Photo by Hornal
About National Natural Landmarks
Sites may include:
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Biological ecosystems (forests, wetlands, lakes, etc.)
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Geological formation and landforms
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Fossil beds or evidence of past life
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Place that show active natural processes
These features are grouped by natural history themes and subthemes. For example, the “Lakes, Ponds, and Wetlands” theme includes subthemes like crater lakes, swamps, marshes, bogs, and springs.
- the volcanic crater Diamond Head on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii,
- Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia, and
- Rancho La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles, California.
National Natural Landmark Designation
Sites considered for NNL designation include:
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Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
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Geological landforms and formations
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Fossil evidence of evolution or ancient environments
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Places that show active natural processes
Each site must be one of the best examples of its kind in its region, based on condition, rarity, and illustrative value.
Here’s a simplified look at the process:
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Search and Identify: Experts review a natural region to find the best examples of biological or geological features.
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Notify Landowners: When a promising site is found, landowners are informed and must give permission before any evaluation can happen.
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Scientific Evaluation: Qualified scientists carefully study the site’s features and write a detailed report.
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Peer Review: Three additional scientists review the report to make sure it’s accurate and scientifically sound.
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Public Input: If the site meets national significance criteria, the public and landowners are invited to comment on the proposed designation.
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Review and Recommendation: The National Park System Advisory Board reviews everything and makes a recommendation to the Secretary of the Interior.
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Designation: The Secretary reviews all materials and recommendations and may officially designate the site as a National Natural Landmark.
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Notification: Landowners, elected officials and the public are informed.
No. NNLs can be found on:
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Federal, state, county, municipal, or tribal land
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Private land owned by individuals, nonprofits, universities, land trusts, or businesses
About 52% of NNLs are on public land, 30% are fully private, and 18% are mixed.
- The site's nature features are lost or destroyed
- There were serious errors in the evaluation or designation process.
Landowners may:
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Get assistance with conservation planning, grants, environmental review and technical support
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Receive letters of support from the National Park Service to protect their site
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Be recognized for protecting a nationally important natural resource
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Receive a certificate and a plaque and have access to NPS educational materials
National Natural Landmark Program
- Help preserve the best examples of U.S. natural features
- Support science and education
- Increase public appreciation of natural history
- Encourage conservation of the nation's natural history
The NNL Program:
- Is national in scope,
- Includes all types of land ownership
- Focuses on the best examples of natural resources, and
- Treats geologic and biological features equally.
Managing National Natural Landmarks
Last updated: December 3, 2025