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The Palgrave Handbook of Sustainability pp 21–36Cite as

Palgrave Macmillan

Sustainability and Natural Landscape Stewardship: A US Conservation Case Study

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Abstract

The terms “natural” and “landscape” encompass a range of interpretations and definitions, particularly when discussed in terms of sustainability. Key issues center on the complexity and lack of consistency in geographic, biologic, or temporal boundaries and scales for what defines a particular ecosystem condition, and dynamics of the presence and influence of humans. This evolving exchange about “what is natural” illustrates the changing cognizance and values of society for maintaining ecosystems. The roots of sustainability can be traced to early forestry, and the policies of the US Forest Service provide a case study for examining the coalescence of the domains of sustainability into the agency’s mission today. The environmental policies of the US government reflect the country’s struggle toward an ecological conscience.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA

    Johanna Kovarik

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  1. Johanna Kovarik
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA

    Robert Brinkmann

  2. Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA

    Sandra J. Garren

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Kovarik, J. (2018). Sustainability and Natural Landscape Stewardship: A US Conservation Case Study. In: Brinkmann, R., Garren, S. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Sustainability. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71389-2_2

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