WESTERN PUBLIC LANDS INITIATIVE: CONSERVATION SYSTEM FACTS/HISTORY: THE NATIONAL LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION SYSTEM – INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

THE NATIONAL LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION SYSTEM:
A CHANGE IN DIRECTION FOR THE BLM

The most significant step to date in the BLM’s gradual evolution was the establishment of the National Landscape Conservation System in 2000, a 26-million acre network in 12 western states including the last great places to experience the history and wild beauty of the west. The Conservation System consists of:

• 17 National Conservation Areas

• 15 National Monuments

• 161 Wilderness Areas

• 604 Wilderness Study Areas>

• 38 Wild and Scenic Rivers

• 10 National Historic Trails

• 3 National Scenic Trails

• Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area

• Headwaters Forest reserve

• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

The Conservation System’s mission within the BLM is “to conserve, protect, and restore nationally significant landscapes of outstanding cultural, ecological, and scientific values for present and future generations of Americans.” The Conservation System is distinguished by:

• An emphasis on large tracts of protected lands, rather than isolated “islands” of protected lands

• Minimal infrastructure like parking lots and concessionaires so as to allow for a wild, self directed visitor experience

• An emphasis on conserving traditional lifestyles like ranching and Native American subsistence activities

• Wild, lonely and beautiful trails