and development of both the soil and
water resources of the watershed. Preliminary studies indicate that
headwater reservoirs are needed and feasible in 61 small watersheds in
the Basin. These small headwater reservoirs, designed primarily for
local flood prevention, may include storage for sediment, water supply,
water quality control or recreation.
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II. Action relating specifically to the protection and restoration of
the Potomac Basin's scenic and natural assets, and to their enjoyment by
the public:
A. At the critically important level of local planning, governments need
to provide incentives toward wise and decent treatment of the
environment in all possible ways, including:
1. Careful examination of all Federal and State programs and
policies directly or indirectly influential on the landscape, to
make certain that their effects are beneficial or their adverse
effects are minimized and that they encourage rather than disrupt
local efforts to avert blight even while achieving sound growth.
Obvious connections exist between good local environments and such
things as planning aid programs and grants for parks and recreation
areas, but other grant programs, public works, road and utility
routings, tax and mortgage practices, the proper or improper design
of government facilities, and many other Federal or State
activities have relevance in this respect.
2. Dissemination of knowledge about strong, effective planning
tools and procedures, as such knowledge accumulates. Of particular
Basinwide interest will be the results of the application of Soil
Conservation Service watershed programs in controlling erosion in
urbanizing stream basins in the Washington metropolitan area, and
the lessons learned therefrom. The Geological Survey's
investigations of the resources of the Basin are a continuing
source of essential information for planning. For example, the
studies of the effects of urban development on streams and sediment
will be especially pertinent to land-use planning.
B. The lifelines of the Basin's landscape, its flowing rivers and
streams, badly need protection against rapidly increasing encroachment
along their banks, and should be made more available for public use and
enjoyment. For these purposes, the following measures are strongly
recommended:
1. Prompt legislative author
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