National landmark
Encyclopedia
A National landmark is a site identified by a national authority as one possessing nationally–significant natural, historic, or scientific resources. Typically, it identifies an isolated site and not a landscape or complex of sites better suited to management as a national park
or historic site
.
, a National Landmarks program was foreseen in the 1970s and 1980s, but not established. They were to protect specific natural features considered "outstanding, exceptional, unique, or rare to this country. These natural features would typically be isolated entities and of scientific interest."
To date, only one has been established—Pingo National Landmark
—in the Northwest Territories
. Another was proposed at the same time in 1984—Nelson Head National Landmark—on the southern tip of Banks Island
, also in the NWT
. It was to include some 70 square miles (181.3 km²), 25 miles (40.2 km) of coastline, and protect the sea cliffs at Nelson Head and Cape Lambton. Durham Heights were to be included, which reach an elevation of 2450 feet (746.8 m). The legislation providing for the Landmark required a formal request from the Minister of the Environment
within 10 years (until 1994). None was ever made.
, the term national landmark takes on a legal definition, and may refer to one of two programs of the federal government:
National park
A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or owns. Although individual nations designate their own national parks differently A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or...
or historic site
Historic site
A historic site is an official location where pieces of political, military or social history have been preserved. Historic sites are usually protected by law, and many have recognized with the official national historic site status...
.
Canada
In CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, a National Landmarks program was foreseen in the 1970s and 1980s, but not established. They were to protect specific natural features considered "outstanding, exceptional, unique, or rare to this country. These natural features would typically be isolated entities and of scientific interest."
To date, only one has been established—Pingo National Landmark
Pingo National Landmark
Pingo National Landmark is a natural area protecting eight pingos near Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories. It is in a coastal region of the Arctic Ocean which contains approximately 1,350 Arctic ice dome hills—approximately one quarter of the world's pingos.The Landmark comprises an area...
—in the Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories is a federal territory of Canada.Located in northern Canada, the territory borders Canada's two other territories, Yukon to the west and Nunavut to the east, and three provinces: British Columbia to the southwest, and Alberta and Saskatchewan to the south...
. Another was proposed at the same time in 1984—Nelson Head National Landmark—on the southern tip of Banks Island
Banks Island
One of the larger members of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Banks Island is situated in the Inuvik Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. It is separated from Victoria Island to its east by the Prince of Wales Strait and from the mainland by Amundsen Gulf to its south. The Beaufort Sea lies...
, also in the NWT
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories is a federal territory of Canada.Located in northern Canada, the territory borders Canada's two other territories, Yukon to the west and Nunavut to the east, and three provinces: British Columbia to the southwest, and Alberta and Saskatchewan to the south...
. It was to include some 70 square miles (181.3 km²), 25 miles (40.2 km) of coastline, and protect the sea cliffs at Nelson Head and Cape Lambton. Durham Heights were to be included, which reach an elevation of 2450 feet (746.8 m). The legislation providing for the Landmark required a formal request from the Minister of the Environment
Minister of the environment
An environment minister is a cabinet position in charged with protecting the natural environment and promoting wildlife conservation...
within 10 years (until 1994). None was ever made.
United States
In the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, the term national landmark takes on a legal definition, and may refer to one of two programs of the federal government:
- National Historic LandmarkNational Historic LandmarkA National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
- National Natural LandmarkNational Natural LandmarkThe National Natural Landmark program recognizes and encourages the conservation of outstanding examples of the natural history of the United States. It is the only natural areas program of national scope that identifies and recognizes the best examples of biological and geological features in...