A broad view must be taken when considering the possible impacts and implications of municipal (urban) activities on a water body because of the high costs and permanence of the actions. This is especially true where an extensive land/water interface exists and the water body is an estuary that functions as an important fishery and wildlife nursery area. When the estuary is an especially important part of a Great Lake, it is essential to consider the ecological complexity and sensitivity of the resource and the long-term damage that could ensue from improper usage and short-sighted decisions.