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Show Satisfying future demands for fish and wildlife resources will also require that 11.8 million acres of selected areas consisting mostly of public lands be managed to yield maximum fish and wildlife values. The areas would be managed with emphasis directed to the production of fish and wildlife, with appropriate consideration of compatible or complementary uses. The construction of access facil- ities and numerous wildlife watering facilities is included in the fish and wildlife program. Electric Power Electric power requirements are expected to increase by forty- fold between 1965 and 2020. These requirements will need to be met partially by construction of power facilities within the Region and partially by imports from other areas. The regional water require- ment for power production would increase from 9»6OO acre-feet in 1965 to 43^,700 acre-feet by year 2020. The increased water use would be supplied largely by imported water supplies. Environmental Considerations The comprehensive nature and interrelationship of environmental problems have recently become widely recognized. The Region*s rapid population growth rate, its concentration in only a few locations, the fragile nature of the desert environment, and the extremely limited water supplies require that particular attention be given to the environmental impacts which may occur as the result of develop- ment necessary to insure the well-being of the people of the Region. Such considerations have been of paramount concern to planners in nearly every phase of the framework studies. Main items of concern include: preservation of cultural, scenic, and natural values; protection and management of land resources; safeguarding the quality of water supplies; maintenance of the agricultural environment; enhancement of fisheries; and the preservation of wildlife habitat. Recommendations It is recommended that the comprehensive framework program for the Lower Colorado Region, as outlined in the report, be adopted as a guide in continuing the planning processes and in formulating specific projects to satisfy water, related land, and environmental development needs. Summary of Projected Demands and Framework Program Table A-2 summarizes the Region's gross demands for water-related functions and services. Table A-3 summarizes the regional framework program for the development of water and related land resources needed to satisfy projected requirements, and Table A-4 shows the needs unmet by the framework program. xiii |