---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 531"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "531"
heading: "Definitions"
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/531"
units:
  - "Chapter 2 — National Forests"
  - "Subchapter I — Establishment and Administration"
---

# §531. Definitions


As used in [sections 528 to 531](/usc/16/528..531.md) of this title the following terms shall have the following meanings:

- (a) “Multiple use” means: The management of all the various renewable surface [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8) of the [national forests](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3) so that they are utilized in the combination that will best meet the needs of the American people; making the most judicious use of the land for some or all of these [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8) or related services over [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) large enough to provide sufficient latitude for periodic adjustments in use to conform to changing needs and conditions; that some land will be used for less than all of the [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8); and harmonious and coordinated management of the various [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8), each with the other, without impairment of the productivity of the land, with consideration being given to the relative values of the various [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8), and not necessarily the combination of [uses](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=10) that will give the greatest dollar return or the greatest [unit](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=4) output.
- (b) “Sustained yield of the several products and services” means the achievement and maintenance in perpetuity of a high-level annual or regular periodic output of the various renewable [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8) of the [national forests](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3) without impairment of the productivity of the land.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 86–517, § 4, June 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 215.)