The National System of Public Lands offer more diverse recreational opportunities than are available on the land of any other Federal agency. Recreational use on the National System of Public Lands helps support the economies of Western communities and states. More than 55 million people now live within 25 miles of the National System of Public Lands, and two-thirds of these lands are within 50 miles of an urban area. Visits to recreation sites on BLM-managed lands and waters have significantly increased over the years, from 51 million in 2001 to 57 million in 2008.
