ization, funding, and establishment of
a Potomac National River complex consisting of Federal, State, and
local components to provide a "green sheath" of varying width for
the main stem of the river from Washington to Cumberland, Maryland.
The preservation of this portion of the river and its banks, and
their accessibility, are clearly of importance and warrant such
treatment. The National River, studied and refined in the light of
much government and public comment received since its initial
mention in the _Potomac Interim Report_, is detailed in the
legislative proposal now being considered by Congress.

2. Completion of the long-deferred restoration and improvement of
public facilities along the C. & O. Canal, a project which can be
begun immediately and will mesh with the Potomac National River
proposal, since the Canal will be a part of the proposed River.
Certain of the old C. & O. feeder dams should be rehabilitated or
rebuilt, sections of the Canal rewatered, and better public access
provided.

3. Studies of the Cacapon, Shenandoah, and South Branch Potomac
Rivers to determine the most feasible way to preserve all or
portions of these scenic and important tributaries in a relatively
unspoiled state. Possibilities here are protection under State
legislation, or the establishment of a new Federal category of
pastoral or scenic rivers as a protective measure for streams in
settled regions such as would be authorized under legislation
pending in the Congress.

4. Encouragement of local action to preserve the banks of smaller
free-flowing streams by zoning, park acquisition, or other means.

5. Provision, under auspices of State fish and wildlife agencies or
otherwise, or better facilities for public access to all main
streams--including, where appropriate, roads, trails, parking
areas, boat launching ramps, and public transportation.

C. The historic Potomac estuary, with nearly a quarter of a million
acres of water surface and hundreds of miles of varied and scenic
shoreline, is a rich recreational and wildlife asset as well as a
fisheries resource of enormous value. Even after water quality programs
rescue its upper reaches from the heavy pollution to which they are
presently subject, however, more knowledge will be needed than
presently exists to make certain t