Big-game habitats and populations are generally in good condition. These populations are expected to sustain hunter demand and contribute to wildlife viewing opportunities. Water quality of streams draining forests and grasslands is generally good, but revegetation, reclamation and other improvement efforts are needed to restore aquatic habitat. Range forage is generally available and demands for wildlife and livestock can be met. Timber volume offered for sale from National Forests is projected to remain stable at 0.9 billion cubic feet per year through 2000 and then to increase to 1.1 billion cubic feet by 2040.
Forest health is a growing concern.
From 1986 to 1991, tree mortality increased 24 percent. Many forests are stagnating due to fire exclusion. Loss of biological diversity is likely to continue. As land use intensifies, natural diversity is reduced and ecosystems are simplified. In arid and semiarid regions, increasing demands for water will lead to water rights conflicts.