Twenty-five years ago, a bold vision took root—one grounded in people, place, and possibility. In 2000, the Department of Interior established the National Conservation Lands system, a remarkable system of protected public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that has grown to encompass over 38 million acres across more than 900 extraordinary landscapes. As we celebrate a quarter-century of conservation triumphs and community-driven stewardship, we're delighted to share a new publication from the George Wright Society's Park Forum Journal: a special edition dedicated to the National Conservation Lands. This special issue of Parks Stewardship Forum , guest-edited by Conservation Lands Foundation staff, brings together voices from across our Friends Grassroots Network, the Bureau of Land Management, and the broader conservation community to celebrate the National Conservation Lands' remarkable diversity and BLM's innovative management philosophy. The research and insights gathered in this Park Forum Journal special edition offer both celebration of achievements and roadmaps for the future. Whether you're interested in the history of the National Conservation Lands system, partnership models, or the on-the-ground stories of stewardship success, these papers provide a deep dive into one of America's most dynamic land management systems. View the Park Forum Journal National Conservation Lands themed articles below:

Santa Cruz, CA - Today, the Conservation Lands Foundation joins the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and our partners, the Bureau of Land Management, the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship, Sempervirens Fund and local communities in celebrating the long-anticipated opening of nine miles of public-access trails in the Cotoni-Coast (“Chuh-toe-knee”) Dairies Unit of the California Coastal National Monument. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in expanding equitable outdoor access on public lands. Named for the Cotoni people who inhabited the land, the general public has historically only accessed the land through guided tours on the property. The 9 miles of trails opening today are the first of 19 miles that are planned for Phase 1 development on the 6,000-acre unit which allows hikers, cyclists (adaptive MTB on Loop 1), e-bikes, on-leash dogs and equestrians (via permit only). Visitors should be aware of cattle actively grazing on the property. Access hours are sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week with parking available at the intersection of Cement Plant Road and Warnella Truck Trail. Below is a statement from Elyane Stefanick, California Program Director at the Conservation Lands Foundation, which represents a national network of community advocates who are solely focused on the public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management including the 38 million acres of National Conservation Lands. “The opening of public access to Cotoni-Coast Dairies is a powerful example of what the public can achieve through partnership, persistence and a shared love of the outdoors. As we celebrate 25 years of the National Conservation Lands, today’s grand opening reflects our commitment to meaningful access to nature led by communities and grounded in responsible stewardship. “The Conservation Lands Foundation is proud to have played a role in the designation of the California Coastal National Monument and the inclusion of Cotoni-Coast Dairies. We are equally honored to continue our support through on-the-ground partnerships with members of our Friends Grassroots Network in the area. We congratulate all of our partners on this tremendous achievement and look forward to the next phase of work to bring even more trails, and more people, into connection with this special place.” Additional Resources Cotoni-Coast Dairies North Opening Video California Coastal National Monument Photo folder (please credit Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship) Trail map link

In July, the Conservation Lands Foundation proudly joined the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Trout Unlimited, NM Wild, and Friends of the Rio Grande Del Norte (FRGDN) for the "Rally For The Rio Grande Del Norte" to celebrate the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument and the 25th anniversary of the National Conservation Lands system. The three-day event (July 25-27) featured camping, service projects, and culminated in a community gathering on July 26 at New Mexico River Adventures.

Deep in the heart of Utah lies one of America's most remarkable paleontological wonders - Jurassic National Monument, home to the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry where you can view 1,500 dinosaur bones from different species of dinosaurs from the Late Jurassic period. Jurassic National Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management's National Conservation Lands system, which protect some of the most essential and spectacular natural, cultural, and archaeological places in the country. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Conservation Lands this year, we face a troubling paradox. The very system and conservation tools designed to protect these irreplaceable treasures are under threat of becoming endangered.