Resource Conservation and Development Problems and Solutions in the Columbia Basin

Abstract

An analysis of the resources situation, issues, problems, and solutions in the Columbia Basin and the Pacific Northwest should be concretely useful in the consideration of problems of conservation administration generally. If the regional situation and experience are not exactly typical, they do involve large material and demonstrational values. The area and its resources and potentials, significant in relation to those of the Nation, in themselves warrant most careful consideration. With large natural resources in process of development under a still incomplete organization plan, the region provides a very important testing ground for resources conservation and development policies. Its plans, programs, and accomplishments and even its lacks in those respects have a recognized national and even international significance. The whole problem posed is one on which volumes could be and have been written. In presentation of such a broad subject in relatively narrow space the scope must be limited, yet the essential features of the whole background must be seen in perspective. In limiting the compass of this paper it is assumed, firstly, that consideration should focus on the public administration aspect, and particularly on that of federal organization which must be at the heart of any attack on a natural resources problem. It is the further assumption of the writer that it is desirable to look toward solution of this primary aspect of the problem through establishment of organizational framework and procedures that will permit and foster an effective, well-balanced resource development. The logical approach to this end is that of objective, scientific method. It is one of analysis, planning, and design -of getting basic facts, making pertinent determinations from them, and laying out a solution that will be in accord with those facts and determinations. In other words, it is desirable to design an organization and procedure