Agency Policy and Practices: Wildlife and Fisheries Management in the USDA Forest Service

Abstract

Abstract Forest Service policy for management of wildlife and fisheries resources has evolved in response to legislation dating back to the 1897 Organic Act. That legislative history reflects enduring public concern that national forests be managed for multiple use. Present policy embodies concerns for plant and animal diversity, maintenance of viable populations, recovery of threatened and endangered species, and management of species in high public demand. Program emphasis and budget increased dramatically in response to the wildlife and fisheries goals stated in the 1975 Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act (RPA) Program. Despite further planned increases in the 1980 RPA Program, since 1980 wildlife and fisheries funding has remained constant while commodity production has been emphasized. Because of this emphasis wildlife and fisheries activities have shifted away from habitat improvement to coordination and mitigation of resource development activities. Public concern about Forest Se...