National Landscape Conservation System
The BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) contains some of the West’s most spectacular landscapes. It includes over 887 federally recognized areas and approximately 27 million acres of National Monuments, National Conservation Areas, Wilderness Areas, Wilderness Study Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and National Scenic and Historic Trails. (Please link to NM subpages for each of the designations.)
NLCS areas are part of an active, vibrant landscape where people live, work and play. They offer exceptional opportunities for recreation, solitude, wildlife viewing, exploring history, scientific research, and a wide range of traditional uses.
Why was the NLCS created?
BLM lands were organized in a system to increase awareness of these areas' scientific, cultural, educational, ecological and other values. The NLCS has four goals:
- Protecting and restoring unique resources
- Preserving culture and heritage
- Maintaining quality of life for a growing generation
- Protecting critical habitat
When was the NLCS created?
In June 2000, the BLM's Director created the NLCS to bring BLM's premier designations in to a single system.
What is included in the NLCS?
NLCS includes over 886 federally recognized areas and approximately 27 million acres of National Conservation Areas, National Scenic and Historic Trails, National Monuments, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Wilderness Areas, Wilderness Study Areas, and Conservation Lands of the California Desert.
See a map of NLCS areas or browse through the NLCS online resources.
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