I. INTRODUCTION 



Chesapeake Bay and its watershed comprise one of the most 

 productive estuarine areas of the world. It is not altogether 

 coincidental that the Chesapeake Bay region also supports one of 

 the nation's fastest-growing populations. The result is that the 

 land, especially along the coast, is sprouting residential, commer- 

 cial and recreational developments at an accelerating pace. 



In a region that historically has been heavily lumbered and 

 extensively tilled, the present encroachments severely threaten 

 what few undisturbed natural areas still remain — bogs, mature 

 forests, tidal wetlands, swamps, marshes and other areas of 

 importance to plant life, wildlife, fisheries and man. It is a 

 familiar litany in most parts of the United States. 



Recently private groups and public institutions and govern- 

 ments have recognized the urgency of preserving natural areas of 

 various kinds. A number of states have endeavored to inventory 

 the natural lands within their borders as a necessary first step 

 in enacting protective measures. For example, New Jersey is pre- 

 paring detailed maps of its coastal wetlands to form the basis of 

 stringent new laws regulating development. Among notable state- 

 wide inventories of natural areas are those of Wisconsin, Georgia, 

 Illinois, Michigan and the New England states. About 30 states 

 have some natural areas program underway. 



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