Celebrating 25 years of our National Conservation Lands
2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the National Conservation Lands! King Range National Conservation Area (established in 1970) is the nation’s first national conservation area, but it wasn’t until June 9, 2000 that the National Conservation Lands system was actually established. It was created to protect some of America’s most treasured public lands and waterways – including national monuments, national conservation areas, wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, national scenic & historic trails, and other special designations. Today, these lands – consisting of 906 units spanning more than 38 million acres – provide unparalleled opportunities for adventure, connection, conservation, scientific research, and the preservation of important cultural and natural resources. From breathtaking deserts to wild and scenic rivers, rugged mountain ranges and wilderness coastline, these landscapes are an enduring gift for future generations.
A landscape qualifies for inclusion in the National Conservation Lands based on its ecological, cultural, historical, and recreational significance. To be designated, an area must possess unique or outstanding natural, scientific, cultural, or scenic values that warrant long-term protection. These designations typically come through presidential proclamation (for national monuments under the Antiquities Act) or congressional legislation (for national conservation areas, national monuments, wilderness areas, wilderness study areas, wild and scenic rivers, and national scenic & historic trails). Additionally, these landscapes are often home to critical wildlife habitats, archaeological sites, historic trails, or unique geological formations that make them worthy of conservation. The goal of the National Conservation Lands system is to preserve these landscapes for public enjoyment, scientific study, and cultural heritage while maintaining their ecological integrity.
Friends of the Lost Coast will be celebrating this important 25th anniversary milestone in the King Range throughout 2025. Visit our calendar for upcoming events – https://lostcoast.org/events/.
To learn more about the King Range and the larger National Conservation Lands system, check our recorded lecture with retired BLM photographer, Bob Wick, on our YouTube channel @FriendsoftheLostCoast https://youtu.be/GZX_3yY4xvg?si=2FZiBlh77ZM1Skmh
Check out this 25th anniversary National Conservation Lands feature from BLM’s On The Ground podcast: Part 1 – https://www.blm.gov/media/podcasts/2025-01-07/blm-looks-back-more-50-years-managing-consaervation-areas. Part 2 – https://www.blm.gov/media/podcasts/2025-01-07/three-past-officials-reflect-national-landscape-conservation-system
For more information on the National Conservation Lands and the 25th anniversary celebrations of our partner groups in the Friends Grassroots Network, visit – https://www.conservationlands.org/celebrate25.