OCR Text |
Show PART I INTRODUCTION no further economic use at the time and place of its occurrence. Drain- age data for this appendix were collected from various sources, including such Federal agencies as the Soil Conservation Service, Bureau of Recla- mation, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. The section dealing with the economic aspects of irrigated lands in regard to crop and livestock production, value of their products, and other benefits generated by irrigation, including economic projections of the region's agricultural requirements for allocating future irrigation development, was prepared by the Economics Work Group in cooperation with other appropriate task forces and work groups, Federal agencies, and State agencies. Data pertaining to characteristics of irrigated farms, live- stock numbers, and value of crops, livestock, and livestock products were derived from U.S. Census of Agriculture, 196^-. They are for economic sub- regions and region. Data concerning land use and crop production on irri- gated lands were derived from task force studies based on Hydrologic Sub- regions and region for 1965. Relationship to Overall Study The basic objective of the formulation of framework plans is to pro- vide a broad guide to the best use, or combination of uses, of water and related land resources of the region to meet foreseeable short- and long- term needs. The Irrigation and Drainage Appendix is one of several appen- dixes dealing with a particular phase of water and related land develop- ment, use, or management. It follows the general plan of analyzing the present situation and future requirements for irrigation to provide food and fiber for the target years 1980, 2000, and 2020. Together with the other appendixes, it provides basic data necessary to the formulation of framework plans and subsequent preparation of the main report. History and Background Irrigation has played an important role in the development of the Upper Colorado Region. Irrigation farming constituted the primary means of livelihood for early settlements which were established convenient to readily available irrigation water and good farming land. Most of the region climatically adapted to crop production has such scanty rainfall that many cultivated crops cannot be grown without irrigation. Forage crops, consisting largely of alfalfa and grass hay, irrigated pasture, small grains, and crop residues, occupy an important position among the different -types of crops produced on irrigated lands in the region. These forage crops provide the winter base for the utilization of thou- sands of acres of adjacent rangeland for livestock production throughout the region. |