Obviously, this has been in place for a long time as reflected in the disciplines in natural resource management, each oriented towards a particular resource of use to humans. Hence, we have distinct professions for range management, wildlife, fisheries, timber, recreation, etc. Within a given discipline, a key role has been to discover factors that limit production of that resource and to remove those limitations through scientific management. With limited land and demand for all of the resources increasing, we use a model, not just of multiple uses, but of competing multiple uses. The results are trade-offs and resulting conflict.
More fish means less cows or timber harvest.
More timber means less wildlife. Dying trees are a timber problem. Dead trees are a fuels problem. Every problem goes to its particular specialist and is placed in its box. This is perpetuated by Congress through its appropriation processes, our fuctional organizations, policies, laws, on and on.