About the National Landscape Conservation System

The National Landscape Conservation System — the most innovative American land system created in the last 40 years — was established to protect the crown jewels of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It includes some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, holds some of our most valuable natural and cultural treasures, and plays a critical role in maintaining the environment of the western landscape. As such, it gives BLM a tremendous opportunity to shape the future of America’s public lands.

Established in June 2000, the Conservation System is America’s newest system of conservation lands, and the first and only one to be managed by the Bureau of Land Management. On March 30, 2009, the National Landscape Conservation System was permanently established by law.

Currently, the 26 million-acre Conservation System includes more than 800 individual units, including 16 national monuments; 16 national conservation areas; over 60 wild and scenic rivers; more than 200 wilderness areas; over 5,300 miles of national scenic and historic trails; 591 wilderness study areas and other areas designated for conservation, including a cooperative management and protection area; a forest reserve, and outstanding natural areas.

The mission of the National Landscape Conservation System is to "conserve, protect, and restore these nationally significant landscapes that have outstanding cultural, ecological, and scientific values for the benefit of current and future generations."

The Conservation System also presents world-class active outdoor recreation opportunities, accommodating one-third of recreation on BLM’s lands, although currently constituting only 10 percent of lands under the agency’s management. With minimal infrastructure, the system provides hikers, paddlers, climbers, and skiers with unique, self-directed, rugged outdoor experiences. This remoteness offers us some of the last chances to experience the history and wild beauty of the West.

Unfortunately, the BLM has struggled to fully grasp its newfound role as a manager of lands for their conservation values. In both planning and managing these units, BLM frequently treats the conservation responsibility as just one of many multiple use responsibilities it is charged with, rather than prioritizing protection of natural and cultural resources as intended when the system was created.

Read more about the threats and challenges to the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS).

System Map

photos:
Agua Fria National Monument, Arizona. Courtesy BLM.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona. Courtesy BLM.