American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What power did the Forest Management Act, enacted in 1897, give to the Secretary of the Interior?

1. The ability to create national monuments

2. The authority to manage forest preserves

3. The power to sell public lands

4. The right to survey land for military use

The correct answer is: The authority to manage forest preserves

The Forest Management Act of 1897 primarily granted the Secretary of the Interior the authority to manage forest preserves, which was a significant shift toward federal involvement in the stewardship of national forests. This law was instrumental in establishing a framework for the management and protection of forest resources, allowing the Secretary to oversee the conservation and sustainable use of these lands. This authority was essential for ensuring that forest areas were not over-exploited or neglected, thereby facilitating the conservation of timber and wildlife resources for future generations. By centralizing the management of these forest preserves under the Secretary's purview, the Act acknowledged the need for a structured approach to land use and environmental protection. The other options provided do not accurately reflect the specific provisions of the Forest Management Act. For instance, while creating national monuments is a power associated with a different legislative framework, the authority to sell public lands generally resides with Congress, and surveying land for military use pertains to separate policies and regulations. Thus, the emphasis on forest management aligns directly with the purposes of the 1897 legislation.