Gated communities are a topic about which many people already have strong opinions. Because emotions run high on both sides of this issue, coastal resource managers may face numerous challenges as they work to protect environmental values, such as public access and community character, while allowing opportunities for market-driven development.
The cover story of this edition of Coastal Services highlights not only the issues gated communities raise directly related to managing our nation's coastline, but also shows how the decisions we make may impact or reflect societal changes. Among the concerns that sociologists have about gated communities is not only that they create physical barriers to access, but that they also can privatize community and civic responsibilities, which could leave little incentive to provide for neighbors or to participate in the larger political system.
It is important as managers for us to remember that we do not make decisions in a vacuum. While necessity mandates that we focus on the proposals in front of us and the regulations that govern our decisions, it is sometimes beneficial to step back and look at how we fit into the bigger picture.
Another way to get a big-picture perspective is to learn how coastal managers from other states and territories are meeting challenges. We here at Coastal Services work to bring you that perspective, but you can acquire it first hand at the Ocean and Coastal Program Managers Meeting held March 23 to 25 in Washington, DC. Sponsored by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, this year's agenda is built around technical assistance, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Another conference for coastal managers is Coastal GeoTools '99. Hosted by the NOAA Coastal Services Center, the conference will be held April 5 to 7 in Charleston, South Carolina. The goal is to help managers make better use of geo-spatial data, tools, and technology.
We encourage you to take advantage of the formal and informal opportunities these conferences provide for professional growth. We look forward to seeing you there.
-- Margaret A. Davidson
