6: Natural Resources and Environment

Protect and Enhance the Nation’s Natural Resource Base and Environment

Other Information:

High-quality soils and abundant supplies of clean air and water are the essential building blocks for production agriculture and forestry, many rural economies and all life. America’s soils, water supplies and range and forest ecosystems produce the raw materials for food, clothing, shelter, and energy. They also provide the settings for recreation and other activities highly valued by Americans. USDA is the steward of 192.5 million acres of National Forests and Grasslands. USDA also provides high-quality, science-based, and site-specific technical assistance to enable good stewardship on the 1.5 billion acres of non-Federal lands in the U.S. The Department’s activities are designed to help ensure that the Nation’s natural resources meet the long-term needs of a dynamic society with an increasing population. USDA’s conservation activities on public and private lands are cooperative efforts with State, Tribal and local Governments, conservation districts, non-Governmental organizations, private land managers, and local interests. In the future, USDA will increase its emphasis on cooperative conservation to achieve natural resource and environmental quality goals. This plan will ensure that natural resource use and management decisions are made by the people most affected by the decisions and most knowledgeable about local conditions.

Objective(s):

6.1: Watershed Protection

6.2: Soil Quality

6.3: Forests and Grasslands

6.4: Habitat and Species Protection

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