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Show particularly from improved watershed management practices. Mountain streams and lakes abound in trout, but in the intermediate areas most such fishing is poor because of constantly shifting sediments which de- stroy spawning grounds. At present, practically no management to enhance the fishing resource is un- dertaken on the national forests. The mountain lands provide extensive big game hunting. Deer and elk are abundant, in fact too abundant in places. In the Sangre de Gristo Moun- tains, elk are becoming a serious problem as herds grow too large. Not only are the elk destroying watershed cover in protected areas, but they are competing with the cattle for browse and other forage. Deer also are increasing in population in New Mexico areas, so much so as also to create problems. Migrating out of the mountain areas and deprived by overgrazing of much natural feed, the deer have invaded agricultural lands, destroying fruit trees and other crops. Recreation has grown to sizable proportions in the mountain area. Many camping and other rec- reation facilities have been provided in the na- tional forests. However, the growing pressures for recreation facilities have caused over-use of many of these facilities close to the larger population cen- ters. In consequence, sanitary conditions are de- teriorating with subsequent hazards to the recrea- tionists and others. Conclusions The use of water for municipal and agricultural purposes traditionally has been given priority over fish and wildlife propagation in this semiarid sec- tion. If fish and wildlife and recreation values are to accrue, care must be exercised in their preser- vation and improvement wherever possible. This problem requires that water be salvaged by decreas- ing swamps and open water areas as well as by more efficient use of irrigation water to permit other reasonable fish and wildlife developments which require water. If many marsh areas are to be drained, alternate but smaller water surfaces should be provided for fish and wildlife and recreation. Where conflicts occur, fish and wildlife and recreation interests should initiate appropriate in- vestigation, modify existing restoration, refuge, and propagation facilities or construct new ones to meet the changed and increased demand. In the event that reconciliation cannot be accomplished, final determinations should be made on the basis of greatest beneficial use to the public. Proposed reservoirs throughout the basin should include recreation facilities. Legislation is needed to reconcile conflicting policies relative to the in- stallation of such facilities in all reservoirs. Ex- pansion of outdoor recreation opportunities should be included in all basin programs. Suitable lands adjacent to Federal water projects should be re- served for recreational use. Cooperative arrangements should be worked out with States and local governments in planning, developing, and maintaining recreation areas at public water projects subject to standards to pre- serve general opportunity to enjoy the recreation resources under conditions in harmony with the natural environment. State and Federal agencies interested in the wild- life problems should institute measures looking to the management of big game to enhance its value and to prevent it from becoming a nuisance. The use of natural controls in meeting this objective should not be overlooked. 4. Extent to Which Flood Plain Zoning Is Practicable The Problem Extent to which flood plain zoning can and should be employed to prevent flood damage by restricting vulnerable developments in areas susceptible to flooding. The Situation Local interests in recent years have sought Federal aid in flood protection works pursuant to the Fed- eral policy enunciated in the 1936 Flood Control Act. That protection generally is sought for farm- ing in bottom lands, eliminating flood damage in urban areas, or a combination of the two. Flood plain zoning, basically, is a function of the police power delegated by a State to a political subdivision under which local authorities acting in the public interest exercise reasonable control over privately owned lands in the flood plain without compensa- tion to the land owners. Accordingly, if flood plain zoning is to be accom- plished in connection with a Federal flood control improvement, it must be on a voluntary basis by a county or a city or as compliance by the local politi- 321 |