Natural History Wanderings

The U.S. Department of Interior has designated six new areas as new National Natural Landmarks.  They are:

• Hanging Lake in western Colorado
• Barfoot Park in southern Arizona
• Kahlotus Ridgetop in Washington state
• Round Top Butte near Medford, Ore.
• The Island in Oregon
• Golden Fossil Areas near Golden, Colo (as an extension to the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark, which will now be known as the Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas National Natural Landmark)

To see photos and learn more about each of these areas go to National Geographic:  Pictures: Six New Natural Landmarks Named.

To see the National Park Service description of National Natural Landmarks  click Read More

“The National Natural Landmarks (NNL) Program recognizes and encourages the conservation of sites that contain outstanding biological and geological resources, regardless of landownership type. It is the only natural areas program of national scope that recognizes the best examples of biological and geological features in both public and private ownership. NNLs are owned by a variety of land stewards, and participation in the program is voluntary.

National Natural Landmarks are selected for their outstanding condition, illustrative value, rarity, diversity, and value to science and education. Sites are designated by the Secretary of the Interior, with landowner concurrence, and to-date, nearly 600 landmarks have received the NNL designation within the United States, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The National Park Service administers the program, reports on the condition of the NNLs, acts as an advocate for the protection of designated sites, and raises public awareness of our Nation’s natural heritage. Ongoing partnerships with public and private landmark owners allow participants to share information, solve problems cooperatively, and conserve outstanding sites that illustrate the rich and diverse tapestry of the country’s natural landscape.”