What are the National Conservation Lands, and what is their approximate total acreage?

The National Conservation Lands, formally known as the National Landscape Conservation System, comprise a collection of 35 million acres across 873 federally recognized areas. These lands are considered the crown jewels of the American West and represent 10% of the total acreage managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Which federal agency is primarily responsible for managing the National Conservation Lands?

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the primary federal agency responsible for managing the National Conservation Lands. The BLM manages the largest amount of federal public land, overseeing over 40% of all federal public land in the United States.

Besides the Bureau of Land Management, what other major federal agencies manage public lands in the United States?

In addition to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the other major federal agencies responsible for managing public lands include the US Forest Service (USFS), the National Park Service (NPS), and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

How has the Bureau of Land Management's approach to land management evolved over time?

Historically, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed its lands primarily for extractive uses such as mining, logging, grazing, and oil and gas production. However, over time, the agency has adjusted its approach to incorporate non-extractive uses, recognizing the value of watersheds, wildlife habitat, recreation, scenery, and scientific exploration.

What significant legislative action in 1983 acknowledged the value of non-extractive uses on BLM lands?

In 1983, the United States Congress acknowledged the value of non-extractive uses on BLM lands by designating the Bear Trap Canyon unit of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness in Montana as the first BLM-managed wilderness area.

What action did President Bill Clinton take in 1996 to emphasize non-extractive priorities on BLM lands?

In 1996, President Bill Clinton established the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah, which was the first national monument to be administered by the BLM. This designation underscored a new focus on protecting special areas where conservation and restoration of the landscape and its resources were the overriding objectives.

When was the National Landscape Conservation System (National Conservation Lands) officially created, and what is its mission?

The Bureau of Land Management's National Landscape Conservation System, now known as the National Conservation Lands, was created in 2000. Its mission 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.'

What are the eleven types of federal conservation designations that make up the National Conservation Lands?

The eleven federal conservation designations for the units that comprise the National Conservation Lands are: National Monument, National Conservation Area, Wilderness Area, Wilderness Study Area, National Wild and Scenic River, National Scenic Trail, National Historic Trail, Cooperative Management and Protection Area, Forest Reserve, Outstanding Natural Area, and National Scenic Area.

What was the significance of the National Landscape Conservation System Act signed in March 2009?

The National Landscape Conservation System Act, signed into law in March 2009 as part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, permanently unified the individual units as a public lands system. This legislative action protected the system in law, preventing it from existing solely at the discretion of each president, and marked the first new congressionally authorized public lands system in decades.

How much new acreage was added to the System by the National Landscape Conservation System Act of 2009?

The National Landscape Conservation System Act of 2009 added approximately 1,200,000 acres of new designations to the System. These new designations included a National Monument, three National Conservation Areas, Wilderness Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and National Scenic Trails.

As of 2012, how many National Monuments were part of the National Conservation Lands, and what was their total acreage?

As of 2012, there were 29 National Monuments designated within the National Conservation Lands, encompassing a total of 11,394,457 acres.

Which National Monument, established in 2000, is located in Arizona and covers over 70,000 acres?

The Agua Fria National Monument, located in Arizona and established in 2000, covers 70,900 acres of BLM land and an additional 1,444 acres of non-federal land, totaling 72,344 acres.

What is the total acreage of the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument, established in Nevada in 2023?

The Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada, established in 2023, encompasses 506,814 acres of federal land and 0 acres of non-federal land, resulting in a total area of 506,814 acres.

Which National Monument in Arizona, established in 2023, spans over 917,000 acres and is known as Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni?

The Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona, established in 2023, includes 529,242 acres of federal land and a total area of 917,618 acres.

How large is the Basin and Range National Monument in Nevada, established in 2015?

The Basin and Range National Monument in Nevada, established in 2015, covers 704,000 acres of federal land and has a total area of 704,000 acres.

What is the acreage of the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, established in 2016, including both federal and non-federal lands?

The Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, established in 2016, contains 1,363,948 acres of BLM land and an additional 26,911 acres of non-federal land, making its total area 1,390,859 acres.

Which California National Monument, established in 2015, spans over 330,000 acres?

The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in California, established in 2015, encompasses 330,780 acres of federal land and has a total area of 330,780 acres.

What is the acreage of the Browns Canyon National Monument in Colorado, established in 2015?

The Browns Canyon National Monument in Colorado, established in 2015, covers 21,586 acres of federal land and has a total area of 21,586 acres.

How many acres does the California Coastal National Monument, established in 2000, protect?

The California Coastal National Monument, established in 2000, protects 8,858 acres of federal land and has a total area of 8,858 acres.

Which Colorado National Monument, established in 2000, is known as Canyons of the Ancients and what is its total area?

The Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Colorado, established in 2000, contains 163,892 acres of BLM land and 12,164 acres of non-federal land, for a total area of 176,056 acres.

What is the total acreage of the Carrizo Plain National Monument in California, established in 2001?

The Carrizo Plain National Monument in California, established in 2001, includes 207,237 acres of BLM land and 39,575 acres of non-federal land, resulting in a total area of 246,812 acres.

Which National Monument, established in Oregon in 2000, is named Cascade–Siskiyou and what is its federal acreage?

The Cascade–Siskiyou National Monument in Oregon, established in 2000, encompasses 112,928 acres of federal land and 19,752 acres of non-federal land, for a total area of 112,928 acres.

What is the federal acreage of the Chuckwalla National Monument in California, established in 2025?

The Chuckwalla National Monument in California, established in 2025, covers 624,270 acres of federal land and has a total area of 624,270 acres.

How large is the Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho, established in 2000, including both federal and non-federal lands?

The Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho, established in 2000, contains 727,525 acres of BLM land and 14,801 acres of non-federal land, for a total area of 752,326 acres.

What is the acreage of the Fort Ord National Monument in California, established in 2012?

The Fort Ord National Monument in California, established in 2012, covers 14,651 acres of federal land and has a total area of 14,651 acres.

Which Nevada National Monument, established in 2016, spans nearly 300,000 acres?

The Gold Butte National Monument in Nevada, established in 2016, encompasses 296,937 acres of federal land and has a total area of 296,937 acres.

What is the total area of the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in Arizona, established in 2000?

The Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in Arizona, established in 2000, includes 1,017,200 acres of BLM land and 31,125 acres of non-federal land, for a total area of 1,048,325 acres.

How large is the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument in Utah, established in 1996, including non-federal lands?

The Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument in Utah, established in 1996, contains 1,866,484 acres of BLM land and 13,977 acres of non-federal land, resulting in a total area of 1,880,461 acres.

Which Arizona National Monument, established in 2000, is named Ironwood Forest and what is its federal acreage?

The Ironwood Forest National Monument in Arizona, established in 2000, covers 1,286,970 acres of BLM land and 59,922 acres of non-federal land, for a total area of 188,619 acres.

What is the acreage of the Jurassic National Monument in Utah, established in 2019?

The Jurassic National Monument in Utah, established in 2019, covers 850 acres of federal land and has a total area of 850 acres.

How large is the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument in New Mexico, established in 2001, including both federal and non-federal lands?

The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument in New Mexico, established in 2001, contains 4,124 acres of BLM land and 1,278 acres of non-federal land, for a total area of 5,402 acres.

Which California National Monument, established in 2016, spans 1,600,000 acres?

The Mojave Trails National Monument in California, established in 2016, encompasses 1,600,000 acres of federal land and has a total area of 1,600,000 acres.

What is the federal acreage of the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument in New Mexico, established in 2014?

The Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument in New Mexico, established in 2014, covers 496,330 acres of federal land and has a total area of 496,330 acres.

How large is the Pompeys Pillar National Monument in Montana, established in 2001?

The Pompeys Pillar National Monument in Montana, established in 2001, covers 51 acres of federal land and has a total area of 51 acres.

What is the total area of the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument in New Mexico, established in 2009?

The Prehistoric Trackways National Monument in New Mexico, established in 2009, contains 5,255 acres of federal land and has a total area of 5,255 acres.

Which New Mexico National Monument, established in 2013, is named Rio Grande del Norte and what is its acreage?

The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico, established in 2013, encompasses 242,555 acres of federal land and has a total area of 242,555 acres.

What is the federal acreage of the San Juan Islands National Monument in Washington, established in 2013?

The San Juan Islands National Monument in Washington, established in 2013, covers 1,000 acres of federal land and has a total area of 1,000 acres.

How large is the Sand To Snow National Monument in California, established in 2016?

The Sand To Snow National Monument in California, established in 2016, encompasses 154,000 acres of federal land and has a total area of 154,000 acres.

What is the total area of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument in California, established in 2000 and 2009?

The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument in California, established in 2000 and 2009, includes 177,128 acres of BLM land and 102,943 acres of non-federal land, for a total area of 280,071 acres.

Which Arizona National Monument, established in 2001, is named Sonoran Desert and what is its total acreage?

The Sonoran Desert National Monument in Arizona, established in 2001, contains 486,600 acres of BLM land and 9,800 acres of non-federal land, resulting in a total area of 496,400 acres.

What is the total acreage of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument in Montana, established in 2001?

The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument in Montana, established in 2001, includes 374,976 acres of BLM land and 120,475 acres of non-federal land, for a total area of 495,451 acres.

How large is the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona, established in 2000, including non-federal lands?

The Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona, established in 2000, contains 279,568 acres of BLM land and 14,121 acres of non-federal land, resulting in a total area of 293,689 acres.

How many National Conservation Areas (NCAs) are part of the National Conservation Lands, and what is their combined federal acreage?

There are 19 National Conservation Areas (NCAs) that are part of the National Conservation Lands, totaling approximately 4,156,185 acres of federal land.

Which NCA in Utah, established in 2009, covers over 64,000 acres of federal land?

The Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area in Utah, established in 2009, encompasses 64,478 acres of federal land and an additional 8,619 acres of non-federal land, for a total area of 73,097 acres.

What is the federal acreage of the Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area in Nevada, established in 2000?

The Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area in Nevada, established in 2000, covers 800,025 acres of federal land and 16,320 acres of non-federal land, for a total area of 816,345 acres.

Which Colorado NCA, established in 2009, is named Dominguez–Escalante and what is its federal acreage?

The Dominguez–Escalante National Conservation Area in Colorado, established in 2009, encompasses 209,610 acres of federal land and has a total area of 209,610 acres.

How large is the El Malpais National Conservation Area in New Mexico, established in 1987, including non-federal lands?

The El Malpais National Conservation Area in New Mexico, established in 1987, contains 272,646 acres of BLM land and 20,264 acres of non-federal land, for a total area of 292,910 acres.

What is the total area of the Fort Stanton–Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area in New Mexico, established in 2009?

The Fort Stanton–Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area in New Mexico, established in 2009, covers 24,977 acres of federal land and 2,981 acres of non-federal land, for a total area of 27,968 acres.

Which Arizona NCA, established in 1990, is known as Gila Box Riparian and what is its federal acreage?

The Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area in Arizona, established in 1990, encompasses 21,767 acres of federal land and 1,720 acres of non-federal land, for a total area of 23,487 acres.

How large is the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area in Colorado, established in 1999, including non-federal lands?

The Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area in Colorado, established in 1999, contains 62,396 acres of federal land and 1,673 acres of non-federal land, for a total area of 65,069 acres.

What is the federal acreage of the John Wesley Powell National Conservation Area in Utah, established in 2019?

The John Wesley Powell National Conservation Area in Utah, established in 2019, covers 29,868 acres of federal land and has a total area of 29,868 acres.

National Conservation Lands Wiki: America's Natural Heritage: The National Conservation Lands

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What are National Conservation Lands?

Crown Jewels of the West

The National Conservation Lands, formally known as the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS), represent a significant collection of 873 federally recognized areas spanning 35 million acres across the American West. These lands are designated for their outstanding cultural, ecological, and scientific values, prioritizing conservation and restoration.

Managed by Federal Agencies

While the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the primary steward, managing over 258 million acres in total, the NLCS encompasses lands managed by other key federal agencies as well. These include the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the National Park Service (NPS), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

A Shift in Land Management

Historically, BLM lands were often managed for extractive uses like mining, logging, and grazing. However, a paradigm shift began with congressional recognition of non-extractive values, starting with the designation of the first BLM wilderness area in 1983 and continuing with presidential designations of national monuments, underscoring the importance of conservation and restoration as overriding objectives.

A Legacy of Preservation

Evolution of Conservation

The concept of protecting specific areas for their unique values gained momentum over time. The formal creation of the National Landscape Conservation System in 2000 by the BLM aimed to consolidate and protect these nationally significant landscapes. This initiative was later codified into law through the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, providing permanent protection and adding new designations.

Congressional Mandate

The National Landscape Conservation System Act, signed into law in March 2009, was a landmark achievement. It permanently unified the diverse units under a single system, safeguarding them from the potential whims of future presidential administrations. This marked the first new congressionally authorized public lands system in decades, solidifying a commitment to conservation.

Diverse Designations

Eleven Conservation Designations

The National Conservation Lands are comprised of areas protected under eleven distinct federal designations, each recognizing unique natural, cultural, or recreational values:

National Monument
National Conservation Area
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area
National Wild and Scenic River
National Scenic Trail
National Historic Trail
Cooperative Management and Protection Area
Forest Reserve
Outstanding Natural Area
National Scenic Area

National Monuments

Protecting Iconic Landscapes

National Monuments within the NLCS system are designated to preserve significant natural, cultural, or historical features. The Bureau of Land Management administers many of these treasured sites, safeguarding vast areas for future generations.

The following table details some of the National Monuments managed by the BLM, highlighting their location and size.

