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<br />considered if concrete lining were determined to be infeasible. The plan <br /> <br />proposes lining all the east side canals and laterals, involving 58.9 miles <br /> <br />of canals and 195.4 miles of laterals. More than 2,000 structures would <br /> <br />be replaced along the canals and laterals as needed. <br /> <br />An earth-lining alternative will be evaluated as a part of the con- <br /> <br />tinuing feasibility studies. These studies are expected to indicate <br /> <br />whether suitable materials are available and if this alternative is <br /> <br />cost-effective and acceptable to the water users. <br /> <br />In addition, the plan would include purchase of about 2,100 acres of <br /> <br />livestock grazing land along the Uncompahgre River where development <br /> <br />would not aggravate the salinity problem. This land would be developed <br /> <br />to mitigate losses to wildlife resulting from lining the canals and <br /> <br />laterals. Development would consist of creating parking areas and 50 <br /> <br />acres of shallow ponds; installing perimeter fencing, signs, and vault- <br /> <br />type sanitary facilities; constructing 3 miles of gravel roads; and 100 <br /> <br />acres of plantings. Deer escapes would also be included in one of the <br /> <br />canals as a part of the mitigation plan. <br /> <br />The Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association would continue to <br /> <br />maintain and operate the system. A new OM&R contract similar to that <br /> <br />with the Grand Valley Water Users Association for the Grand Valley Unit <br /> <br />would be negotiated and signed before construction begins. The contract <br /> <br />would prohibit "saved" water, or water conserved as a result of lining <br /> <br />the canals and laterals, from being used on presently nonirrigated land. <br /> <br />The contract would also encourage water conservation on presently irri- <br /> <br />gated land. <br /> <br />Conveying winter water for stock is not recommended if the canals <br /> <br />are concrete lined. Where winter flows are passed in concQeQelIlQe! <br /> <br />20 <br />