NPS and HCRS Recreation Technical Assistance Programs

The National Park Service (NPS) and the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service (HCRS) both are authorized to provide recreation technical assistance to state and local governments, the private sector, and Indians. NPS is primarily responsible for the National Park System, with the technical assistance program under the Office of Cooperative Activities responsible for publications, international programs, and federal/state activities. HCRS comprises primarily the programs of the former Bureau of Outdoor Recreation and was conceived as the focal point for federal recreation planning, evaluation, and coordination of protection and preservation efforts. HCRS technical assistance program activities are performed by the Division of Implementation Assistance at about $2.6 million annually. Since NPS and HCRS perform similar functions, there is potential for duplication, with a natural loss of efficiency.