The Public Lands Interpretive Association (PLIA) is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit educational organization whose mission is to inspire and educate the public about the natural and cultural heritage resources of America’s public lands.
Incorporated in 1981 and headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, PLIA operates bookstores in visitor centers and other facilities of the Bureau of Land Management, the USDA Forest Service and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. The Association’s sales outlets are located in Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. PLIA also provides visitor information and concierge services to the Valles Caldera National Preserve and operates campgrounds in Kaibab National Forest in northern Arizona. At www.publiclands.org, PLIA offers recreational information on all public lands in the Western states and an educational slide show on the history of public lands.
In the summer of 2002 Public Lands Interpretive Association partnered with the National Geographic Society, federal and state land management agencies, and the private sector to conduct the first ever Canada to Mexico expedition whose route stayed entirely on public lands. Details of the expedition, including photos and journal entries, can be found at www.americanfrontiers.net
Public Lands Interpretive Association initiated the Public Lands Information Center project in response to demand for a single source of information about recreation and land use on all public lands in a state, regardless of managing agency. We realize that when you have a destination or an activity in mind, your concern is to find out where to go, when to go, what to do, and how much it will cost. But up until now, getting those answers often meant an endless goose chase of contacting government agencies and trying to pinpoint the correct agency, department, or office.
The Public Lands Information Center was developed to cut the red tape for you. We offer all you need to know about visitor facilities, surrounding areas, appropriate maps and guides, and the rules and regulations for each area. If you need more information than you get from the site descriptions, check our bookstore, our link pages, or email our staff. If you need to contact the managing agency for additional permits or licenses, we can put you in touch with the right person, and save you time and headaches.
News
Anticipating American Frontiers 10th Anniversary
1 Jan 2012
Ten years ago, PLIA launched an ambitious outreach program to raise awareness of public lands. American Frontiers blazed a new border to border trail, entirely on public lands. In 2012 join us as we celebrate the achievements of this program.
One of our initiatives is starting a scholarship program to help underprivileged kids in central California enjoy an extended wilderness experience in fifth grade.
We'll be posting more on this page in the months to come as well as on the American Frontiers website.
Every third Thursday, the Public Lands Information Center in Santa Fe hosts an evening lecture on topics of interest in New Mexico. Our free events often accompanied by a booksigning and informal chat.
Doors open at 6:30 and events start at 7 pm. Light refreshments are provided at no charge. All events are open to the public.
If you have any questions about these New Mexico events, feel free to contact Kevin Atkinson at the New Mexico Public Lands Information Center. Call locally at 505-954-2002 or toll-free at 877-276-9404.
CCC in New Mexico
16 Feb 2012
UNM History Professor Richard Melzer is the author of Coming of Age in the Great Depression: The Civilian Conservation Corps in New Mexico. We will have copies of the book on hand for signing.
Civil War Medicine
15 Mar 2012
Historian Bob Mallon takes us on a fascinating exploration of the gruesome and surprising world of Civil War medicine.
New Mexico's Forgotten History
19 Apr 2012
Ellen Dornan, author of Forgotten Tales of New Mexico, shares her insight on the many stories that get left out of standard historical narratives.
Online Public Lands Information Centers are operated by the Public Lands Interpretive Association, a non-profit, educational organization, in cooperation with federal and state land management agencies.
