Water issues choices actions Use of funds for printing this quarterly publi- cation was approved by the Director of the Bureau of Budget on December 8, 1966, with approval to publish through December 31, 1971. A major purpose of this publication is to serve as a forum for the open discussion of issues and choices in resolving water resource problems. Views and conclusions expressed or implied do not necessarily reflect the position Comments on topics in this publication are invited. Send to: Editor, Water Spectrum, Civil Works, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wash- First issue of this publication developed by The New Quarterly A Welcome The Corps of Engineers new journal "Water Spectrum" comes at a timely moment when traditional roles and concepts in water resource management are being re-evaluated and questioned. I am pleased that "Water Spectrum" will provide a forum for the discussion and presentation of differing views on important water resource issues and topics. It is a time when new demands and new concepts are emerging. Our responsibility is not only to develop our water and related land resources through sound projects but also to balance development values against the values of preserving and enhancing our environment. An informed and forth-right presentation of views can provide valuable guidance and information that will help focus our thoughts on the important issues and improve the quality of our decisions. Although the Department of the Army has large military responsibilities in many parts of the world, I view our Civil Works activities as one of our most important and rewarding national programs. I hope to join from time to time in the discussion of current and important aspects of our water resource program in the pages of "Water Spectrum." I anticipate that "Water Spectrum" will grow to assume a leading role in the water resource communication field. My best wishes for the success of the new journal. Sunday R. Rear Stanley R. Resor Secretary of the Army An Introduction Water Spectrum is a new quarterly publication of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. A brief discussion of its intended purpose and coverage follows: Water is a resource of central significance to the economic strength and aesthetic integrity of all regions of the United States. The Corps of Engineers, through its Civil Works activities, shoulders the largest program responsibility in the Nation for prudent cultivation of water and related land resources. The task is complicated and becoming more so, principally because of: the urgency of meeting the water requirements for a population increase of 100 million people anticipated by the year 2000; the heightening competition between resource use possibilities, given the requirements of urbanization and industrialization and growing demands for environmental restoration and preservation; the variety of interests and levels of government that are and must be involved in the decision-making processes affecting resource use patterns. Responsible action is required, informed choices must be made in a cooperative fashion and, therefore, effective communication on central issues is essential. This is the basic objective of the magazine-to communicate, to inform, to present a broad range of insights and ideas bearing on water-oriented programs. Effective communication must involve information and commentary flowing in several directions, and the Corps earnestly solicits your continuing reaction to the articles which will appear on the pages of the magazine. Just as its contents are directed to variant water-related interests, the constituent articles will be drawn from many sources, both within and without the Corps. Government officialsFederal, State and local; representatives of concerned groups; teachers and researchers will all assist in portraying the multitude of activities which make up the Nation's water resource program. The Contents page illustrates the course to be followed. The contributions and independent views of guest authors will be regularly featured. In August of this year I will conclude my tour as Chief of Engineers, ending 38 years of rewarding public service. I am sincerely pleased to inaugurate this publication before departing. Lt. General William F. Cassidy Chief of Engineers |