been completed and its intrinsic natural values

 have been more clearly delineated."

 Housing, horseracing and commercial establishments

could be planned in the Bovoni-Nadir area in a manner con-

sistent with the continued healthy existence of the Mangrove

Lagoon -- if its preservation were deemed desirable govern-

ment policy. Me cannot justify destruction of the Mangrove

Lagoon by over-developnment deemed necessary to accomplish

alternate critical land or water user and with the possible

exception of the proposed jetport, none of the existing or

proposed land use schemes is absolutely essential at the

site. Whether the jetport is built or not, the Mangrove

Lagoon will be lost -- is presently being lost -- by de-

fault because the appropriate policies and priorities have

not been yet assigned.

 If there is a decision to preserve the area in a state

close to the natural, then immediate action is needed to

develop a management plan to ensure proper protection and

preservation. In some instances, remedial action may he

necessary. It cannot be too strongly emphasized that the

present course of development in the Nadir and Bovoni area

is inconsistent with the maintenance of the Mangrove Lagoon

in the natural state.

 Decisive planning for use of the Lagoon itself is just

as important, although less pressing, or the area,too, will


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