Celebrating 25 Years of National Conservation Lands

Our National Conservation Lands (NCL) are worth celebrating. The Conservation Lands Foundation and our Friends Grassroots Network came together in 2025 to mark the 25th anniversary of the National Conservation Lands with community and joy. Established in 2000, the National Conservation Lands system permanently protects some of the most ecologically, culturally, and scientifically significant public lands and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Over the last twenty-five years, these lands have provided the public with exceptional recreational opportunities while safeguarding land, clean air, and water for outdoor access, wildlife, and healthier communities. We hosted 25 events across six states and in Washington, D.C. to bring together public lands supporters and elected officials to honor one of the BLM’s greatest accomplishments: the National Conservation Lands.

The Friends Network, our coalition of 80+ on-the-ground organizations across the West, works with land management agencies to bring community involvement, institutional knowledge, and collaborative stewardship to the public lands that need it most. The Friends Network has played a major role in advocating for National Conservation Lands, with many organizations predating the designation of their landscapes and, often, leading the campaigns that established permanent protections for these cherished lands and waters.

Our collective mission is to protect, restore, and expand the NCL in partnership with the BLM, Native Nations, and local communities. Building upon the legacy of public lands is no easy task. Many of our Friends groups rely on volunteers, both on the ground and in the boardroom. We know that community involvement is the driving force behind effective stewardship. CLF and the Friends Network keep our communities aware of land management decisions and priorities to ensure continued access to public lands.

Party Time: Public Lands Style

Friends of Ironwood Forest kicked off the 25th Anniversary of the National Conservation Lands festivities with a special version of its annual “Meet the Monument” event at the Marana Airport in March. The Friends Network was well represented during the speaker portion of this monumental event. CLF’s Grassroots Engagement Associate Director, Shi-Lynn Campbell, spoke about supporting local organizations like Friends of Ironwood Forest and other Arizona Friends groups while highlighting the importance of our National Conservation Lands and strengthening the entire Friends Network. Skylar Begay, Archaeology Southwest’s Tribal Collaboration in Outreach & Advocacy Director, gave insights into the work they do to protect sensitive cultural sites and foster Tribal co-stewardship partnerships with government agencies.

Throughout the year, our Friends Network partners hosted more than twenty-five events to celebrate the anniversary. All were a huge success. CLF co-hosted three events in California, New Mexico, and Washington D.C.

In New Mexico, we co-hosted “CAMP OMDP” in partnership with Friends of the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks (FOMDP) to bring a simulated camping atmosphere with food trucks and music for the public. Attendees made s'mores around a bonfire, spoke with nonprofits from around the greater Las Cruces area, and listened to inspirational speakers. Our CEO, Chris Hill, and Senator Martin Heinreich joined the night’s speakers to express their gratitude to the community and encourage public lands supporters to rally behind our National Conservation Lands and organizations doing the work like FOMDP.
organizations doing the work like FOMDP. organizations doing the work like FOMDP.

California’s Palm Desert was the backdrop for our second event. Our Southern California team, Maricela Rosales and Jora Fogg, joined our California Friends groups and BLM staff to table and engage with local public land supporters. Speakers included Dr. Frank Ruiz, District Director for Congressman Raul Ruiz, and Kevin Wong, Executive Director of Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, the Basin Wide Foundation’s 2025 Nonprofit of the Year. Maricela (above, second from left) was presented with a certificate of congressional recognition from Congressman Ruiz’s office for the work she and our California team has done for the National Conservation Lands of California. The gathering drew about 200 attendees who enjoyed food, games, and time at Covered Wagon Tours State Park on a cold full moon night.

CLF’s David Feinman, Vice President of Government Affairs, and Jocelyn Torres, Director of Conservation, were joined by Congressman Gabe Vasquez in hosting the final NCL25 event of the year in Washington D.C. Elaine Brong (above right), Founding Director, National Conservation Lands (2000-2002), addressed the crowd of nearly 200 public lands supporters, offering her gratitude after being honored with the Stuart Udall Award, an award we present for outstanding leadership in advancing protection and stewardship of the National Conservation lands.

The Future of the National Conservation Lands

When administrative priorities shift, CLF remains a cornerstone of conservation efforts on BLM managed lands. We lead with the understanding that community involvement and tribal co-stewardship are the path forward to ensure public lands remain protected and accessible to all. The communities surrounding the National Conservation Lands rely heavily on these landscapes for their livelihoods through the outdoor recreation economy and ecotourism. These lands also provide clean air, clean water, and food sources through hunting and fishing. CLF has renewed our commitment to uplifting the FGN in their support of our National Conservation Lands and agency partners. The Friends Network is the driving force behind conservation and stewardship efforts for hundreds of NCL units. We are proud to support this diverse group of organizations in on-the-ground projects, community organizing, and trips to Capitol Hill. It’s how these communities advocate for the public lands they love. As we embark on the next 25 years of the National Conservation Lands, we do so with full hearts and welcoming arms to those who want to see our public lands thrive.

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