§1222 General study and inventory of estuaries and their natural resources

Summary

The Secretary of the Interior must lead a study and inventory of the Nation’s estuaries, working with States, the Secretary of the Army, and other federal agencies. The study covers coastal marshes, bays, sounds, seaward areas, lagoons, and land and waters of the Great Lakes. It must look at wildlife and recreation use, ecology, value to fisheries, and scenic value; importance for navigation and for flood, hurricane, and erosion control; mineral and submerged‑land value; and the potential for urban, commercial, or industrial development. The work must be done along with the federal estuarine pollution study and other related studies. The study must also decide whether any estuary lands or waters should be bought or managed by the federal government, a State, or a local government, or whether existing laws or other means can protect them without federal buying. By January 30, 1970, the Secretary must send a report to Congress through the President with recommendations, including whether to create a national system of estuarine areas and any specific areas the United States should buy. No land may be bought until Congress approves. Each buy recommendation must include views from affected States, cities, federal agencies, and river basin commissions (submitted within 60 days), the likely effect on any river basin plan or other users, and a discussion of major economic, social, and ecological trends. Up to $250,000 is provided for fiscal year 1969 and $250,000 for fiscal year 1970 to pay for the study; the money stays available until spent.