Sandhill_Cranes_Alaska_Minden

Public Lands

Protecting our wild heritage.
640
Million acres of federally-managed land across the United States.
300
Bird species depend on U.S. federal public lands for their survival.
90
Percent of Bureau of Land Management land is open to petroleum leasing.

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.

Our Work on U.S. Public Lands
Greater Sage Grouse on Sagebrush Steppe.
Sagebrush Steppe
Tundra Swans in Arctic Refuge | Milo Burcham
Alaska's Arctic Lands
Tongass National Forest
A Curve-Billed Thrasher with a glowing yellow eye and curved black bill sits alert in center of the frame, surrounded by a green and white-spine covered cholla cactus.
California Desert
Sagebrush Steppe Ecosystem
Our Team

Melinda Cep

Vice President, Natural Solutions and Working Lands

Photo of Sara Brodnax

Sara Brodnax

Policy Director, Public Lands

Christopher Simmons

Christopher Simmons

Senior Manager, Public Lands Policy

Jason Howe

Communication Manager

More Public Lands Issues
Birds that Depend on Public Lands
Sage Thrasher
Mockingbirds and Thrashers
! Priority Bird
Greater Sage-Grouse
Pheasants and Grouse
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Pheasants and Grouse
Sagebrush Sparrow
New World Sparrows
Greater Prairie-Chicken
Pheasants and Grouse
! Priority Bird
Gunnison Sage-Grouse
Pheasants and Grouse
! Priority Bird
Grasshopper Sparrow
New World Sparrows
Brewer's Sparrow
New World Sparrows