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<br /> <br />o <br />(") <br />',~. :J <br />C,Q <br />c.n <br />r~ <br /> <br />The preservation of important aspects of our natural and cultural <br />heritage is equally a significant !illtional goal. If these values are <br />to be saved, the existing pattern of uncoordinated settlement and <br />resource development must change. New policies and legislative con- <br />trols are es~ential. More importantly, our responsibility as trustees <br />of the environment for future generations must underlie our planning <br />and decision ,making. <br /> <br />The Prime Need <br /> <br />The prime need is for a new look at our social, economic and <br />environmental goals. The recent interest in ecology and environmental <br />quality is challenging past assumptions and beliefs. Federal land use <br />planning legislation has been introduced. Several of the States have <br />recognized the value of at least studying the applicability of State <br />land use planning. State and Federal bills have been introduced and <br />enacted regarding air, land, noise and water pollution. Apparently, <br />a whole new approach to coping with environmental problems is emerging. <br /> <br />Most of this effort has to do with the objectives and goals of <br />the States and the Nation. We have yet, however, to incorporate these <br />goals in our planning and decision making. Currently, programs are <br />largely just~fied from the viewpoint of their multiple purposes. This <br />approach is integrally tied to the benefit-cost method used to evaluate <br />the desirability of a project, justify its costs and assign it a priority. <br />The multiple purposes of projects, whether freeways, urban renewal, water <br />development or flood control are largely based on economic benefits. <br />Goals, on th~ other hand, quite often have to do with qualitative or <br />intangible benefits. The need for open space and desirable patterns of <br />settlement, for instance, are goals that work against certain types of <br />urban expansion .and economic development. Water resource projects, <br />highways and other public works frequently result in growth and increas- <br />ing population. The apparent conflict is real enough but. remains <br />unexpressed. Until open space goals are definitively identified, <br />they cannot be included in the planning and decision making process. <br />We must undertake to identify our goals and make them an integral <br />part of both our planning and action. <br /> <br />11 <br /> <br />, <br />.i <br />