Mangrove trees grow in inlets and lagoons along the U.S. coastline from the Texas Gulf coast to the Florida Atlantic coast. These trees extend wide networks of roots in shallow water and play a major role in reducing damage due to storm surges. Mangroves grow in the form of large shrub-like trees, about 10 feet tall. The area inside a grove cannot be easily navigated on foot and generally smells

Question

unpleasant due to decaying marine life and plants.
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Cutting or damaging mangrove trees is illegal in most areas without special permission, and this fact is advertised with large educational signs at key sites, including public boat ramps and nature areas. Businesses and homes can be built behind a grove of mangrove trees as long as the trees are not disturbed. Studies clearly show that the presence of mangroves reduces the damage done during hurricanes and tropical storms.
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Briefly describe how this situation involves Land-Use Planning, Insurance, the Role of Government, and Public Education in positive ways.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANSWER: The government is acting fairly to keep the mitigating effect of the mangrove trees without otherwise restricting the way the adjacent land is used. This is fair since it reduces danger to a large population without unfairly restricting the use of the land behind the barrier.
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Businesses which need open access to water will have to apply for special permits or locate elsewhere. Local land-use planners can evaluate whether a request to clear mangroves from an area is worth the increased danger. Planners can also designate areas where mangroves do not grow as sites of marinas or other businesses that require access to water.
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The placement of signs in many areas explains to the general public why the trees are important, even though they are not a pleasant place to walk, and have an unpleasant smell. The public is more likely to support protection of mangroves when they understand their importance in preventing damage from hurricanes.
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Insurance companies will understand that properties protected by mangroves can be expected to suffer less loss in a disaster. The companies may encourage the government efforts, or offer better rates to businesses and homes in protected areas. They will also benefit by having a lower chance of a disaster reaching an unexpected cost.