§312105 Powers

Summary

The National Trust can do what it needs to protect and manage historic places. It stays in existence until Congress ends it; if ended, its property goes to the United States, as long as contracts and legal claims are honored. The Trust can sue and be sued in its name, use a corporate seal, and make a constitution, bylaws, and rules that follow federal and state law. It can accept gifts and bequests of money, securities, or other personal property, and unless a gift limits them, it may sell, invest, or spend those funds. The Trust can acquire, hold, and, unless a gift forbids it, sell or mortgage real property (but not property inside the exterior boundaries of a System unit). It can make contracts and cooperative agreements with government agencies, organizations, or people to protect, preserve, maintain, or operate historic sites whether or not it owns them. It can also make leases and permits, hire staff and set pay, and take any other lawful actions needed to carry out its duties.