IT is one of Scotland's most picturesque regions, where its natural beauty at times appears a self-destructive lure. Not before time - nearly five years, to be precise - the authority behind Scotland's first national park will today see a management blueprint setting out its stall for the next five years become reality.

The future governance of Loch Lomond is an evolving concern, but the blueprint expected to be rubber-stamped by the Scottish Executive this afternoon makes significant inroads. The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority's (NPA) masterplan outlines its policy stances on a spectrum of issues, such as biodiversity, leisure arrangements, and cultural event management.

Though welcome, the plan is far from comprehensive. Much of the NPA's time and energy has been subsumed in the redrafting of its by-laws - also expected to be approved - often to the detriment of other strategy concerns.

The authority is only now beginning the process of drawing up its local plan, which will set out its guidelines surrounding the planning system process. Other projects have been put on hold due to the sensitive nature of how to manage loch users.

Privately, however, it is believed management at the NPA insist any further delays in bringing forward its revised by-laws would bring a furious backlash. Even so, many remain unappeased following the latest developments.

The balance of conservation versus commerce has preyed long on the minds of the authority, and despite all its work, it does not look set for an amicable resolution any time soon.

The waters of Loch Lomond have not been as still in recent years as they once were. Increasingly, users of high-powered craft are taking to the loch at excessive speed, damaging the natural environment and infuriating residents and other visitors.

The number of jetskis used has more than trebled in the past 15 years, with a drastic drop in the number of windsurfers and yacht users. The NPA intends to "reduce the environmental effect of motorised recreation," countering users of jetskis and speedboats.

Key to this is its revised by-laws. There will be an increase in the area of the loch governed by speed reduction zoning of 8%. Nearly a third of its waters will be covered by the 11km/h zone, mostly around the east shore and the mouth of the River Leven.

But that, in the eyes of many, is scarce provision for more sedate pursuits. James Freeman, an angler for the past quarter decade, said yesterday he believes the NPA has blatantly failed in its foremost priority - to conserve its natural and cultural heritage.

"The park authority is putting peoples' lives at risk," he said. "It is formally promoting these high-speed watersports in the name of commerce, which is leading to the destruction of the habitat and the tranquillity of Loch Lomond.

"I have foreign tourists coming up to me on the loch's shores asking why on earth jetskiers and speedboat users are allowed. It is sad that I have to reply that not only are they allowed, but actively encouraged."

As revealed by The Herald today, the NP7A's new legal powers, brought into force after close talks with the Crown Office, means it now has the same legal authority as the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and NHS Scotland Counter Fraud Services. It represents a significant step in how antisocial behaviour is dealt with, but doubts remain as to its effectiveness.

Since the NPA's formation, the number of prosecutions resulting from offences committed on Loch Lomond has not gone beyond single figures, a trend some believe will continue.

Sources close to NPA ranger staff indicated yesterday that a section of users of high-powered craft on the loch are convicted criminals. Intimidatory figures, the rangers have in the past adopted an unwritten rule of not approaching such individuals.

The problem of corroborating evidence has also led to faltered prosecutions - but with a new patrol boat, complete with video surveillance, due to be introduced in April, that may change.

Furthermore, like many others in Scotland, fiscals' offices in Stirling and Dumbarton are overworked. Even with new powers, the legal system has much to occupy its time.

The issue of how best to marry environmental protection and a vibrant tourism culture lies at the heart of the NPA's plans for not only the loch itself, but the communities which surround it.

In recent years, certain communities within the authority's geographic domain have felt swamped by tourists, especially during the peak summer season. It is not the rallying call of a few "Nimby" groups, but a plea from villages which cannot cope.

The theme is one recognised by the NPA. Its report concedes that, in some areas, "future increases in use could result in unacceptable conflict and resource damage". As such, it is now actively pursuing a policy whereby "new recreation opportunities" be "actively discouraged" in certain locales.

In places like Rowardennan, Balmaha and Arrochar, the NPA says there is too much recreational activity during summer months, with intervention required to manage visitor levels.

Such a strategy, the NPA says, is not intended to cull visitors, but to redirect them to less pressurised areas within its boundaries.

Around Loch Lomond, the NPA's name has not enjoyed the best of reputations. Not surprisingly, the plans were being thoroughly scrutinised yesterday.

Jim MacDonald, past chairman of the Loch Lomond Association, who has been threatened by youths with knives and syringes around the loch, believes the rangers' revised legal resolve is to be welcomed, but has doubts as to whether reports of offences will be rigorously pursued.

"It's deplorable that the NPA has taken a softly, softly approach to antisocial behaviour," he said. "These changes must be given a sceptical welcome. If more extreme cases of criminal behaviour can be prosecuted and highlighted, it's a good thing. There's been a pathetic number of prosecutions, and I just hope the NPA and the fiscals have the willingness to change that."