An assessment of state agencies that affect forests

Abstract

A 2000 assessment finds that state agencies affecting forest conditions are dispersed over all levels of state government and that a state's lead forestry agency is often but one of many units involved in forestry. Most of these agencies directly determine forest uses and forest management activities, yet many affect forest conditions through programs focused on fisheries and wildlife, water pollution, and park and recreation management. The consequences of dispersed responsibility for forests are usually viewed as adverse, yet there are also important benefits, including efficiencies arising from competition between agencies and additional ways that citizens can interact with government.