Monument	State	Established	BLM Area	Total Area
Agua Fria	Arizona	2000	70,900 acres	72,344 acres
Avi Kwa Ame	Nevada	2023	506,814 acres	506,814 acres
Bears Ears	Utah	2016	1,363,948 acres	1,390,859 acres
Canyons of the Ancients	Colorado	2000	163,892 acres	176,056 acres
Grand Staircase–Escalante	Utah	1996	1,866,484 acres	1,880,461 acres
Mojave Trails	California	2016	1,600,000 acres	1,600,000 acres
Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks	New Mexico	2014	496,330 acres	496,330 acres
Rio Grande del Norte	New Mexico	2013	242,555 acres	242,555 acres
Upper Missouri River Breaks	Montana	2001	374,976 acres	495,451 acres
Vermilion Cliffs	Arizona	2000	279,568 acres	293,689 acres

National Conservation Areas

Preserving Ecological Integrity

National Conservation Areas (NCAs) are designated to protect and manage specific public lands for their conservation, recreation, and scenic values. These areas often feature unique ecosystems and geological formations that require careful stewardship.

The NLCS includes numerous NCAs, each with distinct ecological and recreational importance.

Conservation Area	State	Established	Federal Area	Total Area
Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails	Nevada	2000	800,025 acres	816,345 acres
Dominguez–Escalante	Colorado	2009	209,610 acres	209,610 acres
El Malpais	New Mexico	1987	272,646 acres	292,910 acres
Gila Box Riparian	Arizona	1990	21,767 acres	23,487 acres
Gunnison Gorge	Colorado	1999	62,396 acres	65,069 acres
King Range	California	1970	56,167 acres	62,487 acres
Red Rock Canyon	Nevada	1990	198,065 acres	198,065 acres
San Pedro Riparian	Arizona	1988	55,495 acres	58,000 acres
Snake River Birds of Prey	Idaho	1993	486,741 acres	601,018 acres

Wilderness Areas

Untouched Natural Landscapes

The National Conservation Lands include numerous Wilderness Areas managed by the BLM. These areas are designated by Congress to be preserved in their natural condition, offering opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation.

The BLM manages a vast network of Wilderness Areas, contributing significantly to the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Wilderness Area	State	Established	BLM Area
Aravaipa Canyon	Arizona	1984	19,700 acres
Bisti/De-Na-Zin	New Mexico	1984	38,305 acres
Black Rock Desert	Nevada	2000	314,835 acres
Bruneau–Jarbidge	Idaho	2009	89,996 acres
Gunnison Gorge	Colorado	1999	17,784 acres
Owyhee River	Idaho	2009	267,328 acres
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs	Arizona, Utah	1984	110,722 acres
San Pedro Riparian	Arizona	1988	55,495 acres
Steens Mountain	Oregon	2000	170,166 acres

Historic & Scenic Trails

Connecting Past and Present

The National Conservation Lands also encompass significant portions of National Historic Trails and National Scenic Trails, preserving routes of historical importance and offering opportunities for long-distance hiking and exploration.

These trails traverse diverse landscapes, connecting significant historical sites and natural wonders.

National Historic Trails (BLM Portions)

Historic Trail	BLM States	BLM Distance
California	CA, ID, NV, OR, UT, WY	1,493 miles
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro	NM	60 miles
Lewis and Clark	ID, MT	369 miles
Old Spanish	AZ, CA, CO, NV, NM, UT	887 miles
Oregon	ID, OR, WY	848 miles

National Scenic Trails (BLM Portions)

Scenic Trail	BLM States	BLM Distance
Arizona	AZ	31 miles
Continental Divide	CO, ID, MT, NM, WY	389 miles
Pacific Crest	CA, OR	233 miles

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References

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding land management, conservation policy, or legal matters. Always refer to official government sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

America's Natural Heritage

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What are National Conservation Lands? 🏞️

🌟 Crown Jewels of the West

🏛️ Managed by Federal Agencies

⚖️ A Shift in Land Management

A Legacy of Preservation ⏳

📜 Evolution of Conservation

🏛️ Congressional Mandate

Diverse Designations 🧩

📜 Eleven Conservation Designations

National Monuments 🏛️

🗺️ Protecting Iconic Landscapes

National Conservation Areas 🌲

🏞️ Preserving Ecological Integrity

Wilderness Areas ⛰️

🌿 Untouched Natural Landscapes

Historic & Scenic Trails 🛤️

🚶 Connecting Past and Present

National Historic Trails (BLM Portions)

National Scenic Trails (BLM Portions)

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What are National Conservation Lands?

Crown Jewels of the West

Managed by Federal Agencies

A Shift in Land Management

A Legacy of Preservation

Evolution of Conservation

Congressional Mandate

Diverse Designations

Eleven Conservation Designations

National Monuments

Protecting Iconic Landscapes

National Conservation Areas

Preserving Ecological Integrity

Wilderness Areas

Untouched Natural Landscapes

Historic & Scenic Trails

Connecting Past and Present

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice