423 



Utilization of the expertise and resources of private organizations 

 is advantageous for local governments. For example, the Conservation 

 Foundation study of Rookery Bay, Fla., could serve as the basis for 

 a "model estuaries" Federal-State-local grant program. Also, the na- 

 ture conservancy fund could be used by localities to establish parks and 

 other refuges in estuaries for public purposes. 



In addition to research on biological aspects and water quality, 

 there is a great need for further study of the legal aspects of estuarine 

 management. Clarification of conflicting ownership claims and titles 

 is urgently needed in almost every estuary. A detailed survey and 

 inventory of ownerships, to include legal basis, rights, title checks, and 

 assessment of land value, should be undertaken by local governments. 

 It is not unlikely that such a survey would disclose land still owned 

 by the State and leases that need renegotiation because their terms 

 have been breached. A continuous updating of this land register should 

 also be part of local governments' management activities. 



This chapter has stressed the crucial role that local governments 

 can play in the direction and management of estuaries. In the past, 

 localities have not been very effective in developing and maintaining 

 comprehensive programs. Greatly handicapped by a lack of plans, 

 administration, finances, and government personnel, they have been 

 further hindered in decision making in the public interest by their 

 limited geographic scope, taxable resources, and legal powers. In 

 almost all cases they have failed to arouse the public or overcome 

 popular indifference to the loss of estuaries to the encroachments of 

 "civilization." 



The record of estuarine management has been disappointing at all 

 levels. Federal and State, as well as local. The only answer to the 

 question "Can we rely on local government?" is that we must — for we 

 have no choice — work through the municipalities, counties, and towns. 

 Indeed, only a cooperative, intergovernmental approach can succeed 

 because each level is ineffective by itself. Regional agencies covering 

 the estuarine zone can promise the best results, but only by strengthen- 

 ing the existing decisionmaking machinery, as suggested here, can 

 local government rise to this challenge. Local government has the capa- 

 bility to play a leading role in estuarine management, and it is essential 

 that it do so. For, ultimately, any such program must rely on local 

 initiative, organization, planning, and support. 



EEFEEENCES 



V-3-1 Cain, Stanley A., "Multiple Use of the CJoastal Zone" (remarks at a 



,, panel on Marine Science Affairs, annual meeting of the American 



Association for the Advancement of Science). Mimeographed report. 

 Washington, D.C., Department of the Interior, 1967. 2 p. 



V-3-2 Tennessee Valley Authority provision 6 of deed covenants applicable 

 in the sale of reservoir lands ; based on section 26a of TVA Act of 

 1933 (48 Stat. 58; U.S.C. 831-831dd) (unpublished document). 



V-3-3 Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965. Public Law 88-578. 

 78 Stat. 897. 



V-3-4 Office of Economic Opportunity, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 

 (a description of the Federal Government's domestic programs to 

 assist the American people in furthering their social and economic 

 progress). Washington, D.C., Office of Economic Opportunity, Janu- 

 ary 1969. 609 p. 



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