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When President Clinton designated or expanded 22 monuments during his administration, he was extending a tradition that dates back nearly 100 years. President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act of 1906 to protect historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest for future generations. Congress also has the authority to designate monuments and has done so in 29 cases. Many of our most cherished National Parks were once protected as monuments, including Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Denali, Joshua Tree and many more. National Monuments can be found in National Forests and on National Park and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. In June 2000, the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) was established within the BLM to promote and protect unique areas. The NLCS, which encompasses some of the best BLM lands, will come to evoke the same awe and pride that our National Park system does today. Up to Top