DEFINING CRITERIA
If you answer yes to all of the following questions, you're probably dealing with a Section 4(f) refuge:

q   Is the resource publicly owned?
q   Is the resource's major purpose that of a refuge?
q   Is the resource significant as a refuge?

PUBLIC OWNERSHIP
Public ownership may mean that the government simply has a legal interest in the land, such as a perpetual conservation easement. Private resources can qualify as a Section 4(f) resource under certain conditions. Be sure to consider the following questions:

q   Does the property have public easements?
q   Have you reviewed the deed plans and other records to       investigate the property's ownership?

DIFFERENCES
Remember that two of the major differences between refuges and parks & recreations include:

q   Refuges do not have to be open to the public.
q   A refuge's major purpose is as a refuge and not       necessarily for recreational purposes.