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<br />The Arapaho and Roosevelt Forest Planning Team found that 11 of the 112 <br />Prescription Watersheds were producing higher than acceptable levels of <br />sediment, and the decision has been made to improve water quality in these <br />watersheds.. In addition to the decision to .improve water quality, the <br />Arapaho and Roosevelt Plan contains this statement which I think sums <br />up what will be a part of every Forest Plan as it relates to water <br />quantity: <br /> <br />"To locate all vegetative manipulation projects to achieve <br />the greatest increased water flow consistent with other <br />multiple use objectives." <br /> <br />The Arapaho and Roosevelt Forest Planning process did not result in a <br />decision to maximize water yields. This does not mean that at some future <br />time, given a different set of circumstances, the decision could not be <br />made to give greater emphasis to water production. If such a decision <br />is made in the future, we estimate it could result in a sustained annual <br />production of about 10,000 acre feet that over time would result in a <br />cumulative increase of 147 thousand acre feet per year; <br /> <br />I've brought along copies of draft water yield improvement prescriptions <br />which will be a part of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Plan. <br /> <br />SUMMARY <br /> <br />To summarize my remarks this morning, these are the points I would like <br />you to remember as you del iberate and plan for future water resources <br />of the Pacific Southwest. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />1. My remarks today have been confined almost exclusively to what's <br />happening in Forest Service planning in the Rocky Mountain Region. <br /> <br />Similar activities are also going on in the other three Regions, <br />but it's too early to begin adding up the water score from all <br />four Regions. The picture you would get would be more confusing <br />than hel pful . <br /> <br />2. Regional and Forest Planning still have a ways to go in the process <br />before the hard decisions are made and the course of management set <br />for the future. We consider you partners in the process and <br />welcome your continued support and constructive critique at any <br />time. <br /> <br />3. I've tri ed to emphas i ze the fact that water is but one of the <br />many resources the Forest Service is charged with managing. We <br />think it's important and will try to blend it appropriately into <br />a pattern of management which correctly addresses the public needs. <br /> <br />C-6 <br />