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Show ago and do not show present cultural detail. Some of the older quadrangle maps contain considerable idealized information. Preliminary plans for reser- voir construction based on these older maps have required serious revisions when more accurate data were obtained. Accurate topographic data are particularly desirable in a densely settled region where relocation of highways, rail lines, and trans- mission lines is part of nearly every project. Precipitation records have been maintained in and adjacent to the basin in a sufficient number of localities, to establish the general variations of pre- cipitation throughout the basin as well as general storm characteristics. These data will serve the general needs of water resources development studies. Stream flow data for some Connecticut Basin streams, kept by mill owners, are available from 1880. These data have been compiled and sup- plemented by the Geological Survey since 1900. This agency now operates 79 stream gaging stations distributed along the Connecticut River and its ma- jor tributaries.8 Stations are now in operation at all existing flood control dams and at or near many of the proposed dam sites. Data on sediment carried by stream flow are sparse. Many areas in the basin are dependent to some extent on ground water for domestic and industrial use. Data on the quantity and quality of the ground water are presently collected in the southern part of the basin and additional information is desirable. Surveys on the number and kind of sources of pollution have been made, but in view of the high degree of industrialization along the river and the many communities concerned, less information is available in usable form than is needed. Rehabilitation and extension of the Connecticut River fisheries is a problem in planning full use of the basin water resources. This involves study of the habitat best suited to the several varieties of fish, including Atlantic salmon, which was formerly native to the area. In addition to abatement of polluted conditions, one of the most pressing prob- lems is that of effecting passage of migratory fish over existing and proposed dams. Basic experi- ments leading to the solution of the latter problem are under way but insufficient data are available to assure success of the methods now being used. Among the types of purely basic information needed for planning full economic development 8 Records are published for 81 stations. and use of water and associated natural resources are local quantities and qualities of land and forest and their effects on watershed efficiency; the dis- tribution and species of wildlife; and location and extent of mineral deposits. Many of these data are lacking. For example, geologic mapping, which provides valuable basic data for many types of engineering, conservation, and resource problems, such as power development, reservoirs, flood control dams, major highway routes, bridge sites, and shore line protection, is inadequate. Less than half of the surface deposits and bedrock area in the basin has been mapped adequately. De- tailed land classifications have been made mostly in the valley bottoms for agricultural purposes, and only scattered soil conservation surveys have been made in the basin. Conclusions While basic data are generally adequate to per- mit first formulation and initiation of a compre- hensive water resources development program, the collection and refinement of such data should be continued and expanded to keep pace with chang- ing conditions and requirements and allow for ad- justment of the program. Especially needed are a full complement of modern topographic sheets, data on draft and replenishment and quality of ground water supplies, data on pollution conditions, and fishery data. Data on which to base the allied pro- gram of development for land and other related natural resources are largely lacking in many in- stances. This deficiency should be eliminated rap- idly to realize a balanced use of all natural resources. 2. Present Status and Need for Comprehensive Program The Problem The need for a comprehensive program for the Connecticut River Basin. The Situation The New England region, of which the Connecti- cut Basin constitutes a substantial part, has a highly developed, mature economy characterized by a high population density, an advanced degree of in- dustrialization, and relatively high per capita incomes. Nevertheless, the region has been lagging behind current rates of national growth in most economic 501 |