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." methods are located in 1:l).e vicinity of the major population centers in the county. With the exception of East Elk Creek, they are subject to only intermi 1:tent flow. Potential for development in the areas studied by approximate methods is largely dependent on very uncertain advances in the technology of extracting oil and gas from shale deposits in 1:he region. .... J In general, the history and development of Garfield County can be separated into three tirne periods that reflect a major, but non- exclusive, economic era.. From about 1880 to 1900, mining activity flourished and created an incentive for development of railroads and the service activities supported by' the wealth from mining. By 1886, however, agricultural production resulted in the formation of connnunities at Silt, Rulison, Grand Valley, and Rifle. In the 1890s, Glenwood Springs emerged as a resort center, with the devel- opment of popular mineral hot spring spas. At present, the economy of Garfield County is based on agriculture, mining, and tourism-recreation. Increased activity in the extrac- tion of natural gas, oil from oil-shale deposits, and coal and carbonate minerals is expected. Garfield County has a total population of 18,774 persons, 9022 of whom live in the unincorporated areas. Although the resident population increased at a rate less than that of the state as a whole from 1970 to 1974" steady population growth to a total of approximately 36,000 is projected by the year 2000. The principal urban centers of Garfield County are located along the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers. Approximately 55 percent-of the permanent county residents live in these connnunities, the largest of which are Glenwood Springs and Rifle, the major centers of economic activity in the county. The population in Glenwood Springs and Rifle are 4090 and 2500., respectively. A population boom is expected if major breakthroughs 1:ake place in the technology of extracting oil from oil-shale. .. Garfield County is served by Interstate 70, State Highways 782-13 and 82, and approximately 900 miles of county roads. All but one of the larger connnunities in the county are located on Interstate 70, a major east-west transcontinental route. The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad provides passenger and freight service. There are no scheduled airline connections in Garfield County, but major airlines maintain scheduled flights to Grand Junction and Aspen. General aviation fields are maintained at Rifle and Glenwood Springs. Bus service i~, provided by one local and two national bus lines. -4t Elevations in the western end of the county, a vast area of plateau and canyon lands deeply cut by waterways, range from 5000 to 8000 feet. The eastern end of the county has valleys at 6000 feet, bordered by high mesas at elevations from 7000 to 11,000 feet. 'rhe high mesas interrupted by peaks rising to 13,000 teet. Terrain in headwater areas is quite precipitous and inaccessible. The highest and most mountainous arE~as in the county are in the northeast section. 4