Home Introduction Physical Setting Urbanization Natural Hazards Mineral Resources Water System Environmental Quality Outdoor Recreation Everglades N.P. Coastal Zone Fish & Wildlife Miccosukee Indians Conclusion References

Geological Survey Investigation I-850 1973
	Contributions from: Geological Survey; Bureau of Mines; Bureau of Outdoor Recreation; National Park Service; Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife; Bureau of Indian Affairs; Resource Management Office, Miccosukee Tribe; University of Miami, School of Medicine, Laboratory of Virology; and Dade County Pollution Control Department
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A major function of the Interior Department since its inception, more than a century ago, has been to collect and disseminate information about the nation's natural resources. Initially, this information was collected primarily to increase understanding of earth resources and support their development. During the last 60 years the Department has placed more and more emphasis on conservation of both our finite resources and the environment of which they are integral parts. Further, as the population has shifted from farm to city, Departmental interests have moved increasingly toward urban concerns.

These changes to meet changing needs have generally been accomplished piecemeal, problem by problem and agency by agency. But ad hoc methods no longer suffice to deal with the complicated interactions among a large and growing population, an expanding economy, dwindling resources, and an ecosystem of limited tolerance. If the Department is to do its part in aiding environmentally responsible development it must organize its information programs more systematically. To some degree this has already been done. Analysis of such difficult matters as bringing Alaskan oil to market, developing electric power from southwestern coal, and providing adequate airport facilities for metropolitan Florida have involved coordinated participation by many elements in the Department. The requirements of such legislation as the National Environmental Policy Act and the proposed Land Use Policy and Planning Assistance Act pinpoint the need for a better national resource and land information system.

Developing an effective environmental information system is no small task, and we are proceeding with care and caution. This folio on south Dade County, Florida, is part of that effort; one of a series of exercises designed to show specifically the need for comprehensive resource and land information in reaching sound solutions to environmental problems, the Department's potential for contributing much of the needed information, and the ways in which the information may be used by planners and decision makers to define and weigh alternative solutions.

The report, an interim one on work in progress is illustrative rather than definitive. As its authors point out, its limitations are manifest; for example, the consideration of alternatives is far from exhaustive and wholly lacks comparative cost analysis. Nevertheless, it is hoped that the report will serve the immediate needs of Dade County planners and managers to some degree, and at the same time suggest to a wider audience the value of a national resource and land information system.

Rogers C. B. Morton
(Former) Secretary of the Interior

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