Making the National Landscape Conservation System a Permanent Treasure
Congress is poised to permanently recognize the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS).

The NLCS is experiencing tremendous success under the new Congress. Recently, the House of Representatives passed the Interior-Environment Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2643), which included $59 million in funding for the NLCS – nearly $10 million more than the administration’s request. The funding would go toward managing the 26 million-acre system of lands and waters designated for conservation by Congress and the president.

More important, with the urging of ASLA and more than 44 other organizations, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources recently approved S. 1139, a measure to make the NLCS permanent. Currently, the NLCS is organized as a loose network of national monuments, wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, and other sensitive areas within the Bureau of Land Management. Congressional authorization would formally recognize and organize the 800 individual units that comprise the NLCS as a unified system and establish them as permanent protected resources. Codification would be a congressional "stamp of approval” and would enhance the reputation of these areas as world-class destinations where Americans can experience distinctive recreational opportunities, educational exploration, and ecological treasures. Formal recognition by Congress would also result in more consistent management of the system’s conservation goals. 

The House Committee on Natural Resources has also begun consideration of an NLCS permanence bill (H.R. 2016) and has held subcommittee hearings on the matter. ASLA, through its coalition efforts, is working with both the House and Senate to move these important measures through the legislative process and into public law so that the NLCS will be a permanent and cohesive network of public lands.

With the population of the West continuing to rise and spread rapidly, providing for the permanent preservation of the unique beauty and history of the NLCS is essential. Passage of this legislation would ensure that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy these cherished lands and waters.

Roxanne Blackwell is the manager of federal government affairs. Contact her at rblackwell@asla.org or by phone at 202-216-2334. Dan Lijana is government affairs coordinator. Contact him at dlijana@asla.org.