BLM emblem and 25th Anniversary of National Conservation Lands wordmark on top of photo of McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area in Colorado

National Conservation Lands 25th Anniversary

In 2025, join the Bureau of Land Management in celebrating 25 years of National Conservation Lands!

These ruggedly beautiful wonders, located primarily in the West, feature some of the nation’s most spectacular landscapes including national monuments, national conservation areas, wilderness areas, wilderness study areas, wild and scenic rivers, and national scenic and historic trails. Designated by Congress and the President to conserve special features, the National Conservation Lands encompass 905 units covering more than 37 million acres – from red-rock deserts and winding rivers to historic lighthouses and mountain vistas.

National Conservation Lands: 25 years – and eons – in the making
This year marks a special occasion worth celebrating: the 25th anniversary of BLM’s National Conservation Lands.
A red lighthouse stands next to a body of water at sunset.
Listen: BLM looks back on more than 50 years of managing conservation areas
In 2025, the Bureau of Land Management will celebrate 25 years since the creation of the National Landscape Conservation System in 2000. But to appreciate the breadth of National Conservation Lands, you actually need to go back more than 50 years.
A colorful sunset over a long line of cliffs disappearing into fog. Bright white, red, and green foliage frame the foreground.
Listen: Three past officials reflect on the National Landscape Conservation Sys…
In this episode, we reflect on the early years of the NLCS and how BLM created the structure to manage these beautiful and iconic locations with three people who led the program: Elaine Marquis-Brong, Elena Daly, and Carl Rountree.
Green northern lights over lights over a snow landscape with scattered evergreen trees.

Events happening throughout the year!

Colorado, Tres Rios FO
Flyer describing The Bias Inside Us special exhibit at Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, CO.
Jan. 11: Special Exhibit at Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum
A special traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute in collaboration with the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery will be on display at Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum through February 8.
Arizona, Hassayampa FO
in a desert landscape, a trapezoid shaped sign says Agua Fria National Monument, US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
Jan 10: Agua Fria National Monument 25th Anniversary Kickoff
Join the Friends of the Agua Fria National Monument for a presentation on the monument's history and resources as part of our 25th anniversary celebration. Meet at the Phoenix District Office or register online.
Arizona, Hassayampa FO
Agua Fria National Monument
Jan. 14: Detectives of the Past: the Science of Archaeology
How do archaeologists know what they think they know about the past? Join BLM archaeologist Jessica Bland at the Sun City Library to learn about some of the basic concepts in archaeology.