Reflections two years later 281natural systems as important and people’s uses and dependence on
them as important. It was designed to be implementable as a whole,
or in pieces and over time, and with the pieces fitting logically and well
together.
(F) Aleading water expert pointed out to the public and press that this was
the firstsuchplanwherewaterwasone of the major central themes.
(G) An ecology and land expert made perhaps the most astute observation
when he pointed out that, although the plan as a whole would be diffi-
cult to implement, the new ideas have changed the frame of reference
both for thinking about the region and its natural resources, and for
all future plans ahead.
(H) Finally, what’s the value of doing a plan for such a large complex area
as an urban region? The initial post-plan phase here highlights the fol-
lowing benefits. A plan catalyzes new action, facilitates or accelerates
ongoing action, encourages people with ideas that are consistent with
theplan, discourages proposals not consistent with it, puts new ideas
on the table, highlights different priorities, and changes the frame of
reference for thinking and for future plans. Taken together, the cumu-
lative value even at the initial phase is considerable. Shouldn’t all urban
regions have such plans?