What would happen to privately owned land, including farms and ranches, within a National Park unit established by Congress?
• The National Park Service would actively support the continuation of compatible land uses, such as ranching, farming, recreation, education, and retreats throughout the area. • If authorized, the National Park Service would probably seek to purchase certain private lands from willing sellers, for fair market value plus relocation costs, in order to protect resources or to provide for public access. NPS may purchase land in fee or easement, and can offer a life estate or 25-year use and occupancy permits to owners who want to stay on their lands for some period of time after selling. NPS would not buy or take land from anyone who does not want to sell. • Land uses and businesses that could provide needed visitor services in appropriate locations would be encouraged. NPS policy is to limit development of visitor facilities and park support services within the parks and encourage such development, when compatible with local plans, in communities outside park boundaries. • Private land w
