There is a sudden concern by public leaders that "something be done" to immediately solve environmental problems. This is a dangerous situation since no well-thought-out programs are ready, and precipitous action may have serious consequences. The many pressures on ocean resources can be relieved in part by each of us "giving up? something - what will each of us be ready to sacrifice? The State has recognized for some time the problems of competing uses in the ocean and coastal zone and has created a California Advisory Commission on Marine and Coastal Resources (CMC), an Interagency Council for Ocean Resources (ICOR), and a new Department of Navigation and Ocean Development (DNOD). These groups are to identify the State's interest in the coastal zone and to plan for, and to implement plans for, uses and modifications of the coastal zone. Federal legislation has been proposed which would establish State Coastal Zone Authorities having power to draw up land-use and zoning regulations to assure compliance with a coastal master plan; this approach will severely test the traditional "hands off" policy of the State with respect to local zoning matters. A Comprehensive Ocean Area Plan (COAP) is being prepared by ICOR and DNOD for completion in 1972. Planning areas have been defined, preliminary planning objectives established, and an aerial photo survey is about to begin which will serve as a basis for a land-use inventory. Local government officials are working with the State in an effort to determine guidelines for possible coastal zone legislation during this legislative session.
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