Land and Water Resources: A Policy Guide

Excerpts from the report: The establishment of a USDA Land and Water Policy Committee and the preparation of this report were authorized in Secretary’s Memorandum No. 1464, August 24, 1961. The initial Committee assignment was to review the present and prospective land, forest, and water resource situation, appraise implications for Department activities, and prepare policy and program recommendations. In formulating and carrying out land and water programs, the Department will cooperate with other Federal agencies, also with State and local agencies. The guiding principles and recommended policy presented are designed to provide a comprehensive and long-range framework for orienting the formulation and operation of Department land and water programs and activities so as to improve the well-being of farm people and of all citizens. The target year selected was 1980 and projections to that date were based on influences expected to affect levels and trends in such factors as population growth, economic activity, technology, yields, imports and exports, and the requirements of the various uses competing for land and water resources. The projections used should be regarded primarily as reflecting likely directions of change rather than as precise expectations. Material variations in the plausible range of particular projections such as crop yields, population, and exports would significantly affect the calculated resource requirements.