ABSTRACT

Issues of unresolved public policy are implicit in the discussions of preceding chapters; here they are set forth more explicitly. In this chapter we pose current policy issues as clearly as we can and explore some of their ramifications; but we do not try to solve them, nor do we advocate a line of policy for outdoor recreation in the United States. In the solution of issues of social policy, the value standards and philosophy of the persons concerned may be as critical as the technical and economic aspects of the issue; but the latter set limits or raise problems of cost which often affect the answers. If people are aware of the nature of the policy issues and can understand the practical alternative solutions, then they have a rational basis for making their choices.