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H <br />04 ?0ioation Induced Erosion <br />Upper portions of irrigated fields have been deteriorated by erosion. <br />Productivity is also being lost. <br />Sedimentation <br />The sediment coming off the upper portions of the irrigated fields is <br />being deposited on the lower portions of fields and into drains, <br />creeks, and the Arkansas River. This sediment deposition on fields <br />lowers the productivity potential. The sediment also carries heavy <br />metals, and other pollutants into the streams and reduces channel <br />capacity and the quality of fish and wildlife habitat. <br />Prime and Im- ortant Farmlands <br />The resource base is being deteriorated by irrigation induced erosion <br />and sedimentation. <br />Social /Economic <br />Reduced water quality, inadequate irrigation system, as well as <br />irrigation induced erosion has reduced yield, changed cropping patterns <br />from higher valued crops and thereby reduced the income of the <br />watershed area. Irrigated agriculture and livestock are the major <br />portions of the economy of the area. <br />Wildlife Habitat <br />Erosion and sedimentation degrade upland wildlife habitat. Riparian <br />vegetation along streams will continue to be impacted by pollutants. <br />Fish Habitat <br />Pollutants including sediment have reduced fisheries potential and <br />habitat in the Arkansas River. The diversity of fish species and <br />quantity of fish are also affected. <br />Municipal and Rural Water Supply /Groundwater <br />Pollutants are affecting the Arkansas River water quality and on -farm <br />wells for humans and livestock. EPA and State standards are not met in <br />some cases. <br />Wetlands <br />Wetlands are found along drains, the Arkansas River, and seeps in <br />irrigated crop fields. Sediment and pollutants getting into wetlands <br />should be reduced and therefore improve the water quality of the <br />remaining wetlands. <br />Cultural Resources of National Significance <br />21 <br />0 <br />1 <br />L <br />0 <br />0 <br />i <br />