Forested Landscapes in Perspective

The federal role in the management of nonfederal U.S. forests was once relatively simple: to assist in the prevention and control of wildfires. The administrative structure to carry out this role was similarly uncomplicated, with most programs under the aegis of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In recent years, however, both the management and administrative landscapes have changed dramatically. Responsibility for the federal role in nonfederal forests has been expanded to include a number of cabinet departments and independent agencies, which must address critical issues such as reforestation, wetlands disruption, and biodiversity protection. With two-thirds of all U.S. forests on nonfederal lands, these issues are becoming increasingly more important. Now, a first-of-its-kind examination of the federal role in nonfederal forest management, Forested Landscapes in Perspective presents a comprehensive look at the current landscape and recommends improvements that best serve public and private interests. This timely volume includes an insightful description of the current situation and recent trends, followed by a thorough examination of major policy and program issues affecting nonfederal forests. Among these are emerging environmental concerns such as forest fragmentation and large-scale climate change, as well as issues of economic importance, such as the availability of timber supplies.

Table of Contents

• Front Matter
• Executive Summary
• Part One: Sustainability and the Federal Role in Nonfederal Forests-- 1 Investing in Sustainability of Nonfederal Forests
• Part Two: Nonfederal Forest Resource and Program Landscape--2 Resource and Ownership Characteristics
• 3 Forest Values and Benefits
• 4 Policies and Programs
• Part Three: Major Policy and Program Level Issues Across the Landscape--5 Changing Conditions of the Forest
• 6 Investments for Better Institutional Relationships
• 7 Policy and Program Investments
• 8 Investment Levels and Potential Opportunitites
• 9 Investing in Research and Technology Transfer
• 10 Resource-Owner Rights and Responsibilities to Invest
• 11 Investing in Global and International Settings
• Appendix A: Table of Contents
• Appendix B: Federally Directed Assistance and Incentive Programs
• Appendix C: Definitions of New Paradigms: Forest Health, Ecosystem Management, and Sustainable Forest Management
• References
• About the Authors
• Index
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