National Conservation Areas Frequently Asked Questions

National Conservation Areas (NCAs) feature exceptional natural, recreational, cultural, wildlife, aquatic, archaeological, paleontological, historical, educational, and/or scientific resources. The Bureau of Land Management's National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) includes 16 NCAs and five similarly designated lands in ten states.

Why are National Conservation Areas designated?
NCAs are designated by Congress to conserve, protect, enhance, and manage public land areas for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Unlike National Wilderness or National Wild and Scenic River designations, there is not a single Congressional Act that guides the management of National Conservation Areas. Instead, the particular Act which authorizes designation of each NCA identifies the unique values to be protected and any other specific management guidelines to be followed.

What National Conservation Areas are in New Mexico?

New Mexico is home to two NCAs: El Malpais NCA and Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave NCA.

The NLCS: A Geography of Hope (video) NLCS in New Mexico National Landscape Conservation System National Conservation Areas National Scenic and Historic Trails National Monuments Wild and Scenic Rivers Wilderness Areas Wilderness Study Areas Map of NLCS Units in New Mexico Implementing the National  15-Year Strategy in New Mexico NLCS Online Resources (maps, brochures, etc.) NLCS National Page