WHAT ARE PUBLIC LANDS?

America’s public lands include 59 National Parks, 154 National Forests and grasslands, more than 245 million acres of BLM land, and 560 National Wildlife Refuges, totaling about 640 million acres. The Department of the Interior oversees the Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and Fish and Wildlife Service. The US Forest Service, housed in the Department of Agriculture, oversees our National Forests.

Learn more about US public lands with our resources below:

 

What do we mean when we talk about public lands?

 

Conservation 101

In partnership with The Conservation Alliance and Outdoor Industry Association

 

Outdoor Alliance’s Advocacy 101 Series

 

Public Lands News

Featured
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House Passes Funding Bill for the Outdoors

Today, House lawmakers passed the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill–now it’s up to the Senate to support funding for public lands and waters.

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Clean Water Is at Risk with the Proposed WOTUS Rule

A proposed rollback of Clean Water Act protections would leave more streams and wetlands vulnerable to pollution—putting outdoor recreation, public health, and local economies downstream at risk.

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The BLM Wants to Manage for Recreation and Sustainability—Why Stop It?

The BLM is supposed to manage public lands for current and future generations, but the rescission of the Public Lands Rule would make it increasingly difficult for the BLM to manage for outdoor recreation experiences.

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Protecting Public Lands During a Pivotal Public Lands Month

From defending the Roadless Rule to securing funding for our land management agencies, Outdoor Alliance is standing up for the places we love during Public Lands Month.

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5 Big Wins for the Outdoors in 2024

Securing more funding for outdoor recreation, building a new generation of outdoor advocates, and protecting more public lands, plus more big wins for outdoor recreation this year.

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What does the BLM’s Public Lands Rule mean for outdoor recreation?

A deep dive into the BLM’s final Public Lands Rule and what it means for outdoor recreation and conservation.

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Oil and Gas leasing report by Outdoor Alliance & Public Lands Solutions reveals how development affects public lands and waters and rural economies

The report calls for crucial updates to the oil and gas leasing process to protect public lands and waters, recreation communities, and rural economies

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3 Things Outdoor Recreationists Need to Know About Wildfire

Why have wildfires become so severe in the west, and what can we do about it? The answers, in a new policy report from Outdoor Alliance, might not be what you expect.