V-149 



SECTION 2. MANAGEMENT TOOLS 



In developing and conserving estuarine resources, the following 

 management and regulatory tools have been used by local govern- 

 ments: public ownership, legislation and permits, financial 

 inducements, zoning, planning, and public education. A discus- 

 sion of these categories follows. 



OWNERSHIP AND ACQUISITION 



The most effective technique for conservation of estuaries is 

 public acquisition and ownership. Although costly, government 

 purchase of private land by negotiation (or if necessary through 

 the power of eminent domain) is the best guarantee against 

 estuarine despoliation. The most common form of such an open- 

 space program is outright purchase; other variations include 

 advance acquisition and excess condemnation. Advance acquisition 

 is a reserved land technique by which the government purchases 

 "land banks" before they are actually required for planned public 

 projects in order to avoid price rises. Excess condemnation, for 

 conservation purposes, involves the acquisition of land buffers, 

 to maximize public access and enjoyment, near public facilities 

 (such as small parks along highways) or schools, or between air- 

 ports and residential areas. 



In addition to ownership, public control may be acquired through 

 leasing and purchasing development rights. The government can 



