It is a haven for geology lovers as water and erosion has exposed millions of years of deposited sedimentary rock. Recreationists of all kinds are awed by its natural sculptures: rock formations, canyons, mesas and gorges.
A new rule will protect proposed renewable energy sites from conflicting mining development on public lands in the Western states, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) said at the end of April.
Balancing these is the job of the federal government, and so far during President Obama’s 2nd term, some parts of the government are doing better than others.
Sweeping federal budget cuts are already seriously impacting wild lands across the nation. Agencies that manage America's lands are struggling to cope with inadequate funding.
As this infographic shows, a child who spends time exploring nature is more likely to be thin and fit, get better grades in school, and have fewer emotional problems than couch potato counterparts.
