OCR Text |
Show other objectives must also be considered. The Region, for example, contains underdeveloped areas, areas of economic depression, and, in many cases, immobile work forces. Providing jobs and income to resi- dents of these areas should be considered an important objective of the Region. Projections point to the concentration of population in a few large metropolitan centers in the Region, consequences of which should be explored. Studies which form the basis for evaluating alternative courses of action to meet such objectives, therefore, become an integral part of the comprehensive plan for development of the Region*s resources. Archeological and Historical Investigations A systematic, Regionwide investigation and assessment of the character- and significance of the archeological and historic resources is needed as the basis for deciding what should be preserved for future generations, what should be investigated and salvaged prior to destruc- tion by project activities, and which sites may be allowed to be destroyed, Ecological Research Some threatened natural environmental damages are obvious and dramatic, and have already caused some important water-oriented projects to be abandoned, relocated, or redesigned. The more subtle, and perhaps equally significant, changes in the ecological spectrum have not been addressed or even recognized, in many instances, for lack of manpower and expei-t knowledge. A more detailed and precise picture of the ecolog- ical effects of water development is needed. Greater sophistication must be a-chieved to insure that the less obvious damages are avoided and the less obvious enhancements are achieved. Impacts far removed from the project a,rea must also be considered in evaluating their effects on the total environment. HydroclinLatic Data Networks Requirement The nature and extent of basic data requirements are dependent upon the logis-tics involved in a particular study being undertaken. In general, most studies will require measurement of hydroclimatic data such as precipitation, temperature, evaporation, solar radiation, soil moisture, and snow water equivalent. Various water and air quality parameters will also require observations or monitoring. Existing net- works wilj. require rapid expansion and funding for proper quality con- trol of t2ie data. The required basic data of various Federal, State, local, and. private programs should envision an integrated network for observing or monitoring the environmental data. 128 |