Public Lands

From the sagebrush sea to the deep canyons of the Southwest to Alaska’s North Slope, federally-managed public lands encompass some of the United States' most iconic places. These landscapes, protected as national parks and monuments, wildlife refuges and other federally designated areas, are not only important ecologically and culturally, but economically. Besides providing habitat, healthy public lands also support communities by providing for water supply, recreation, hunting and fishing, and access to nature.

Birds rely heavily on these public lands and waters. More than 300 bird species in the U.S. spend more than half of their time living across these landscapes. Effective management and conservation efforts can make a significant difference in whether these species thrive or slide towards extinction.

Protecting public lands, not only for birds but for future generations, is part Audubon’s DNA. More than a century after we partnered with lawmakers to establish the first U.S. national wildlife refuge at Pelican Island, Florida, Audubon continues to work with partners across the hemisphere and at every level of government to realize a healthy future for our national parks, national forests, rangelands, monuments, and wildlife refuges. These lands are our legacy.