OCR Text |
Show panded. Measurements on Arrowrock, Bonneville, Fern Ridge, and Cottage Grove Reservoirs have been made. A complete survey of all the major reservoirs- and an adequate sampling of the others are needed. Investigation is also needed on effect of land-use practices on flow; the return flow from irrigated lands; reduction of water losses in irriga- tion; best use of overflow lands; methods of erosion control; land-use practices on new lands; forest management in relation to snow accumulation and melting; and other items. Data on the natural cover and its condition have been obtained on a reconnaissance basis. Much more information will be needed in order to deter- mine how many and where wildlife refuges should be established or to determine whether projects planned vvill have an adverse effect on the wildlife. However, much study is being given to the migra- tory fish problem. On the socio-economic side, data are still meager. Changes In population, industry, and markets have come about rapidly during the war period. The 1950 census will provide much additional data, but much of this information will have to be compiled and analyzed further on a basin rather than a State basis to nfake it most useful in meeting the problems of the iirea. More specifidjdata are needed on the industrial cofisumption olfwater. This will vary greatly as between types of industry and may prove to be most important as industries in the basin develop. Other data on manufacturing programs, rate of expansion, and employment are needed, as are comparable data for agricultural development. Data on employ- ment obtained at present are not being collected on a uniform basis, making it difficult to assemble com- parable State or basin figures. Income estimates on a county basis, as in most other parts of the country, are lacking. These data will be useful not only to business interests in the region but to commercial establishments throughout the Nation engaged in the manufacture or distribution of a wide variety of goods. Conclusion Deficiencies in basic data exist in every field which relates to planning a complete regional water re- sources program for the Columbia. Data for indi- vidual projects have been more nearly adequate. Every effort should be made to accelerate the col- lection of data and minimize the need for making fundamental decisions like the lower Columbia fisheries agreement without adequate background information. Extensive data collection on a pro- gram as well as a project basis, and on a socio-eco- nomic as well as a physical basis, should be an essen- tial part of the planning procedure in future activity. The following data collection tasks seem especially worthy of emphasis for the near future: (1) Ecology of migratory and nonmigratory fish under the new conditions likely to prevail along the river, and means of adapting fishery production to the highest beneficial uses of Columbia Basin water. (2) Hydrologic data, particularly on tributaries where significant developments are possible. (3) A soil and land-use inventory, to determine land capabilities. (4) Means of watershed treatment and manage- ment. (5) Information of all types on the relation of Canadian water resources of the basin to the United States program. (6) Possibilities for development of local small- project irrigation projects by private or small-group enterprise. (7) Assessment of water pollution in affected areas. (8) Study of effects of sedimentation. Provision, furthermore, should be made for con- tinuing investigation on: population trends, em- ployment and income trends, transportation de- mands, and national and regional requirements for agricultural products. 2. The Proper Rate for Future Construction of Facilities to Provide Water for Irrigable Lands The Problem Addition of new irrigated land in the basin and the policy to prevail in determining the rate of development. The Situation Establishment of a rate for future additions to the irrigated land of the Columbia Basin involves so many imponderables that it cannot be deter- mined exactly. On the one hand are almost certain needs for increases in agricultural products within the region and within the Nation. On the other hand, there are serious uncertainties as to the return to be expected for the effort involved in further irrigation development as compared to other means of food and fiber production. The 55 |