An ecosystem-based approach to managing Americaʹs resources: a view from the U.S. Capitol Hill

This article addresses a range of opinions represented in the U.S. Congress about the feasibility of adopting a national ecosystem-based approach for public land and natural resources management. Those who support ‘ecosystem managementʹ are hoping for a formal recognition of the ecosystem-based approach as standard operating procedure for the U.S. Government. However, opponents have come to challenge the concept on both its scientific and constitutional merits. Those who claim to be practicing ecosystem management have watched intently during the 104th Congress to see whether national initiatives: (i) can adapt to conservative concepts of governance and budgetary pressures, (ii) will collapse in a general regulatory retreat with fading commitment from the Clinton Administration, or (iii) will be adopted as U.S. policy for managing Americaʹs publicly owned natural, cultural, and economic resources.