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~ 00 cr-: CHAPTER I c.. GENERAL INFORMATION Organization Pursuant to the U. S. Department of Agriculture MemorandUl1l of Understanding between the Soil Conservation Service, Forest Service, and Agricultural Research Service dated February 2, 1956, a USDA Field Advisory Committee, Colorado River Storage Project was established. The committee is composed of a representative from each of the above-mentioned agencies and a member representing the concerned state agricultural colleges. Principal duties of the committee are to maintain appropriate liaison and facilitate coordination of activities by the respective services and the state agricultural colleges in the survey. Field relationships vith the Bureau of Reclamation and other interested state and federal agencies are also a responsibility of the committee. A USDA Field Party, working under direction of the USDA Field Advisory Committee and operating within a plan of work dated August 22, 1956, is headquartered at Salt Lake Ci ty, Utah. The party is responsible for the Collection and analysis of data and the preparation of this report. Description of the Area Location and Physical Features The Smith Fork project is located in the southeast corner of Delta County, Colorado. Project lands lie on Grandview Mesa, upper Smith Fork Basin, along Cottonwood Creek and in small scattered tracts in the lover Smith Fork Canyon. They begin in the Missouri Flat area of the upper Smith Fork Basin approximately 5 miles northeast of the town of Crawford and extend along Cottonwood Creek for approximately 10 miles, terminating near the North Fork of the Gunnison River above the town of Hotchkiss. They also extend about 12 miles west. from the town of Crawford along Grandview Mesa. Elevation of project lands varies from approximately 5,500 to 7,200 feet. The Smith Fork o( the Gunnison River heads in the high peaks of the West Elk Mountains and flows westward through a deep narrow valley to its confluence with the Gunnison River approximately 15 miles west of the town of Crawford. From here, the Dunnison River flows in a northwesterly direction and joins the Colorado River near Grand Junction. Irc;m Creek drains into Smith Fork one-half mile southwest of Crawford. Cottonwood Creek flows through the project area and is a tributary of the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Project lands are within the boundary of the Delta Soil Conservation District, organized May 1, 1951, and are privately owned. - 1 -