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discussions with coagressional members and staff to resolve issues and 

 concerns Identified since 1985. As a result of this process, the bill 

 developed by the Administration would meet the purpose of this effort — to 

 increase efficiency of natural resource management by merging organizational 

 units within the same geographic area, reducing personnel needs and 

 duplication of offices, overhead, travel and administrative functions. All of 

 this would result In a reduction of costs to the government, representing a 

 savings of 14 to 15 million dollars annually, and an Improvement of service to 

 the public. 



The goals stated In the S. 59 are similar to those In the Administration's 

 Nationwide Interchange proposal. Unfortunately, as it is written, S. 59 does 

 not meet the goals or result in the benefits that a Nationwide Interchange 

 bill would generate. 



S. 59 does not provide for clear, orderly separation of administrative 

 responsibilities under the land laws. Questions remain over several common 

 land management situations. One significant area that Is not covered by S. 59 

 Is the authorization and administration of lands under leases and patents 

 Issued pursuant to the Recreation and Public Purpose Act and existing 

 applications for such leases. Leases or patents under the Recreation and 

 Public Purpose Act provide a major public benefit and are a main source of 

 lands to expanding comfflunlties for important public services. 



There are several Recreation and Public Purposes Act leases, patents or 

 applications for leases on the lands to be transferred to Forest Service 

 administration under this bill. These leases and patents provide such 

 services as a county sponsored summer camp for troubled youth, church sites. 



