Federal Land and Resource Management: A Primer (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Dec. 22, 1998 |
| Report Number |
RS20002 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Ross W. Gorte, Environment and Natural Resources Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Four federal agencies administer most of the U.S. government's land. The National Park Service
administers the Park System for recreation use and preservation. The Fish and Wildlife Service
manages wildlife refuges primarily for protecting and improving fish and wildlife habitats. The
Bureau of Land Management manages the public lands for sustained yields of multiple uses
grazing, recreation, timber, water, and fish and wildlife. The Forest Service similarly manages the
national forests. Most forests and public lands are also available for mineral exploration and
development. Three special land systems are also administered by these agencies: the Wilderness
System, for pre-serving pristine areas; the Trails System, for non-motorized recreation; and the Wild
and Scenic Rivers System, for river recreation. Congress has also established many special
designations for certain lands. This report summarizes the permitted and prohibited uses of lands
managed by these four agencies, as well as of the many special designations. It will be updated at
the beginning of the 107th Congress. For more detailed information, see CRS Report 98-991,
Federal Land Management Agencies: Background on Land and Resources Management .
