Air Quality, Atmospheric Deposition & Energy Cumulatively enormous amounts of nitrous oxide and sulfur oxide, the most common compounds producing acid rain, as well as mercury, a known carcinogen and threat to human central nervous systems, are released by power plants. Those most likely to be affecting coastal Georgia are in Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee and upstate Georgia - at least two dozen plants are in question. The Center collaborates with other organizations in raising public awareness about the importance of these issues and actions that can be taken to address them. Water Resources Water quality and flow of water in coastal rivers is essential to the coastal environment. The region's quality of life and economy depends fundamentally on the interrelated systems of rivers, estuaries, freshwater wetlands, tidal marshes, and groundwater. With continuing growth throughout the region's five watersheds, there are numerous threats to coastal fisheries, water supply, and ecosystems. The Center is working with its members, other non-profit groups, and public officials to help improve understanding of issues, analysis of conditions, and regulatory protection of water resources. Coastal Watersheds Coastal Management (Resource conservation & assessment, sustainable fisheries, and responsible development) The Georgia Coastal Management Program holds great promise for improving the availability and use of vital information needed to make wise decisions about the use and conservation of coastal resources. Bolstered by the support of federal funding and a comprehensive guiding document, with sufficient public involvement this program could become more effective. We are working in collaboration with other groups to help accomplish this goal through the Coastal Advisory Council and related activities. Jekyll Island Revelopment Issues Jekyll Island Redevelopment Survey In late July, the Center began conducting a brief survey of collaborating non-profit groups to determine: (1) their preferences for the Island's redevelopment, (2) ideas for establishing a process for overseeing that redevelopment, and (3) how the public interest could be protected by using proper tracking and ongoing evaluation. A compilation of survey responses and their respective sources is reported here. Land-Use / Development / Smart Growth Land use and development are inevitable as the coastal population continues to grow. Disturbance of natural landscapes, wildlife habitats, and historic communities can permanently alter the visual and environmental quality that makes this region so appealing. Not all development is equally desirable or destructive. Decisions about how, when, and where to develop can greatly influence the degree to which coastal growth complements or contradicts the public's interest. The Center provides guidance in advising decisionmakers about the benefits and costs of alternative development choices. Environmental Education & Values To achieve significant progress toward ways of living that are more compatible with our natural environment, we must raise awareness about the consequences of our actions - as consumers, workers, and residents. If future generations of coastal Georgians are to enjoy the region's rich diversity of fish, wildlife, and natural landscapes, we must align economic and political motives with those of public interest to realize a sustainable coast. This can only be accomplished through education, and through this education, reconsideration of our basic values. In our newsletter, Works in Progress, editorials, commentary, and public presentations, the Center strives to inform and educate our members, elected officials, landowners, and many others whose actions affect this region's future.