Change, both natural and man-induced, is a significant and defining element of the Coastal Zone. Man-induced change, by definition, can be controlled if desired. The work of nature, however, is altered and modified with much more difficulty, if at all, and attempts to do so commonly lead to unintended results. Prudent use and adequate management of the Coastal Zone must consider natural changes.

The Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) encompasses over 12,000 square miles of southeast Texas (fig. 1). It is an area undergoing rapid development and population growth due to the presence of vast agricultural, mineral, and energy resources, expanding industrial activity, and diverse recreational areas. Planning is particularly critical in the HGAC to ensure orderly development.