www.conservationsystem.org is moving. Sort of.

The name will remain the same, but the new site will be managed by the National Conservation System Foundation. A great partner that shares our vision for the Conservation System, they have great plans in store for the site.

So the next time you check out www.conservationsystem.org it may look a little different, but be assured the commitment to helping friends, partners and others see the potential of the National Landscape Conservation System will remain.

National Landscape Conservation System Unites More than
26 Million Acres in Protective Status

Recognition for 26 million acres of land moves closer to reality

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today passed popular legislation that formally recognizes 26 million acres of wild and historic lands known as the National Landscape Conservation System -- the first congressionally designated conservation system in the past 40 years.

On Wednesday, the Omnibus Public Land Managment Act of 2009 was defeated in the House. The vote fell short, but the story is not over. Congress looks to pass this landmark legislation soon.

So what happend?

The House brought up the Omnibus Public Land Management Act under a procedural maneuver that required a 2/3rds majority for passage.

The final vote was 282-144 in favor, which was just short of the 2/3rds required.

So what’s next?

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote within the next two weeks on the National Landscape Conservation System Act, which would make the conservation system a permanent system of conservation lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. If this long-awaited legislation clears the last hurdle in Congress, it will head to the desk of President Barack Obama for his signature – strengthening a 26-million-acre system of public lands with one swipe of the pen.

On April 9th, the National Landscape Conservation Act was approved by the House of Representatives. The legislation will provide permanent protection for the National Landscape Conservation's collection of wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, and archaeological treasure troves.

Next step? The Senate needs to vote on their version of the bill and then the House and Senate versions need to be agreed upon before going to the President for his signature. A few more steps to take, but we are getting closer. Please stay tuned.

Scenic America is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to preserving and enhancing the visual character of America’s communities, countryside, and public lands. Beauty is worth fighting for and our visual heritage is a public resource at risk of vanishing. Scenic America is building a national scenic conservation movement that aims to make the visual character of our country an issue of social and political significance.

The very first NCA, King Range National Conservation Area is a dramatic meeting of land and sea along the California coast. Mountains seem to thrust directly out of the surf, and it is known for black sand beaches, challenging hikes, and incredible beauty. King Range is home to the Northern Spotted Owl, king salmon, steelhead, and many other important species.