ABSTRACT
In economic theory, multiple use of natural resources is the actual or hypothetical result of economic conditions, including those influenced by public policy. The difficulties are more severe for optimizing in public policy than for optimizing in subsectors of the economy such as individual farms and firms. In the economics of flow resources, allowance for uncertainty is best made through the formulation of the policy objective itself. Quantitative allocation may actually be harmful because it introduces an element of rigidity into public policy. Park Service policy is a rigid, single-use policy even with respect to different recreational uses, and even if potential additional recreational uses are complementary to existing ones. Historically, the multiple-use concept has been an important part of such an institution, namely, the legislation and administration affecting allocation of forest and range resources within the U. S. National Forests.
