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SECTION 5. RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS 



This chapter has briefly surveyed existing practices and evaluated 

 the accomplishments and problems of local government activities 

 relating to estuaries. On the following pages, some recommenda- 

 tions are made to promote effective local programs, bearing in 

 mind that, under our Federal system, operating success can best be 

 achieved through cooperative local-State programs. 



The purpose of these suggestions is not to freeze forever the 

 estuaries in their present status, but rather to curb uncontrolled 

 growth and haphazard but devastating urban incursions and to develop 

 compatible land and water management systems that will provide for 

 balanced use of estuaries. 



First, local governments must be strengthened and reoriented to 

 focus on estuarial problems. Carefully drafted model legislation, 

 ordinances, and planning guides for local governments should be 

 established to call attention to these vulnerable resources. They 

 should include a statement of public purpose and interest along with 

 a description of basic goals (such as open space and recreational 

 development and the shoreline area. Including wetlands and water- 

 front areas, to be covered). In addition to a leqislative declara- 

 tion of public rights and use claims, planning and regulatory 

 authority should be given to a specific estuarine management agency. 

 At least an interagency committee should be established to coordinate 

 local policies. 



