ABSTRACT
To conserve, protect, where appropriate develop and where appropriate restore the resources and benefits of all coastal shorelands, recognizing their value for protection and maintenance of water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, water-dependent uses, economic resources and recreation and aesthetics. There are several ways to define the coastal zone of the United States. Broadly, the coastal zone consists of lands within 50 miles of seacoasts and the Great Lakes. The federal role in the management of coastal areas and resources is largely spelled out in three laws: the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, and the Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982. Communities can conduct an inventory and assessment of coastal resources in the natural resources inventory section of the comprehensive plan or in a separate coastal zone plan. Coastal resources in the comprehensive plan is preferred because the plan provides the legal basis for zoning and subdivision regulations.
