OCR Text |
Show authorized to limit the number and kind of stock that may be grazed each year on any state land leased for grazing purposes. A land use program for flood control prevention has for many years been in progress on federal lands under the administrative control of the Forest Service, and other agencies. Also, under Public Law 566, Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act of 1954, which was recently amended to facilitate this activity by easing requirements by the state or local groups, the Department of Agriculture through the Soil Conservation Service can cooperate with the state or local organization in the retention or prevention of erosion and rain runoff floods. There has been a tendency for many years for owners of land bordering on rivers or creeks to encroach upon the stream channels with buildings, bridges, and roads, and to permit the channels to fill with debris. The Jordan and Lower Provo Rivers are good examples. The result is that in time of flood, it is impossible to confine the stream in its channel. The committee believes that the counties and cities have authority under the present statutes to control the use of private lands along river channels so as to minimize flood dangers. Such statutes are well within the police power. Appropriate county and city ordinances should be enacted to prevent private encroachment upon stream channels. The Construction of Flood Control Works. There is no state agency authorized to participate in the planning or construction of the flood control works. Such work as has been done in this state has been the responsibility of the Army Engineers, the Forest Service, and the Soil Conservation Service, and such local organizations as cities, counties, flood control districts, and soil conservation districts. However, there is need for a state official to coordinate the efforts of such agencies and local organizations. Emergency Regulation of Existing Facilities. There are existing reservoirs on nearly all major streams in the state of Utah which have been con- - 25- |