Land Use Issues

The realization that land and its resources are limited has resulted in a shift in the approach to planning for and management of land use. In the past, land could be used for any purpose unless its use was prohibited by regulation or local zoning laws. This traditional approach often resulted in widespread abuse and waste. Urban sprawl, soil erosion, unrestored strip mined areas, and the destruction of historic, cultural, and esthetic sites are but a few examples of the traditional approach. Today, more and more government entities use comprehensive planning to resolve the problems of managing the Nation's land and related resources. However, major problems still exist over how best to use the land. With this in mind, GAO undertook an assessment of the problems that merit attention in land use planning, management, and control.