Our Public Lands

Public lands refer to land that is owned and managed by the government, whether at the local, state, or federal level. These lands are preserved and used for a variety of purposes, including recreation, conservation, and resource management. Some of the major categories of public lands in the U.S. include:

National Parks

Protected areas managed by the National Park Service (NPS) for the enjoyment of the public, while preserving the natural and cultural resources within them.

Example: Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon National Park.

National Forests

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), national forests serve multiple purposes, including timber harvesting, recreation, and wildlife conservation.

Example: Tongass National Forest, Pisgah National Forest.

National Monuments

Areas protected by the president or Congress due to their cultural, historical, or environmental significance.

Example: Bears Ears National Monument, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands

These lands cover a wide range of public lands used for recreation, conservation, grazing, and energy production.

Example: The California Desert Conservation Area, the Alaska National Interest Lands.

Wilderness Areas

Parts of public lands designated by Congress to remain in their natural state, free from human development or commercial exploitation.

Example: The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho.

Wildlife Refuges

Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, these areas are designated for the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.

Example: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Everglades National Park.

Conservation of Natural Resources

Public lands preserve biodiversity and ecosystems, providing habitat for wildlife and protecting watersheds, air, and water quality.

Climate Change Mitigation

Forests and wetlands on public lands act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and helping to combat climate change.

Recreation and Enjoyment

Millions of people enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing on public lands, enhancing well-being and environmental awareness.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Public lands protect significant cultural and historical sites, from Indigenous heritage to battlefields, preserving them for future generations.

Economic Benefits

Public lands generate billions in tourism and recreation, support jobs, and provide resources such as timber and minerals.

Wildlife Protection

These lands serve as critical habitats for endangered and threatened species, helping preserve biodiversity.

• National Park Service (NPS): Oversees national parks and monuments, protecting natural and cultural resources for recreation and education.
  Example: Yellowstone, Yosemite, Statue of Liberty.
• U.S. Forest Service (USFS): Manages national forests and grasslands for recreation, conservation, logging, and fire management.
  Example: 193 million acres across the U.S.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Oversees lands for grazing, mining, energy, recreation, and conservation.
  Example: 245 million acres of public land.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS): Manages refuges and fish hatcheries for biodiversity and endangered species protection.
  Example: Arctic Refuge, Everglades National Park.

• Over-exploitation of Resources: Resource extraction like logging and mining can damage ecosystems.
• Climate Change: Wildfires, droughts, and floods increasingly threaten public lands and wildlife.
• Political Pressures: Privatization or development policies can undermine conservation and access.
• Lack of Funding: Budget cuts reduce staff and resources needed to manage and protect these lands.