| OCR Text |
Show uses much water, it will locate near a body of water or where abundant water is available from wells. All large electric power plants, except Diesel plants, for example, must be on rivers or lakes. Large steam generating plants now planned will require in the aggregate as much as 10,000 cubic feet per second for cooling and process water. The plan and operation of reservoirs on tribu- tary streams for low flow regulation will be essen- tial to provide the quantity, quality, and tempera- ture of water necessary for many industries. Mosquito Control Malaria is the insect-borne disease which must be considered in water resources planning in the Ohio Basin. Although this disease is now a po- tential rather than an active problem, provision must be made for mosquito control measures which may be necessary to prevent the spread of this and other diseases associated with water impoundments. Watershed Management Watershed management and related land treat- ment programs are essential elements in the water resources development plan for the Ohio River Basin. A successful program within the basin calls for measures that will maintain and restore the soil productivity, control and regulate surface run- off, and arrest active or accelerated erosion. In planning for a program that integrates all water uses, it is Important to provide for acceleration of those land treatment and watershed protection measures that meet these objectives. Through proper application of such measures, denuded and depleted forest and pasture areas and eroding fa.rm lands will yield more products in keeping with the potential capabilities of the land. Proper maLnagement of watershed areas will im- prove the quality and stabilize the quantity of water available for municipal, industrial, and other pur- poses. The primary goal of land treatment and water- shed management is a healthy and prosperous agriculture capable of providing abundant supplies of food, forage, fiber, and forest products adequate to meet bo-th present and future requirements. In addition to these goals, such a program will help extend the useful life of engineering works, im- prove the recreation potential of the basin, enhance fish and wildlife resources, and reduce silt pollution of streams. Adequate reclamation of areas denuded by strip mining will not only reduce acid pollution and sedimentation of the streams, but will also provide beneficial returns from these lands. The land treatment and watershed management program proposed for the Ohio Basin is essential to stabilize and maintain the agricultural economy; is in line with the agricultural production needs of the region; and is in harmony with the Nation's long time agricultural goals. Fish and Wildlife Each year the progress of civilization further re- duces the limited supply of fish and wildlife habitat available throughout the Nation. At the same time, interest and participation in hunting and fishing is increasing. Hunting and fishing license sales in the United States have nearly doubled since 1939. As population and economic activity con- tinue to increase, the demands for recreation will expand further. Hunting and fishing are popular forms of outdoor recreation, and we may properly expect that more people will take part in these sports. If demands are to be met, it is essential that sport fish and game be increased by extending the habitat area on which they depend. The program for ultimate development and use of the Ohio River Basin water resources should in- corporate means and measures to preserve and in- crease the fish and wildlife resources. Most river basin projects can be readily designed to fulfill this objective. Also, reservoir operation schedules should be compatible, where practicable, with fish and wildlife needs, especially during reproductive seasons. Upland birds and game need as much attention as the fish and wildlife associated with water. State agencies will continue to play an im- portant role in the management and administration of these resources. Recreation Demands for recreation of all kinds are growing. Outdoor recreation seekers are creating increased pressure on all types of facilities, especially during summer months. This is especially true in recrea- tion areas where clean water is available for swim- ming, boating, fishing, and other forms of water sport. A program for full use of water and related land resources must take account of the demands for rec- reation. Multiple-purpose reservoirs in the Ohio 700 |
