National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS)
The NLCS was established in 2000 to encompass the crown jewels of the public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  The 26 million-acre NLCS includes the BLM' s National Monuments, Conservation Areas, Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and National Trails. The NLCS is rich in archaeological, historic and cultural sites, and innovative for its protection of dramatic, large landscapes resplendent with canyons, mountains, and biodiverse deserts.  Unfortunately, this newest American land system has yet to enjoy the full level of protection it deserves.
>> More on the NLCS
>> View a slideshow of photos from the NLCS

The NLCS's Monuments: A New Management Challenge for the BLM
Since the passage of the Antiquities Act of 1906, more than one hundred National Monuments have been designated. Many of these monuments, including Grand Canyon, Mount Olympus (Olympic National Park) and Mukuntuweap (Zion National Park), were later expanded and re-designated as National Parks by acts of Congress.

Collectively, our National Monuments, past and present, inspire, amaze, educate, and entrance approximately 50 million visitors annually. Historically, the National Park Service -- not the Bureau of Land Management -- has been charged with management authority for National Monuments. But in 1996, President Clinton granted to BLM the management responsibility for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument thereby altering the trend. Subsequently, 15 of the recently designated Monuments are managed by BLM.

BLM in Midst of Monument and Conservation Area Planning -- Your Involvement Critical
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the federal agency that oversees the monuments and conservation areas in the NLCS, needs to hear from all of us who value undisturbed wilderness, wildlife habitat, free running rivers, undisturbed archaeology and the other features unique to each monument and conservation area.  You can be sure the agency will hear from miners, the oil and gas industry, ranchers, real estate developers, and off-road vehicle interests. Help us build a vocal constituency for this brand new land conservation system.  Sign up today for our email alerts, in the box on the left hand side of this page.

Newest National Monuments
The American people have 21 spectacular new national monuments to explore and to cherish. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees 15 of these Monuments.  Have a look.
>> List of Newest National Monuments

National Conservation Areas
National Conservation Areas provide for the conservation, use, enjoyment, and enhancement of certain natural, recreational, paleontological, and other resources, including fish and wildlife habitat. 
>> List of National Conservation Areas