National Natural Landmark

[1] It is the only national natural areas program that identifies and recognizes the best examples of biological and geological features in both public and private ownership.

The program aims to encourage and support voluntary preservation of sites that illustrate the geological and ecological history of the United States.

[2][3] The registry includes nationally significant geological and ecological features in 48 states, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The legislative authority for the National Natural Landmarks Program stems from the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 (49 Stat.

The NNL designation is made by the Secretary of the Interior after an in-depth scientific study of a potential site.

The selection process is rigorous: to be considered for NNL status, a site must be one of the best examples of a natural region's characteristic biotic or geologic features.

NNLs also have been designated on state lands that cover a variety of types and management, such as forest, park, game refuge, recreation area, and preserve.

The reasons for this viewpoint vary: potential property damage or liability, fragile or dangerous resources, and desire for solitude or no publicity.

If "major" habitat or landscape destruction is planned, participation in the NNL Program by a landowner would be disingenuous and meaningless.

It is conceivable that state or local governments of their own volition could initiate regulations or zoning that might apply to an NNL.