Natural Resource Policy

Natural Resource Policies

Overview

  • Author: Julie A. King, JD

  • Focuses on U.S. natural resource policies and their management by various agencies.

Key Agencies Involved in Natural Resource Policies

  • Congress and the President: Set goals and priorities.

  • Department of the Interior: Main oversight body for resource management.

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Responsible for managing public lands.

  • National Park Service (NPS): Responsible for protecting national parks and monuments.

  • Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS): Focus on wildlife protections and endangered species.

  • NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service: Marine and fisheries conservation.

  • Forest Service (USDA): Manages national forests and grasslands.

National Park Service

History

  • Established on August 25, 1916, by President Woodrow Wilson.

  • Initially tasked with protecting 35 national parks; now manages 63 national parks.

National Park System

  • Comprises 409 areas over 84 million acres across the U.S., including territories like American Samoa, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

Recent Changes and Challenges

  • Increased politicization has affected operations and funding.

  • Notable budget changes from 2005 to 2014 with a decline in inflation-adjusted funding.

  • Controversial reductions, e.g., Trump's administration cut Bears Ears National Monument significantly.

The Antiquities Act (1906)

  • Legislative framework to preserve cultural and historic sites on federal lands.

  • Authorizes the president to designate national monuments.

National Monument Designation

  • National monuments are typically smaller and intended to protect specific resources.

  • Established by presidential proclamation or Congressional action.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Mission and Functions

  • Established in 1946 by merging General Land Office and Grazing Service.

  • Manages over 245 million acres; focuses on sustainable use of rangelands.

  • Key economic impact: Generated $105 billion in 2020 and supports 470,000 jobs.

Challenges of BLM

  • Balancing resource extraction with conservation efforts.

  • Addressing climate change while managing recreational demands.

US Forest Service

Overview

  • Stewards 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands.

  • Prioritizes the health and productivity of forests for future generations.

Historical Background

  • First established as a response to unsustainable logging practices.

  • Protects forests, watersheds, and also supports wildfire suppression efforts.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

Purpose and Impact

  • Enacted in 1973 to prevent endangered species from extinction.

  • Administered by FWS and NOAA.

  • Criticized for economic impacts due to restrictions on land use.

Key Points of ESA

  • Listed species based on biological criteria; politically contentious.

  • The listing process varies with administration, showing differing emphasis on conservation.

Recent Legislative Efforts

  • Public Lands and Renewable Energy Development Act promotes renewable energy on federal lands.

  • Efforts focus on collaborative approaches for conservation that include stakeholders.

Polar Bear Conservation

  • Initially listed as a threatened species under ESA due to climate change impacts.

  • Cropping populations to become endangered due to loss of sea ice habitat.

Case Studies: Yellowstone Wolves

  • Reintroduction arguments surround ecological balance and livestock interests.

  • Wolf population impacts elk levels, vegetation health, and ecosystem stability.

Greater Sage Grouse

  • Considered for ESA listing, reflects broader geographic implications for conservation efforts.

  • Major collaboration among stakeholders to avert listing, showcasing unusual coalitions.

Conclusion

  • Challenges in managing natural resources involve balancing preservation with political pressures.

  • Cooperation and compromise are crucial for effective long-term natural resource policies.