WSP11971 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

2-10 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ^ t' t) ^ 4~..d 3. Environment~; riparian wetlands and plains ecosystems The ecology of the vicinity of a large ditch is influenced by the quantity and quality of water, and variability in supply. Water use influences the soil, plant, and microclimate characteristics of the land. Irrigated lands and related hedgerows, wetlands, and reservoirs create important ecosystems for the eastern plains. Also derived from the environment are recreation uses and aesthetic beauty, with attendant economic and social benefits, Regional environmental issues include: dryland habitat impacts, including hedgerows and drainage corridors; wetland habitat impacts, including wetlands arising from ditch and lateral seepage, surface waste flows and drains, outcrops of underground return flows, tail water ponds, and return flow fed stock ponds; open water areas, including nesting, resting, and forage habitat for local and migratory waterfowl; possible influences upon endangered species habitat, Recreation issues include: scenic and aesthetically pleasing areas which revert to semi-arid range lands or weedy, abandoned appearing areas; loss lilt cottonwoods and potential planting of replacement trees; land and water based hunting; recreational fishing; swimming and boating, Dryup of irrigated lands remains a significant issue: revegetation of dried up lands is difficult and special plant strains and cultivation techniques maybe necessary. Over a large dried up area characterized by a variety of soil and drainage types, successful revegetation either by natural succession or by intensive husbandry, depends on multiple agronomic factors, A realistic revegetation program consists of adequate allowance for costs, appropriate time period for the revegetation process, and designation of who will ddermine adequacy of the effort, At certain levels of water-borne constituents, agricultural production begins to decline, Agricultural use both disposes of pollutants, adds new pollutants, and concentrates naturally occurring pollutants. The downstream riparian systems receive the upstream irrigator's wastes, although sometimes after substantial time delays, A water transfer changes the historical movement of pollutants, These environmental issues will undoubtedly receive greater attention in future water transfers due to future changes in federal and state environmental regulations and administrative policy, C, Issues for the State of Colorado 1. Administration The Division Engineer and his water commissioners are required to respond quickly to changes in flow due to natural or human causes, e.g" thunderstorms, foregoing of diversions. Flows change daily on the Arkansas River and a loss of a day's water to some ditches can amount to as much as 2000 acre feet or more. The natural stream system and the administration system is very sensitive to changes which occur due to water transfers. Transfers increase the importance of accurate measurement and administration of the river to assure non-injury to water supplies, Technology such as satellite monitoring and better gauges become more important.