Finally, examine how the various control programs are integrated; 

 be sure that existing programs are not working at cross-purposes. 

 Resources from each governmental level and program should be 

 brought to bear on the most serious problems. Find out if programs 

 are cooperating in this effort. Determine whether citizens are 

 involved so they can help to ensure intergovernmental and inter- 

 agency coordination. Some state and local governments may 

 consider reorganizing their agencies to foster program integration 

 and appropriate targeting of efforts. 



During this phase, it is vital to understand what actions are already 

 being taken within the current institutional framework. Further, 

 environmental degradation can occur when existing authorities are 

 not being exercised, or activities and resources are not focused on 

 the right problem. It is also important to determine whether existing 

 environmental regulatory programs are keeping pace with a grow- 

 ing population and its needs. 



Often, early in the evaluation, a priority problem will be identified 

 for early action. This action can proceed while the rest of the 

 evaluation continues. Once this evaluation has been completed, 

 the Management Conference summarizes the findings. These 

 findings will help form the base of information needed to develop 

 additional control strategies and to recommend initiatives. 



The characterization report or series of problem-specific charac- 

 terization reports is a public education tool. Because it describes 

 the estuary's problems objectively and lays out a range of potential 

 solutions, the report must be widely read and understood. Scientific 

 and technical findings and reports must be summarized in lay terms 

 and presented clearly, using fact sheets and visual aids. The 

 citizens advisory committee and public participation staff should be 

 enlisted to help make the characterization report meaningful to the 

 citizenry. The report's findings should also be presented at meet- 

 ings and workshops for the public and for the mass media. 



The characterization report tells the story of the state of the estu- 

 ary. It describes both spatial and temporal changes that have been 

 caused by human activity; natural climatic, biological, and physical 

 changes; and occasional major natural events. The report high- 

 lights the way the estuary used to be, the way it is today, and the 

 way it might become if current trends continue. 



Population trends are an important part of the report. Significant 

 population growth usually leads to increased withdrawal of fresh 

 water. Population growth also results in additional needs for 

 sewage treatment; greater runoff from paved surfaces, construc- 

 tion, and aghcultural activity; and more pollution from commerce 

 and industry. 



The characterization report is a public educa- 

 tion tool . . . that sets the stage for the for- 

 mulation of the CCMP and its action plans. 



The characterization report describes changes in land-use pat- 

 terns, such as reductions in cropland, pastures, and forested areas. 

 Water quantity and flow levels needed to sustain important resour- 



Characterization 

 Report 



37 



