Calder M. Hibbard

Intergovernmental Roles and Responsibilities Involving Nonfederal Forests in the United States: An Assessment of Federal and State Conditions

Federal roles and responsibilities involving 206 million hectares of nonfederal forests in the United States are often implemented in partnership with state governments. These intergovernmental relations were examined with the assistance of state and federal agency executives. Federal roles are expressed by an estimated 187 federal programs, most of which are concentrated in the Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Preferred federal roles include providing financial support, monitoring area and condition of federal forests, and providing technical advice and assistance to states. Obstacles to effective state–federal working relationships include cumbersome administrative procedures, lack of common vision for nonfederal forests, and inadequate resources of various kinds. Overwhelming views are that state–federal working relationships are positive.