outdoor recreation opportunities in urban areas. Funds can be used for the acquisition and/or development of, or to substantially renovate public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces.

National Trails System (NTS)

The National Trails System, established by the National Trails System Act of 1968, aims to create a network of trails in both urban and rural environments that are accessible to individuals of all ages, interests, skills, and physical abilities. This system includes national scenic trails, national historic trails, and national recreation trails, promoting the enjoyment and appreciation of trails while enhancing public access.

The National Park Service encourages public and private agencies to develop, maintain, and protect these trails. Qualification of surplus land for designation as a National Recreation Trail would provide additional incentive in support of surplus property being assigned to NPS.

Nationwide Rivers Inventory (NRI)

The NRI is a listing of more than 4,500 free-flowing river segments in the United States that have been identified as eligible or potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. NRI river segments possess one or more regionally or nationally significant "outstandingly remarkable" natural or cultural values.

All federal agencies must seek to avoid or mitigate actions that would adversely affect NRI river segments. A listing of a river segment on the Nationwide Inventory would support surplus property being transferred for park and recreation purposes to protect the resource.

Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program

NPS-RTCA supports locally led conservation and outdoor recreation projects nationwide by assisting communities and public land managers in developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats, as well as creating outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations. While NPS-RTCA does not offer financial assistance or monetary grants, it acts as a collaborative partner by providing professional services to help achieve project goals. Community groups, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, national parks, and local, state, and federal agencies can apply for NPS-RTCA technical assistance through an application process.