Analysis shows that the assumptions behind the policy are incorrect.
The nation is not facing serious environmen- tal perils requiring drastic new federal policies. The ecosystem concept, while quite useful within the realm of science from which it was borrowed, is inappropriate for use as a geographic guide for public policies. Federal management of ecosystems would significantly expand federal control of the use of privately owned land and lead to increased restrictions on the use of the nation's public lands for economic purposes. Economic activity and private property rights would be subordinated to ecosystem protection. To view this entire document please click here .