Overview

The America the Beautiful initiative was launched by the the Biden-Harris administration to help tackle the climate and nature crises, create jobs and strengthen the economy, and increase equitable access to nature. As part of the America the Beautiful initiative, Federal agencies began working to develop the American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas (Atlas) – a data and mapping project that aims to better reflect the full scope, scale, and progress of conservation efforts across the U.S.

Development of the Atlas is an ongoing effort that will expand and evolve as additional data and resources are integrated. This beta version of the Atlas helps document locally led, partnership-driven conservation and restoration underway across America that brings together science, data and knowledge on biodiversity, climate change impacts, and equity to help inform and inspire land, water, and wildlife conservation and restoration efforts of individuals, land managers, policymakers, and communities.

The atlas can be used to:

• Establish and assess progress toward Tribal, State, territorial, regional, and local conservation goals and objectives
• Help a local land trust identify opportunities and priorities for conserving key wildlife migration corridors, restoring hydrologic connectivity, or protecting drinking water sources
• Track progress in the protection, conservation, and restoration of lands and waters at the national scale
• Display lands and waters that are permanently protected within national parks, national marine sanctuaries, and wilderness areas
• Provide a picture of how and where lands and waters in the U.S. are conserved

Current components of the Atlas include:

1. Federal Restoration and Resilience Projects: Restoration and resilience projects funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that include efforts to eradicate invasive species, clean up abandoned mine lands, restore free-flowing rivers, and more.
2. Interactive Map: Explore data related to the America the Beautiful initiative through an interactive map application. The content in this application will continue to grow over time and support additional analysis functions.
3. Open Data Catalog: An accessible, transparent catalog that enables users to access and explore all data used within the Atlas.

In the future, and among others, the Atlas will be improved by adding datasets that help describe where conservation investments can contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation outcomes, the protection of clean water resources, the extent to which conservation actions expand nature’s benefits, and the degree to which these benefits are shared equitably.

Managing Organizations

U.S. Department of the Interior

The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation's natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated Island Communities. The Interior heads eight technical bureaus: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Minerals Management Service, National Park Service, Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S.

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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) works to support the American agricultural economy to strengthen rural communities; to protect and conserve our natural resources; and to provide a safe, sufficient, and nutritious food supply for the American people. The Department’s wide range of programs and responsibilities touches the lives of every American every day. This factsheet provides information about some of our agencies and offices, their missions, responsibilities, and services they provide.

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National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them. From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product.

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White House Council on Environmental Quality

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) coordinates Federal environmental efforts and works closely with agencies and other White House offices in the development of environmental policies and initiatives. CEQ was established within the Executive Office of the President by Congress as part of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and additional responsibilities were provided by the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970.

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