Programs

National Landscape Conservation System

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) mission for the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS, also referred to as National Conservation Lands) is to conserve, protect, and restore nationally significant landscapes and places that have outstanding cultural, ecological, and scientific values for the benefit of current and future generations. As defined by the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, the NLCS includes the following areas administered by the BLM:

  • National Monuments
  • National Conservation Areas
  • Components of the National Wilderness Preservation System
  • Wilderness Study Areas
  • Components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
  • National Scenic Trails or National Historic Trails Designated as Components of the National Trails System
  • Any area designated by Congress to be administered for conservation purposes

NOTE: Materials available from these pages are contributed by BLM staff. Expect the collection to continue growing in time to reflect the most current information available. 

Division of National Conservation Lands SharePoint site

​​​​​​​National Conservation Lands are a natural scientific laboratory that attract scientists from around the world.  The scientific values found in units of the National Conservation Lands open doors to valuable research.  Research topics range from geology, paleontology, archaeology and history to biology, botany and ecosystem studies.  Researchers are discovering new species of dinosaurs, studying best practices for rangeland management, documenting butterfly diversity, reintroducing endangered species, examining the dynamics of riparian areas, and much more on these lands. 

Information on science and BLMs National Conservation Lands is maintained on a SharePoint site to ensure interagency access. 

The Management Studies Support Program (aka Science Grants or Research Support) for BLM's National Conservation Lands uses partnerships with educational, State, local, tribal or non-profit entities to inform BLM’s land management decisions. This aligns with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 which states that BLM can cooperate with partners on investigations, studies, and experiments involving the management and protection of public lands (43 USC §1737). 

Please visit this SharePoint Site for program information.

Links to the 4 management courses (NM/NCA, NSHT, WSA, and WSR) hosted by the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands, training resources hosted by the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center, and partnership and citizen science courses are all available from this SharePoint site. BLM employees are encouraged to access and document participation in these courses through DOI Talent.