The National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA) supports locally-led conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the United States. NPS-RTCA assists communities and public land managers in developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats, as well as creating outdoor recreation opportunities and programs that engage future generations in the outdoors. 


NPS-RTCA does not provide financial assistance or monetary grants. As a collaborative partner, we provide professional services to help you achieve your conservation and outdoor recreation project vision. Through an application process, community groups, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, national parks, and local, state and federal agencies can apply for NPS-RTCA technical assistance. 

Explore our Community Assistance publication 


 

Map of the U.S.
Map: Community Assistance Projects

Explore an interactive map highlighting current NPS-RTCA projects across the country.

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Publication: Indigenous Communities

Explore our new publication! Stories of Partnership: Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Achievements in Indigenous Communities

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Video: A Helping Hand for Your Community

See how NPS-RTCA can help implement your community's conservation and outdoor recreation projects.

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Building Healthy Communities

Parks, Trails, Water Trails, Health, Heritage, Natural Disasters, Accessibility, Underutilized Spaces

A turtle rests on a rock by a river
Conserving Lands and Waters

Climate Change Adaptation, Land and Habitat Conservation, River Restoration

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Developing Organizational Capacity

Collaboration Services, Organizational Development

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Public Land Collaboration

National Parks, State and Federal Lands

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Engaging Youth

Youth Program Development, Youth Stewardship

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Resources and Publications

Explore publications and resources published by NPS-RTCA or developed in collaboration with national and local partners.

Last updated: March 13, 2024