| OCR Text |
Show in the otherwise hot and dry desert environment. Adverse environmental impacts of agricultural practices, such as the use of pesticides and fertilizers, will require continued surveillance. Drainage of marsh lands may produce detrimental effects on certain water-oriented ecologi- cal systems. Municipal and Industrial Water The users of municipal and industrial water nearly always have the ability -to pay whatever cost is necessary to divert water from other uses, thus, in the competitive situation, it is difficult to implement environ- mental objectives requiring a water resource base. Major setbacks would likely occur in such programs as fish and wildlife, recreation, scenic, and wild rivers. Water is also necessary to maintain the quality of environment in cities where the welfare of the people ranks highest in priority of consideration. Green lawns, trees, parks, and swimming pools are of even greater importance in the desert environment of the Southwest than in more humid areas. Until an imported water supply is available, the transfer of water from other uses is probable and adverse effects on less essential activities must be anticipated. The facilities provided by the framework program to supply municipal and industrial water present negligible conflict with desirable environmental qualities and, in many instances, such facilities will enhance the environment. Mineral Resources Utilization of the mineral resources of the Region is necessary for the well-being of the people of the Nation. The Region supplies about 60 percent of the Nation's copper and significant quantities of other minerals. Continued exploration and development are necessary if the Region is to continue to supply its share of the national demand. Con- tinued vigilance will be necessary to minimize air and water pollution, scarring of the landscape, and other environmental degradation. Recreation The preservation of high quality recreational environment is one of the primary concerns in the recreation program. Much of the recreation program is dependent on implementation of other elements of the framework program, especially water supply and water quality. The recreation pro- gram provides for a wide range of recreational opportunities which will upgrade the quality of living in the Region. The acquisition, preservation, and management of lands for recrea- tional use range from urban parks to primitive and wilderness areas. Preservation features of the program include archeological and historical values, natural areas, ecology, wild and scenic rivers, and wilderness areas. 120 |
