New Rules for Protecting Land in the National Park System--Consistent Compliance Needed
RCED-86-16
Published: Oct 31, 1985. Publicly Released: Oct 31, 1985.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the National Park Service's (NPS) compliance with a new Department of the Interior policy that requires the development of land protection plans to determine the need for acquired land so that the limited funds available are spent in the most cost-effective manner.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of the Interior | To ensure that all plans fully comply with NPS land protection rules, and that only the minimum interest in land is acquired and retained, the Secretary of the Interior should direct the Director, NPS, to: (1) not expend funds for acquisition of acreage that was found to be in noncompliance with NPS rules until plan recommendations comply or proper justification is provided; and (2) review all other concurred-in or approved plans to ensure compliance with NPS rules. |
NPS regions reviewed those plans found to be noncompliant and corrected the deficiencies noted in the GAO review. Other approved plans are being reviewed and completed as these plans are updated every 2 years.
|
| Department of the Interior | To ensure that all plans fully comply with NPS land protection rules, and that only the minimum interest in land is acquired and retained, the Secretary of the Interior should direct the Director, NPS, to include provisions in the plans to sell off, where authorized, interests in land not necessary for resource protection and identify and sell, where authorized, unneeded interests in lands already acquired. |
NPS stated that it will give further attention to purchase and sell or lease-back arrangements as plans are updated. However, it cautioned that it will not compromise the long-range goals for resource protection of the parks, which are established by the authorizing legislation.
|
| Department of the Interior | To ensure that all plans fully comply with NPS land protection rules and that only the minimum interest in land is acquired and retained, the Secretary of the Interior should direct the Director, NPS, to establish a method that requires headquarters' plan reviews, including follow-up, to be properly and consistently conducted. |
The Headquarters' review process, effective August 1985, requires the proper handling of policy comments before plans are approved by regional directors.
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ConservationCost effectiveness analysisFederal property managementFunds managementLand managementPlanningProgram managementReal property acquisitionRegulatory noncomplianceEasements