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The Bureau of Land Management NEWS |
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Last updated: 04/04/03
Questions and Answers
National Landscape Conservation System
In his March 24, 2000, broadcast to BLM employees, Secretary Babbitt indicated that the BLM should have a system of areas that parallels the park and refuge system. He asked then-Acting BLM Director Tom Fry to set up a new office to provide guidance for the BLM's National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS). Although the BLM has different types of Congressionally and Presidentially designated units, they have not, until now, been identified as a "system." The Office of National Landscape Conservation System (ONLCS), to be stationed in Washington and reporting to the Director, will provide better coordination and management of BLM's premier designations, including National Monuments and National Conservation Areas.
The ONLCS gives the BLM the opportunity to provide more focused direction and budget coordination for the overall system. Field managers will continue to have primary responsibility for managing these areas on the ground.
What is the National Landscape Conservation System?
The system consists of several types of BLM units:
- National Conservation Areas and National Monuments
- 7,400-acre Headwaters Forest Reserve in California; and
- Portions of the following units under BLM management:
-Wilderness Areas and Wilderness Study Areas;
-National Wild and Scenic Rivers; and
-National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails.
The NLCS does not include other types of designations such as Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.
Why is the system being created?
The purpose of the system is to increase the public's awareness of and appreciation for these public land treasures, and to focus more management attention and resources on them. In particular, BLM's National Conservation Areas, most of which have existed for years, will receive greater management attention, as will its newly designated National Monuments.
What new protections are being created?
The new system does not create any new legal protections. With the exception of National Monuments, which are designated by the President, only Congress can change the various authorities under which these units operate. The BLM is not creating the system to change these authorities, but to focus more attention on management of these important areas.
Why different types of units are included in the system?
As in the case of the National Park System, the BLM's National Landscape Conservation System includes different types of units. Taken together, however, these areas have been recognized either via Congressional or Presidential designation or, in the case of Wilderness Study Areas, through long-standing public recognition.
Will the units be managed differently?
Yes. The BLM will manage the units consistent with their underlying authorities. For example, the agency will manage Wilderness Areas in accordance with the requirements of the Wilderness Act.
The BLM expects to focus significant management attention on NCAs and Monuments. Although each has site-specific authorities, the units share common elements. The agency expects to emphasize these elements in managing the units, which differ somewhat from areas such as National Parks. First, management will focus on conservation. While there will be opportunities for visitation, there will be no major facilities located within these areas. Visitor contact and information facilities will be located in adjacent communities or at the periphery of the units. This not only helps preserve the character of the areas, but also provides opportunities for economic development for local communities. In addition to the areas' specific authorities, the BLM will manage the units pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the BLM's "Organic Act." This means that multiple-use activities, such as grazing and hunting, will continue, provided that they are consistent with the overall purpose of the area.
In order to initiate these management efforts, the BLM has requested increased funding for FY 2001, primarily to carry out immediate management concerns and long-term planning.
What is the purpose of the new Office of the National Landscape Conservation System?
The office will provide a focal point for the new system, as well as policy guidance. It will not be responsible for recommending new designations. Further, it will not have direct management responsibility for the units in the system; that authority will remain in the field.
Will the office require significant increases to the BLM's workforce and budget?
No. Most of the positions and funding for the office will be derived by reallocating resources within the Washington office. For example, the administration of the wilderness program will be transferred from the Assistant Director for Renewable Resources. The overall budget impact of the office will be minor.
What steps has the BLM taken to provide direction to the new office?
In early June, the BLM conducted a meeting with a broad cross-section of its field managers and staff to discuss how to achieve better management of the BLM's NCAs and National Monuments.Who will direct the new office?
The BLM has advertised the position at the Senior Executive Service level, and the vacancy announcement closed on May 15. The agency is now evaluating applications and hopes to make a selection soon, subject to necessary Departmental and Office of Personnel Management concurrence.
To whom will the office report?
The office will report to the Director of the BLM.
Which National Monuments does the BLM manage?
In total, the BLM manages 3,317,017 acres in seven National Monuments:
Which NCAs does the BLM manage?
In total, the BLM manages 2,249,915 acres in eight National Conservation Areas:
Also the California Desert Conservation Area (9.5 million acres)
What else does the BLM administer that is in the System?
Taken all together, the NLCS includes more than 38 million acres (15 percent of the BLM's land base).
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