What We Do

A waterfall flows down a cliff face into a clear pool near the Mongaup Falls hydroelectric project, New York, located on a tributary to the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.
The hydroelectric facilities in the North Canal of the Lowell Hydroelectric Project, located within the Lowell National Historical Park, Massachusetts, overlook exposed bedrock in the river channel.

NPS

The National Park Service (NPS) Hydropower Assistance Program (HAP) offers technical assistance and support throughout the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing process for hydropower projects affecting:

  • National Park System
  • Park Units
  • National Trails System
  • National Wild and Scenic River System
  • Other NPS-managed areas, resources, and programs
  • Other areas outside of the National Park System

The NPS HAP provides expertise, makes recommendations, and is often involved in collaborative agreements with FERC, hydropower applicants, park personnel, and partners to help minimize impacts and enhance resources related to:

  • National Park System Resources
  • Recreation and Aesthetic Resources such as fishing, boating opportunities, access, and visitor experiences
  • Cultural, Historical, and Archeological Resources such as Historic dams and canals, preservation, archaeological sites, education and outreach
  • Natural and Aquatic Resources such as habitat improvements, wildlife management, erosion remediation, water quality, vegetation management

To learn more about the program’s impact, please visit the NPS HAP Story Map page.

If you would like to submit questions, or learn more about the NPS HAP, please email us.

Last updated: August 14, 2026

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