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Show None of the watershed management programs in prospect in the water-producing areas at present includes practices to increase water yields or to reduce water losses. Few land use measures have been put into effect specifically to increase the accre- tion of ground water. Many of the roads, especially the minor ones, are contributors to poor water conditions. Because of their design, they are a source of considerable sediment pollution, and often are a source of damaging sediments. Conclusions Land treatment programs in the Central Valley are lagging behind other forms of water resources conservation. A basin-wide watershed treatment program is needed to maintain the full productivity of the soil resources as well as to contribute to more stable stream flow, reduce sedimentation, and pro- vide for more efficient use of water. Such a program would include adjustments in land use in accordance with the capabilities of the land; the application of conservation measures; more adequate range and forest management; better forest fire control; an effective program of wildlife management; adoption of a watershed man- agement plan to insure adequate cover on depleted lands and higher water yields; greater attention to care of cut banks, care of slopes, drainage, and other aspects of road construction; and the public acqui- sition and proper management of some 250,000 acres of watershed lands which because of location, character of topography and soil, and past damage are a liability to the water resources of the basin. A reduction in watershed damage can be obtained by making water resources developments dependent upon State and local participation in the restoration and maintenance of good watershed conditions. State and local interests should also take definite action to permit the reduction of the deer herd to the safe carrying capacity of the forage, and to maintain the game in proper balance with its environment. 5. Rate of Construction and Integrated Operation of Electric Power Facilities The Problem The proper rate of future power development, and the extent to which it is desirable to integrate and coordinate the operation of electric power gen- eration and transmission facilities and to provide adequate interconnections with the transmission facilities of adjacent areas. The Situation Local interests have developed a highly inte- grated electric power system. This system is com- posed of many hydroelectric and fuel-electric gen- erating plants, a transmission network, and distribu- tion facilities. Hydroelectric plants presently pro- vide approximately two-thirds of the total installed capacity in the area. Steam-electric plants, which supply the remaining capacity, are used principally to firm the hydroelectric capacity during dry pe- riods. Most hydroelectric plants are single-purpose projects. During the last 30 years, a number of hydroelec- tric plants have been constructed in connection with dual-purpose or multiple-purpose projects. The power output of such plants is usually subordinated to other purposes. The first such hydroelectric plant was completed in 1922 at the Don Pedro Storage Dam on Tuolumne River. The reservoir is operated by local interests primarily for irrigation purposes. The Federal Government is now engaged in con- structing and operating a number of projects which are major elements in a comprehensive plan for the further control, conservation, and use of the basin's water resources. Hydroelectric power will be gen- erated at most multiple-purpose reservoirs. The demand for electric energy for industrial use, irrigation pumping, and other purposes is increasing rapidly. Preliminary estimates of load indicate that the peak demand on systems in the area will increase from the 2.2 million kilowatts reached in 1949 to about 5.7 million kilowatts by 1970. Addi- tional generating capacity will be required as needs increase. National security considerations also require an adequate power supply for industries and defense installations. To conserve fuel resources, which may be in par- ticularly short supply in times of national emer- gency, it is desirable that as much as possible of the future power supply be provided by hydroelec- tric installations. Because the river flows do not sustain a high hydroelectric output, part of the future supply must be provided by steam-electric plants, to permit most economical operation of the power system. Integration and operation of all major power facilities, both Federal and non-Federal, in a single 135 |
