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<br /> <br />o <br /> <br />(.-) <br /> <br />deficient. Respective levels of government tend <br />to operate in an exclusive manner; a policy that <br />results in the greatest Federal and State recre- <br />ation expenditures taking.place outside the metro- <br />politan centers. Based on the priorities and <br />conclusions of this study, the continuation of this <br />policy is inconsistent with the future pattern of <br />recreation needs. The Federal government has re- <br />cognized this need in its new program to bring <br />"parks to people". This.is the recreation impera- <br />tive of the future. <br /> <br />..... <br />..... <br />..... <br />\'.,o;l <br /> <br />fu:twr.e Goa.l6 <br /> <br />Th.e 1962 Report of the Outdoor Recreation Resources <br />Review Commission gave definitive expression to <br />recreation as a sod'!l need .and to the provision of <br />recreation opportunities as a proper and necessary <br />function of government. To this end, recreation <br />development has been recognized as a significant <br />national goal, demanding attention along with such <br />other goals as education and health. The goals <br />outlined in the recent National Environmental <br />Policy Act of 1969 underscore. the Nation's commit- <br />ment to improving the quality of life and of the <br />environment. Provision for recreation opportuni- <br />ties is an important part of that effort. <br /> <br />The preservation of important aspects of our <br />natural and cultural heritage also is a signifi- <br />cant national goal. The.Lower Colorado Region is <br />one of the fastest. growing in the country. Its <br />scenic wonders, open space and other natural <br />amenities are being threatened by the development <br />pressures associated with its rapid growth. If <br />these values are to be saved, the existing pattern <br />of uncoordinated settlement and resource develop- <br />ment must change. New policies and legislative <br />controls are essential. More importantly, a new <br />ethic emphasizing our responsibility as trustees <br />of the environrnent for future generations must <br />underlie our planning and.decision making. <br /> <br />The PMme Need <br /> <br />The prime need is for a new look at our social, <br />economic and environmental goals. The recent <br />interest in ecology and environmental. quality is <br />challenging past assumptions and beliefs. Prece- <br />dent setting legislation guaranteeing environmen- <br />tal rights has been introduced or enacted in a <br />number of States. An "Environmental Bill of <br /> <br />ii <br /> <br /> <br />, <br /> <br />