National Conservation Areas (NCAs) are designated by Congress to conserve, protect, enhance, and manage public land areas for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. NCAs feature exceptional natural, recreational, cultural, wildlife, aquatic, archaeological, paleontological, historical, educational, and/or scientific resources.
"National Conservation Areas" is a category of the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) that includes National Monuments, Wilderness Areas, and other special area designations.