TF.rHNTCAT. SiTTMMARY OF FYNDTNOS AND RKCOMMENDATTONS 

 FOR MANAr.FRS 



Introduction 



This section presents overall recommendations for actions needed in order to prevent 

 further deterioration of Narragansett Bay due to non-point sources, and to work toward 

 restoration of degraded areas where impacts of non-point inputs have been felt This 

 strategy is designed to be viewed in the context of a comprehensive water quality protection 

 program addressing Narragansett Bay basin fish and shellfish, wetiands, wildlife habitats, 

 open space, natural shoreline storm protection features, and potable water supplies. 



Fundamentally, the plan's objective is to restore and protect biological 

 health and diversity in Narragansett Bay. A primary goal in reaching 

 toward that objective is to prevent any increase in the introduction of non- 

 point source pollutants to the waters, sediments, and shorelines of the Bay, 

 and to reduce, and eventually control the introduction of non-point 

 pollutants to the watersheds of the Bay basin. Although nearly two-thirds of the 

 Bay basin lies within the State of Massachusetts, the plan places primary concentration on 

 governance needs in Rhode Island, as requested by the Project sponsors. The plan's 

 emphasis on prevention recognizes the overwhehning costs involved in cleaning up 

 formerly productive estuarine resources. At the same time, there is a clear 

 acknowl^gement that necessary remedial actions must be expediendy undertaken. 



Although definitive scientific statements cannot yet be made regarding 

 many non-point input magnitudes and effects, scientific knowledge is 

 sufficient to support decisive preventive action, to support defensible 

 priority setting among source control efforts, and to indicate the critical 

 need for continued scientific research and monitoring. 



The plan recognizes the magnitude of Narragansett Bay basin non-point problems, and 

 the exffaordinary challenge which their solution presents. In view of the diversity of 

 sources involved, the plan requires that responsibility be broadly shared among many 

 institutions in the Narragansett Bay region, and reconnnends that partnerships among state, 

 local, and regional entities be formed. At the same time, the plan calls for development of 

 interstate programs to control inputs fiom the entire basin. 



While the plan acknowledges the extremely important role played by 

 private resource protection groups in Bay restoration and management, it 

 anticipates that fundamental responsibility for non-point source control 

 should fall to state and local government, and to those whose activities or 

 properties contribute to the pollutant loadings. 



The suggested approach emphasizes use of a watershed program basis, calls for inter- 

 agency rationalization of targeting and review methodologies, and urges definition of 

 specific responsibilities in distinct areas. Strong, creative actions must be taken in response 

 to difficult management situations. 



Extensive interviews, a thorough review of the appUcable literature, and numerous case 

 study results have been utiUzed in devising the plan. This summary provides a basis from 

 which to evaluate the complete range of alternatives advocated in the body of the plan. 



