WSP10783

• File Number: 8131.400
• Description: Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 7/18/1968
• Author: SEWCD
• Title: Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors - July 18 1968
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Board Memo

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RECORD OF PROCEEDINS

USFS. - SNOW FENCE PROGRAM:

President Nichols introduced Tony Skufca, Supervisor, San Isabel National Forest,
who in company with his associates Howard Wertsbaugh and Walt Litwicki, presented
a very interesting and detailed report on a Snow Fence Study Program which is being
carried on in the vicinity of Independence Pass.

Mr. Wertsbaugh explained that the water barometer watershed study has the following
objectives:

1. Provides basis for water management on hydrologic behavior.

2. Is a bridge between research and practical application.

3. Proving ground for predictions and practice.

4. Affords appraisal of the cost- benefit ratio.

5. Provides a training area.

He stated the Lske Creek Study is one of 50 watersbed studies in tbe United States, and
incorporates the Alpine and sub-Alpine aspects. He observed that the knowledge and
information gained will be applied to other forests, as will the results of the other 49
studies be made available to the areas served by the San Isabel National Forest. He
stated the area under study provid~s an average of 78, 000 Rcre feet of water a year,
with an annual precipitation of 32 inches, and all readings are placed on computer tape
for easy use and long-range projections.

Wertsbaugh reported there are 2.3 miles of snow fence in the study area, and results
will be tabulated during the next few years. Beise asked if studies comparing the cost
of the project to increased or delayed run-off had been prepared. Wertsbaugh stated
this is a part of the on-going study. He reported that in other studies, run-off had
been increase~ by the following:

1. Fraser - 25%; Wagonwheel - 16%; California - 40%; and Oregon _ 12-28%.

Young asked who will own the increased water, Federal or State? Wertsbaugh acknow-
ledged that this also is being studied by the proper authorities. Hutchinson asked
whether the studies include the role livestock play in watershed management, Werts-.
baugh said this is being studied. Young asked if the program is adequately funded,
and the answer was that sufficient funds are available for the conduct of the program
but that man power is in short Bupply due to budget restriC:tions. Thp Directors were
most complimentary of the thoroughness of the report, and of the program, and indi-
cated a great interest in its relationship to the total water program in the Arkansas
Valley.

LAMAR REQUEST:

President Nichols stated that Project Manager Ogilvie and General Manager Thomson
are working up figures on cost to Lamer. which will be presented to City Officials
in order that they might determine their financial ability for inclusion in the District.
Nichols observed that the Officials in Lamar will have to analyze the total cost and
suggest a repayment program to the Board. Wagner observed that concern on the part
of Lamar Officials is how rapidly they will have to pay the back taxes.

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