For many people, wetlands are just an obstacle to development. Community involvement in planning and resource development policies and decisions is not well developed. This is partly because the area is rural, with a widely scattered population, and undefined neighborhoods. Also, rural communities that are well developed have not been involved. Thus local residents have a long way to go just to establish local community organizations, let alone become involved in policies and politics.
Development brings many economic opportunities.
Both local government s and citizens have conveyed a strong sense of desire to realize these without a universal suburban development. However, current zoning, land regulations, and use of incentive-based options are not achieving this goal. Property rights are a major issue for development planning, and, as yet, have prevented solutions that enable growth to be managed in ways that maintain the quality of life and the rural economy. Finally, differences between St. Mary's and Charles County governments need to be recognized, while seizing opportunities to expand on similarities. The low level of community involvement must be increased.