576 CONFERENCE ON NATURAL BEAUTY 



nizations will have to perform a large part of the necessary public edu- 

 cation, mobilize support, express it where it will count, and stand 

 up to heated opposition if programs are to be undertaken to imple- 

 ment the goals of this conference. 



Citizen action will be needed not only to initiate or to back pro- 

 grams, but to support needed appropriations, continue to interpret 

 programs to the community and to defend them against attack from 

 special interests such as developers, outdoor advertisers, etc. No- 

 where will citizen understanding and support be needed more than in 

 backing enforcement of pollution laws, zoning ordinances and some 

 of the newer types of regulations such as land use and sign controls, 

 all of which must be accepted if we are to have a beautiful America. 



For these reasons, I want to underline the need for a National Citi- 

 zens Committee for a Beautiful America to stimulate a joint effort 

 by many groups, to provide the tools they need, to keep them in- 

 formed, and to coordinate their efforts. 



I want also to stress the need for wider acceptance on the part of 

 governmental agencies and professional planners and engineers of the 

 appropriate role which citizens must play in choosing goals and ac- 

 cepting the costs of achieving them. To carry out these functions, 

 they need to be involved at an early stage, not asked to rubber stamp 

 a final plan. Some government agencies are alert to the oppor- 

 tunities this offers. 



Citizen groups also need the help of nongovernmental experts from 

 universities and elsewhere. They need grants from foundations or 

 governments if they are to carry out citizen education programs, such 

 as one in which I have recently participated. This is the Schools for 

 Citizens on Land and Water Use for Tomorrow's Living, a current 

 pilot project of the LWV Education Fund under a demonstration 

 grant from the Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control of 

 the Public Health Service. 



Citizens can be more effective on river basin, metropolitan, or re- 

 gional problems if they establish citizen organizations matching 

 the boundaries of such logical planning areas. 



Questions and Discussion 



KENWARD K. HARRIS. I had a short report to give to you 

 in regard to Potomac Pickup Day, Sunday, which was held to help 

 beautify the area for you delegates from elsewhere in the country. 



