-----The Ordinamiento Ecologico (OE) is a legal instrument for the planning and regulation of economic activities in a delineated area, with specific emphasis on the protection, conservation, and restoration of critical ecological areas. In the case of Costa Custodio, we have been fortunate in that a group of responsible developers has requested the implementation of an OE for the watershed affecting all of Costa Custodio. Also, up until the time that the OE becomes state and county law, the Governor of Nayarit has placed a Moratorium on any land use changes which go counter to the proposals in the OE, effectively giving these proposals the force of law immediately. -----The document itself is over 100 pages in length, and in Spanish, but we will attempt a short synopsis of the most critical points. Shown below is a map of the Costa Custodio watershed together with the propsed land use categories.

-----The study was performed by teams of researchers form various disciplines from the University of Nayarit, and the University of Mexico. They began with a detailed description of the area, including climate, geology, hydrology, current land uses, flora and fauna, social structure, local economy, and others. Various teams of investigators worked in the field over a period of two months. . -----The area investigated is shown in the adjacent map, covering an area of 2300 hectares, or about 5500 acres. Within this area were registered 4 plant species and 67 animal species which are under some form of legal protection either because of their rarity or loss of critical habitat. It is toward the protection of these species that the specific regulations governing land use have been proposed. -----The most severe restrictions have been applied to the beach and estuary. The most significant are: 1. -----Average density of residences to be one per 2000 square meters, or one-half acre. The units can be clustered nearer the beach to allow for more open space near the estuary. 2. ------No masonry walls will be allowed, to allow for passage of wildlife. 3. ------No buildings taller than 10 meters. No more than 4 bdrms, or more than 4100 sq ft. 4. -----All utilities will be underground except for the main electrical line to the back of each development. 5. ------No permanent construction within 40 meters of mean high tide. 6. ------No motorized vehicles on beach or in the estero. 7. ------Only septic systems with enclosed biofiltration will be allowed. -----We have had a good response from the local communities and both the University and the State of Nayarit environmental agencies have done and will continue with a public relations program to facilitate the implementation of these restrictions into law. -----The Ordinamiento Ecologico is a milestone in our continuing effort to create a "planned" community surrounded and part of an ecological reserve.

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