What Are Public Lands
Public lands in the United States are owned collectively by the American people and managed by various federal, state, tribal, or local governments on the public’s behalf.
🔹 Federal Public Lands
Cherokee National Forest
These lands are owned by all U.S. citizens and managed by federal agencies, primarily:
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – manages the most land, mostly in the West.
U.S. Forest Service (USFS) – national forests and grasslands.
National Park Service (NPS) – national parks, monuments, and historical sites.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) – national wildlife refuges.
These lands are meant to be used for recreation, conservation, wildlife habitat, and sometimes resource extraction (like grazing, timber, or mining), depending on the agency and designation.
🔹 State-Owned Public Lands
Roan Mountain State Park
State-owned public lands are lands managed by state governments for public benefit. These lands often support recreation, conservation, wildlife, and sometimes generate revenue for public institutions (like schools). State lands offer vital local access to nature, support regional economies, and protect cultural and ecological resources. Like federal lands, they’re vulnerable to underfunding, mismanagement, or privatization efforts.
State Parks
State Forests
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
School Trust Lands
🔹 Tribal Lands
These are lands held in trust by the federal government for Indigenous tribes and communities, and they are governed by sovereign tribal nations.
🔹 Local Public Lands
Jacob’s Nature Park, Johnson City, TN
Cities, counties, and municipalities may own parks, greenways, and other public spaces for local public use.
State Trails & Greenways
At Appalachian Outdoors Collective, we believe protecting public lands is key to building sustainable communities across Appalachia. Donate to the Collective and help support our mission.
