3.1.4.4 NATURAL LANDMARKS, SITES AND MONUMENTS
National Natural Landmarks (NNL) Program was established on May 18, 1962, under the authority of the Historic Sites Act of 1935 (16 U.S.C. 461-467). A National Natural Landmark is a nationally significant natural area that has been designated by the Secretary of the Interior. To be nationally significant, a site must be one of the best examples of a type of biotic community or geologic feature in its physiographic province. Examples of this natural diversity include terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem features, exposures, and landforms that record active geologic processes as well as fossil evidence of biological evolution. The purpose of the Natural Landmarks Program is to identify and encourage the preservation of nationally significant examples of the full range of ecological and geological features that constitute the nation's natural heritage.
The determination that a site is one of the best examples of a particular feature in a natural region or physiographic province is based on the primary criteria of illustrativeness and condition of the specific feature; secondary criteria include rarity, diversity, and values for science and education. The National Park Service contracts with scientists to conduct on-site evaluations of those areas which have been ranked as high priority sites either as a result of theme studies or from outside recommendations. The evaluations gather additional information and comparatively evaluate the site against other similar sites, using the national significance criteria. Completed on-site evaluations are peer-reviewed by other scientists and then by the National Park Service. If a site is deemed qualified and fulfills the requirements for National Natural Landmark status, and if a majority of the private property owners have not indicated their objection to designation, the Director of the National Park Service then nominates the site through the National Park System Advisory Board to the Secretary of the Interior for designation. Once designated, the area is listed on the National Registry of Natural Landmarks.
The National Natural Landmarks Program is not a land taking or withdrawal program; it does not change the ownership of a site and does not dictate activity. The NNL Program recognizes and encourages the voluntary, long-term commitment of public and private owners to protect an area's outstanding values. Owners who voluntarily agree to help protect their landmark property are eligible to receive a certificate and wooden plaque for appropriate indoor presentation or a bronze plaque for outdoor display at the site. Federal agencies should consider the unique properties of Natural Landmarks in assessing the effects of their actions on the environment as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Similarly, in some instances there may be State or local government land use or planning implications associated with the landmark designation.
Proposed Rural Development actions in or near such areas merit special evaluation because of the sensitivity of the resources within them, losses of which could be irretrievable.
The Bureau of Land Management designates Outstanding Natural Areas, Research Natural Areas and/or Areas of Critical Environmental Concern which are comparable in value and program intent to National Natural Landmarks.
Rural Development should not authorize, fund, or carry out any proposal or project which would adversely affect the unique values and benefits of designated or nominated National Natural Landmarks. Whenever a proposed action is determined to have the potential for impacting a National Natural Landmark, the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, should be consulted as early in the environmental impact analysis process as possible to evaluate the possible consequences of and protection requirements necessary concerning the action.
If the action has the potential to impact a listed natural landmark by jeopardizing the unique values and benefits of these landmarks, the preparer of the environmental document must consult with individual(s) responsible for overseeing natural landmarks in the State. Consultation shall be documented in the environmental assessment. Either verbal communication or written is acceptable although written is the preferred method of consultation.
Governing Regulations.
(1) National Natural Landmarks Program, 36 CFR 62, Code of Federal Regulations.
(2) Section 8 of the National Park System General Authorities Act of 1970 (90 Stat. 1940) as amended (16 U.S.C. 1a-5).
(3) National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 (92 Stat. 3518, 16 U.S.C. 1a-5).
(4) U.S. Executive Order 11514, Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality.
(5) National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321.
(6) Title 7, Part 1b and 1c, Code of Federal Regulations, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Environmental Policy Act.
(7) Historic Sites Act of 1935
NATIONAL PARKS:
Governing Regulations.
(1) National Park System General Authorities Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 825), as amended.
(2) National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 (92 Stat. 3518, 16 U.S.C. 1a-5).
(3) U.S. Executive Order 11514, Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality.
(4) National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321.
(5) Title 7, Part 1b and 1c, Code of Federal Regulations, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Environmental Policy Act.
NATIONAL MONUMENTS:
Governing Regulations.
(1) National Park System General Authorities Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 825), as amended.
(2) National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 (92 Stat. 3518, 16 U.S.C. 1a-5).
(3) U.S. Executive Order 11514, Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality.
(4) National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321.
(5) Title 7, Part 1b and 1c, Code of Federal Regulations, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Environmental Policy Act.