Ecological River Basin Management.

Addressing the Seventh American Water Resources Conference, Washington, D. C., October, 1971, Anthony Wayne Smith, President, National Parks and Conservation Association, presents an expose on how rivers should be managed by methods which restores and preserve the natural life balances of the localities and regions through which they flow. The outmoded and destructive objectives of water resources management currently practiced by government agencies and regulated utilities is duscussed in relation to technological advances. The big dam system is attacked, together with the system of water management which it presupposes. This includes such aspects as irrigation, reclamation projects, hydroelectric power, flood control, water supply, pollution abatement, navigation, low-flow augmentation, and recreation. To prevent pollution, strict regulations which will equalize costs are necessary. Also, a complete reversal of present river basin management policies by public agencies, public utilities, and private business is called for. The concept of full development, expressing modern preoccupation with technology and engineering, must be changed to an approach of ecological management. Management and development which will supply all human needs can and must be provided by methods which are compatible with the preservation of the life environment. (BL)