National Landscape Conservation System

This program aims to increase the effectiveness of resource management by supporting research that informs effective decision-making for BLMs National Conservation Lands and the purposes for which they were designate. In addition, the program supports outcomes which promote citizen supported studies (i.e. citizen science) and tribal co-stewardship. National Conservation Lands protect more than 37 million acres, recognized for outstanding conservation values, and designated for special management by Acts of Congress or Presidential Proclamations. The BLM manages these special areas to maintain and enhance their conservation values with the goal to conserve, protect, and restore these important landscapes and their outstanding cultural, ecological, and scientific values. These designated lands help ensure that the Nation's extraordinary biodiversity and cultural heritage will be sustained for present and future generations to enjoy. These areas include over 2,700 recreation sites and 22 visitor centers and serve approximately 14 million visitors annually. The National Conservation Lands include the following unit designations: National Monuments and National Conservation Areas (and similar designations); Wilderness Areas, Wilderness Study Areas; Wild and Scenic Rivers; National Scenic and Historic Trails; and California Desert National Conservation Lands.