Draft land acquisition plan : Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River : Texas

National Park Service

Although the National Park Service seeks to minimize the effects of its land acquisition program on the lands and landowners adjacent to the river, the Park Service must first of all meet its legislatively mandated objectives and assure that land uses within the park boundary will be compatible with the values for which the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River was established. Certain lands or interests in lands will be acquired by the Federal Government for public use and enjoyment and for effective administration. The Park Service must also attain suitable control over the remaining lands within the boundaries to insure that the resource values of the area are preserved and that private uses are not maintained or developed in a manner that would impair the primary purpose of the area. In summary, the plan provides, in the case of public lands, for the attainment of a management interest in lands generally through cooperative agreements. In the case of privately owned lands, the plan provides for the attainment of a management interest in lands through easements, cooperative agreements or fee simple title through the following: The opportunity for private individuals to own lands within the area and continue present uses the owner may have established The opportunity for a private landowner to sell a scenic or other type of easement to the National Park Service and continue present use of all or part of the property The opportunity for a private landowner to sell undeveloped property to the National Park Service and retain certain property rights Purchase of land by the National Park Service in fee simple with the possibility of retained use and occupancy by the former owner Negotiation of a cooperative agreement between the National Park Service and a private landowner The conditions and terms under which condemnation actions can take place.