Evolution of USDA Forest Service organizational culture and adaptation issues in embracing an ecosystem management paradigm

• Published in: Landscape and urban planning Vol. 40; no. 1; pp. 113 - 122
• Main Authors: Kennedy, James J., Quigley, Thomas M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 31-03-1998
• Subjects: AMENAGEMENT FORESTIER; Environmental management; ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES; ETATS UNIS; EUA; FOREST MANAGEMENT; GESTION FONCIERE; LAND MANAGEMENT; Natural resource or environmental policy; Natural resource or environmental values; NATURAL RESOURCES; ORDENACION DE TIERRAS; ORDENACION FORESTAL; POLITICA AMBIENTAL; POLITIQUE DE L'ENVIRONNEMENT; Professional subcultures; RECURSOS NATURALES; RESSOURCE NATURELLE; USA; Professional subcultures; Natural resource or environmental policy; Natural resource or environmental values; Environmental management
• ISSN: 0169-2046; 1872-6062
• DOI: 10.1016/S0169-2046(97)00103-5

This paper examines how the USDA Forest Service (USFS) adapted to the changing needs of American society in its industrial (about 1900–1969) and post-industrial (1970 up to present) stages of socio–economic development. Several marker events in Forest Service adaptation to a post-industrial American society are examined (e.g., Bitterroot clearcutting controversy). These events illustrate American cultural changes that have moved the agency toward its current `ecosystem management' era of organizational evolution. Shifts and trends in agency values, policies, structures and operation to embrace and implement ecosystem management are examined.