| OCR Text |
Show topsoil is probably not as high a priority as it would be in more strictly agricultural communities. Moreover, because the valley is not heavily grazed, and for the most part the riparian areas along the Jordan Rivers and its tributary streams are in fair condition, erosion is not a big problem. A few localized areas where erosion problems exist are primarily a result of dry- farm activities. These areas would benefit from the development of a watershed management plan. The following are some of the treatment measures that can be used in the Jordan River Basin to keep, protect and enhance the watershed: • Wildlife management. • Vegetation improvement on cropland, rangeland, pastures, forest land, pasture land, wetlands, riparian zones and other areas. Conservation tillage protection on cropland in the lower watershed coordinated with grazing management. Improved cropping sequences, pasture and hay land management, and proved irrigation systems and management are important. • Structural measures, such as contour trenching, debris basins, gully control, and stream channel stabilization, all in conjunction with vegetation improvement. • Spring areas protected from wildlife by fencing. Watering facilities provided outside the fenced areas. 10.5 Conservation and Development Alternatives A number of water conservation practices could be employed to increase water use efficiencies. These include improving diversion structures, lining high seepage loss canal sections, improved management and converting from flood irrigation to sprinkler or trickle applications. There is, however, no incentive to conserve Jordan River irrigation water. There is sufficient irrigation water for the existing demand and there is no foreseeable need for additional agricultural water. Also, at the present time the cost of treating Jordan River water precludes its use for municipal water. • 10- 5 |
