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Show PART IV MEANS FOR MEETING NEEDS The need for development in the region is based on the water and related land resource problems and projected economic activity. Because many of the watershed problems are related either to high intensity thunderstorms or to heavy spring snowmelt, the restoration efforts must be directed toward treating the problems resulting from excessive surface runoff. Ground cover and infiltration are two of the key factors which determine the amount of runoff. The applicability of the various tech- niques used to control runoff is governed by the land category and use. All lands have a natural productivity potential and a natural rate of erosion based on conditions undisturbed by man* Before any program is initiated, the present situation of the watershed must be determined. This includes an inventory of the physical and nonphysical factors to rank the watersheds and establish priorities. Upon determining priorities, additional information and data is required on soils, vegetation, water, erosion stability, damages, and climate from which watershed objectives are identified. Various physical alternatives are proposed to accomplish the objectives and these alternatives subjected to an economic analysis. Based on the analysis and other management criteria, the most desirable alternative is selected and subjected to a total priority ranking for programming. The recommended watershed management program will require continua- tion and expansion of the present land treatment practices and measures described in Part II of this appendix. Since there are variations in financing and administering watershed programs, the data are presented by private and federal lands. Measures to Reduce Severity State and private land Forest and Rangeland Stabilization of critical erosion areas are projected for 180,423 acres and includes stabilizing roads, trails, and mined areas. Sheet erosion control (watershed tillage), which includes contour furrowing and trenching, ripping, pitting, and terracing, is projected for 272,913 acres and will provide means to hold greater quantities of water where the precipitation falls and reduce runoff. 51 |