National Conservation Lands sign

What Are National Conservation Lands?

They are among the most essential and spectacular natural, cultural, and archaeological places in the country.

Illustrated map of National Conservation Lands

 

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, they include:

  • National Monuments

    30 NATIONAL MONUMENTS

    National Monuments are areas designated to protect exceptional historic, scientific, cultural, or ecological values. They offer unique visitor and recreational experiences.

    Examples include Bears Ears National Monument (Utah) and Steese National Conservation Area (Alaska).

    Learn more

    Photo: Bears Ears National Monument, Utah
  • National Conservation Areas & Similar Designations

    25 NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREAS & SIMILAR DESIGNATIONS

    Similar to National Monuments, these areas protect exceptional values and offer unique visitor experience. They are designated by Congress.

    Examples include the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (Colorado) and the King Range National Conservation Area (California).

    Learn more

    Photo: King Range National Conservation Area, California
  • Wilderness & Wilderness Study Areas

    21M ACRES OF WILDERNESS & WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS

    Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas are designated to conserve natural areas and open spaces from development. Wilderness offers world-class opportunities to explore and experience the outdoors.

    Example include the Bodie Mountain Wilderness Study Area (California) and the Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area (Colorado).

    Learn more

    Photo: Handies Peak WSA, Colorado
  • Wild & Scenic Rivers

    2.7K MILES OF WILD & SCENIC RIVERS

    Wild and Scenic Rivers are rivers designated to preserve their free-flowing condition and to protect and enhance their remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural, and similar values.

    Examples include the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River (New Mexico), the Amargosa Wild and Scenic River (California), the Snake Wild and Scenic River (Idaho), and the Owyhee Wild and Scenic River (Idaho).

    Learn more

    Photo: Snake Wild and Scenic River, Idaho
  • National Scenic & Historic Trails

    6K MILES OF NATIONAL SCENIC & HISTORIC TRAILS

    National Scenic and Historic Trails are trail systems that range from telling the often-difficult stories from our nation’s past, to wild and remote locations delivering life-changing experiences for the well-prepared visitor.

    Examples include the Pony Express National Historic Trail, the Iditarod National Historic Trail, and the Oregon National Historic Trail.

    Learn more

    Photo: Iditarod National Historic Trail, Alaska

Chart of US land management agencies and the percentage of public lands they manage

The Bureau of Land Management is the largest manager of public lands in the country.

Of the 248 million acres of public lands the agency manages, only 15% are protected as National Conservation Lands.

This leaves 85% of these public lands unprotected and threatened by mining, development and other activities.

Why it matters

There are THREE WAYS to protect natural and cultural areas as National Conservation Lands:

 

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Presidential use of the Antiquities Act

Icon of the US Capitol building

Congressional legislation

BLM logo

Regulatory action

How we do itSee our impact

Which type of public land can you fish, hunt, and hike on with your dog? National Conservation Lands!

Join us in protecting these lands you care about for generations to come.

Support our work

Fact Sheets

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Watch our video to find out how you can help protect National Conservation Lands: