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Show PART II DESCRIPTION OF REGION and San Rafael Rivers in eastern Utah. These streams are fed by numerous headwater lakes. The Great Divide Basin has only one stream with perennial flow, a few perennial lakes, and numerous intermittent or dry lakes and streams. It does not contribute to the water resources of the region ex- cept for a small amount of internal use. The largest towns in the subregion are Rock Springs and Green River in Wyoming, Vernal and Price in Utah, and Craig, Steamboat Springs, and Meeker in Colorado. The subregion is well served with transportation facilities. Inter- state 80 crosses the plains of southern Wyoming and U.S. kO crosses the northern Colorado and Utah parts of the subregion. In addition, Inter- state 70 passes through the southern part of the subregion in Utah. A net- work of state highways and local roads connect towns of the area. The main line of the Union Pacific Railroad crosses southern Wyoming. The main line of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad passes through Price in Utah, and a branch line serves Steamboat Springs and Craig in Colorado. Mineral development is the major industry of the Green River Subre- gion. Oil and natural gas are of primary importance. Also of major im- portance are coal, gilsonite, asphalt, and trona (soda ash). Vast reserves of oil shale are present and offer potential for large future industrial development s. Agriculture ranks near mineral production in importance to the local economy. Agricultural development is centered around livestock produc- tion, primarily beef cattle and sheep. Because of a short growing season, crop production is limited largely to small grain, hay, and pasture. These crops are used as winter livestock feed and complement the vast areas of pmblic grazing lands administered by the Forest Service and Bu- reau of Land Management. Forestry and timber-based industries are a significant segment of the local economy. Nine million acres of the subregion are forest or wood- lands and h.ave a direct effect on the local economy. Many of the rural communities are dependent on the forests for their livelihood through the lumber and -wood industries, management and protection of the forests, or forest recreation. Recrea-tion is increasingly important to the economy. Large numbers of vacationers are attracted by the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and the Dinosaur National Monument, as well as by several national forests and other public lands with outstanding recreational opportuni- ties. Also popular as recreation spots are numerous state parks, private developments, and winter sports areas. |