ABSTRACT
Federal long-range planning information is of value primarily in developing budget and policy decisions. The federal budget process determines funding for natural resource programs, yet that process itself imposes constraints on effective consideration of long-range natural resource concerns. A number of federal agencies devote a portion of their resources to futures analysis. These include the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Institutes of Mental Health, the National Science Foundation, the State Department, and the Urban Mass Transit Administration. There are a number of opportunities for joint work in futures analysis in natural resources by Congress and the executive branch. One is the undertaking of round table discussions by futures staffs from both branches of the government. These could be organized on a periodic basis to exchange information on studies under way and results being obtained. Foresight hearings by Congress could offer another opportunity for joint efforts.
