OCR Text |
Show will probably continue to be in the Gila Subregion where recycling of water results in the progressive concentration of salts that ultimately accumulate in the ground-water reservoir. Further studies are needed to determine the extent and rate of water quality degradation to be expected under various operating condi- tions, to examine the alternative solutions to the problems, and to evaluate the consequences of various alternative levels of water quality control measures. Table 9 illustrates the effects of water quality control measures included in the framework program. Land Use and Watershed Management The framework program includes a variety of structural and manage- ment measures designed to maintain and/or increase the productive capa- bility of* the land resource base, increase the efficiency of water use, reduce production costs, decrease damaging peak runoff, improve the timing, quality and quantity of water yield, stabilize streamflow, and decrease sediment yield. The land requirements were based upon the translation of water and related Land resources to satisfy short- and long-term needs within the Region. With the exception of those uses not dependent upon productive capability, failure to install an adequate land treatment and management program would substantially increase the land requirements, increase production costs, and adversely affect environmental quality. The land treatment and management program for cropland will make it possible to meet the projected increases in demands for food and fiber production at a reasonable cost, while maintaining or improving the productive capability of the land resource base. The erosion, sediment, and runof*f control measures will protect the cropland from damage from these sources, and the associated programs are necessary for the imple- mentation, of the total cropland program. The program will beneficially affect water quality by reducing sediment yield and by keeping farm chemicals out of the water courses and on the cropland where they are needed. Increased use of the rangeland for recreational and other purposes will create protection and management needs that do not presently exist. At the same time, there will be a need for increased forage production from the rangeland because of the significantly increased livestock production projected for the Region. The program for rangeland is designed to protect the land base while satisfying as much of these demands as possible. 108 |