Understanding Different Federal Public Lands Designations And Why These Protections Are Important
Our federal public lands include more than national parks and national monuments. There are a number of different federal public land designations and all are important to protect our cultural, historical and natural resources for generations to come.
But what’s the difference between them? Here is brief guide to understanding some of the various designations of federal public lands.
NATIONAL PARKS
Total in the United States: 63 . Although the National Park System comprises 425 sites, only 63 have the "National Park" designation.
Managed by: The National Park Service
Purpose: To protect and preserve natural and cultural resources for education, conservation, and outdoor recreation. Hunting and extraction of natural resources are prohibited in national parks.
Other facts: Did you know Yellowstone was the first national park in the U.S.? Read more about this incredible national park covering more than 2 million acres across three states.
Find a national park near you here.
NATIONAL MONUMENTS
Total in the United States: 133
Managed by: Individually or jointly by any federal land management agencies, including the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Purpose: To protect public lands and waters with cultural, historical, scientific, and ecological significance. A national monument can be designated through an Act of Congress or by the President of the United States under the authority granted by the Antiquities Act of 1906.
Other facts: Designated on August 8th, 2023, Baaj Nwaajo I’tah Kukveni- Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon is the newest national monument, and for years, HECHO advocated for protecting the public lands around the national park from uranium mining.
WILDERNESS
Total in the United States: Over 111.7 million acres of public land comprised of more than 803 wilderness.
Managed by: The National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS) is co-managed by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and US Forest Service.
Purpose: To preserve and protect the natural ecosystems, habitats for wildlife, including endangered species and watersheds and wild areas while providing opportunities for recreation activities such hiking, camping, fishing and bird watching This is the highest protection of public lands and these areas are designated by Congress.
Other facts: Wilderness areas can be part of national parks, national wildlife refuges or other public lands. Wilderness areas protect over 110 million acres in 44 states. Motorized and mechanical transport are prohibited.
NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREAS
Total in the United States: The National Conservation Lands include 20 National Conservation Areas and five similarly designated lands in 10 states.
Managed by: The Bureau of Land Management.
Purpose: To conserve, protect, and manage public lands of exceptional scientific, cultural, ecological, historical, and recreational value to benefit present and future generations. Congress establishes these National Conservation Areas.
Other facts: These areas compatible with different uses, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, in a sustainable manner.
NATIONAL RECREATION AREAS
Total in the United States: 40
Managed by: The National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service
Purpose: To preserve and enhance recreational opportunities in places with significant natural and scenic resources. These “are lands near large reservoirs that offer visitors a chance to experience water-based outdoor activities -- from swimming and kayaking to fishing and boating" They are established by an Act of Congress.
Other facts: Some of the most visited National Recreational Areas include the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (15.64 million visits in 2022) and Lake Mead National Recreation Area (5.58 million).
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES
Total in the United States: More than 560 sites
Managed by: The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Purpose: To conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats and provide various recreation opportunities, including hiking, hunting, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
Learn more about National Wildlife Refuges near you here.
NATIONAL SEASHORES AND NATIONAL LAKESHORES
Total in the United States: Ten national seashores and three national lakeshores.
Managed by: The National Park Service (NPS),
Purpose: To preserve shorelines and offshore islands, which provide visitors opportunities to experience water-based outdoor activities.
Check this site for a guide of National Seashores in the United States.