HELP CREATE SYSTEMS OF GREENWAYS, TRAILS AND RIVERS CORRIDORS AS TOOLS FOR PROTECTING LARGE LANDSCAPES AND PROVIDING RECREATION by

Supporting the Service's heritage areas initiative;
Supporting the Department's sustainable development/ecosystem management initiative;
Contributing to river ecosystem and watershed protection; and
Increasing multi-agency, multi-objective projects.
 

BRING PEOPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CLOSE-TO-HOME OUTDOOR RECREATION AND CONNECTIONS TO NATURE by

Locating more projects to cities where recreation needs are the greatest, and
Promoting planning that integrates conservation, health, and economic well-being.
 

EXPAND NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT WITH A DIVERSITY OF CULTURAL GROUPS by

Ensuring that representatives of all groups are involved in our projects, and
Creating a staff that is reflective of the diverse communities we serve.
 

INCREASE THE NUMBER OF RIVERS AND LANDSCAPE PROTECTED AND TRAILS ESTABLISHED by

Encouraging more communities to establish trail networks and protect river resources;
Stimulating statewide policies and strategies;
Proposing federal government-wide action and policies; and
involving more National Park Service staff from the parks and other programs in the RTCA projects.
 

STRENGTHEN GRASSROOTS CONSERVATION AND RECREATION ORGANIZATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS by

Expanding our capability to establish and sustain conservation organizations;
Coordinating and utilizing existing public and private programs more effectively; and
Seeking seed grants to augment our staff resources.
 

PROTECT THE ECOSYSTEMS AND ENHANCE THE COMMUNITIES OF WHICH NATIONAL PARKS ARE A PART by

Responding to requests from neighboring communities, in collaboration with park superintendents.
 

This strategic plan will help the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program contribute to the National Park Service's larger mission.  RTCA is building partnerships between citizens and government.  These partnerships conserve ecosystems, protect cultural landscapes, and help improve the health and quality of life of all Americans