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Show Service to regulate the range consistent with that principle by eliminating overgrazing by both domes- tic and wild animals has been resisted strenuously and in general successfully by livestock interests and sportsmen. Means must be found to safeguard the national interest as against those of a minority. Restoration of basin lands despoiled by past and present use will require efforts and facilities costing sums far greater than generally realized. Unless an educational program designed to inform the public of the problem and of the necessary expendi- tures is undertaken successfully, the best intentioned planning will be to no purpose. In spite of the existing agreements there is prospect of controversy between the upper and lower basins over their re- spective -water entitlements. These entitlements are expressed by the Colorado River Compact in terms of "beneficial consumptive use." The upper basin is developing its water resources development plans upon the premise that such uses shall be measured in terms of man-made river depletions at Lee Ferry. California contends that such uses shall be measured at the site of use, and computes that application of the depletion theory would en- able the upper basin to use, under its 7.5 million acre-feet allocation, 800,000 acre-feet more than under the California theory. If this difference should ripen into a controversy, planning for ulti- mate upper basin water resources development may require resolution of the opposing points of view. Within, the lower basin the still unreconciled and differing points of view of California and Arizona as to the availability and use of unappropriated water create an equally important and existing ob- stacle to the realization of potentials. In the ab- sence of an allocation of lower basin water among the States, there is no means by which availability of a firm, water right for any new project can be shown as a part of the planning process. There also remain some elements of controversy concerning the place of recreation facilities and scenic attractions in the development program for the basin. In spite of the Department of Interior's intradepa-rtmental resolution of such conflicts as that between the Green River projects (Echo Park, Split Mountain, Flaming Gorge) and national park preservation, these projects have not yet been ac- cepted by militant spokesmen of park and recrea- tion interests. It is likely that a river basin com- mission, as proposed generally by this Commission for all river basins, would be faced with extended review of these problems and decisions on them. While it is remotely possible that selection of alternative projects could allay this opposition, the substantial economic advantages which most of the controversial projects possess suggest that they can- not be placed in the background easily. Difference of opinion by important groups on basic projects therefore is likely to be an obstacle facing develop- ment until Congress finally has authorized true comprehensive plans for the basin. On the other hand, realization of the most bene- fits from recreational and fish and wildlife oppor- tunities associated with reservoir developments also is faced with opposition. Public appreciation of the significance of recreation resources in the com- prehensive development of the basin appears to be an important prelude to achievement of true comprehensive multiple-purpose use. As in other basins, absence of much needed basic data also may be considered a handicap to develop- ment. These handicaps should not be minimized, for they are among the more formidable to be faced in water resources development in the United States. However, the needs for full use of water in the thirsty basin and by its growing neighbors outside the basin are likely eventually to force further compromise on most of these issues before many years have passed. Probably the most difficult outlook lies in the watershed management field. Some lands may continue deteriorating without forcing a decision which may be considered vital by livestock interests controlling them, or by those who wish large engi- neering works immediately. Such a course, while it may be the easiest for the moment, must be to the inevitable impoverishment of the basin, and incompatible with conservational use of its water and land. 462 |
