RPA/NFMA--Time to Punt

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Abstract
Attempting to resolve conflicts in the management of the national forests, Congress enacted the Resources Planning Act and the National Forest Management Act, which now mandate planning for the National Forest System. Because the required plans must be capable of withstanding legal challenges, exorbitant amounts of time and money have to be, and are being, allocated to their preparation. The two acts should be repealed. Planning could then proceed as an administrative procedure, at far lower cost, and the agency could reestablish its emphasis on its development, management, and protection activities. Management conflicts should be handled not by legislation and litigation, but by relying on emerging capabilities: the USDA Forest Service has shown its willingness to listen to opinions from the public, and the local land managers should resolve conflicts locally, through bargaining, compromise, and negotiation.

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