The secret’s out. Some Bureau of Land Management land
can rival the scenery of more famous – and more crowded – national
parks. The BLM, in cooperation with more than 20 conservation and
recreation groups, has just published Beyond the National Parks, a
guide to Western public lands, which covers all the Western states,
including Alaska and the Dakotas. It describes activities ranging
from birdwatching and backpacking to four-wheel-drive touring. The
broad scope may make the guide too general for longtime residents,
but the guide’s photographs, maps, and area descriptions are a good
starting point for visitors who want to enjoy some of the West’s
“other” public lands. The book doesn’t give it all away: a Colorado
BLM official said she was relieved to see her favorite spots left
out of the guide. Edited by Mary Tisdale and Bibi Booth, the
418-page book is available from the Smithsonian Institution Press
for $19.95. Contact the press at 800/782-4612.
*
Michelle Nijhuis
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline More than pretty parks.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
