Land Use Issues: A GAO Perspective

GAO studied the complex subject of land; its ownership; and how its use is planned, managed, and controlled. The subject is a highly controversial one, because land is the primary element necessary for determining growth and development. It involves population and economic growth; multiple use of land and resources; controversies over trade-offs between competing land uses; individual aspirations and rights versus public good; and Federal, State, and local government rights and responsibilities. The study is part of a continuing reassessment of areas of national concern and interest which identifies problems and issues within land use planning, management, and control. These issues will influence GAO audit efforts involving how much and what kind of land the Federal Government should own, how the use of such land should be controlled, and the impact of Federal programs on Federal and non-Federal lands.