National Natural Landmark

National Natural Landmarks ( NNL; German National nature monuments ) are geological and ecological properties in the United States, which were considered significant for the natural history of the country by the U.S. Department of Interior. The program was launched by the then Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall on May 18, 1962. The amounts reported as National Natural Landmarks objects can be located both in public and in private possession.

The list of National Natural Landmarks includes 591 objects (as of June 2011) in the states and overseas territories American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Managed the National Natural Landmarks Program from the National Park Service, which supports the owners of the objects if necessary, also in the protection and preservation of the same.

The legal basis for the powers of the League of Historic Sites Act of 1935. National Natural Landmarks not enjoy the protection status, which was defined in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. A designation as a NNL thus means only an agreement with the owner, the important properties of the respective object if possible to get. Management and preservation of landmarks are solely the responsibility of the owner. This Agreement may be terminated by either party.