Summary: The "ecosystem" approach to managing the nation's lands and natural resources stresses that plant and animal communities are interdependent and interact with their physical environment to form ecosystems that span federal and nonfederal lands. GAO found that the four primary federal land management agencies--the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service--have started to implement ecosystem management. In addition, the administration's fiscal year 1995 budget request includes $700 million for ecosystem management initiatives. GAO recognizes that, compared with the existing federal approach to land management, ecosystem management may require greater flexibility in planning; in budgeting, authorizing, and appropriating funds; and in adapting management on the basis of new information. However, GAO believes that if ecosystem management implementation is to move forward, it must advance beyond unclear priorities and broad principles. Clear goals and practical steps for implementing ecosystem management need to be established and progress in implementing this approach needs to be regularly assessed and reported.
