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<br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />i <br />I <br />f <br />t <br />r <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />Natural vegetation around Grand Junction consists primarily of <br />desert brush, with cottonwood and wll low growing along the rivers. <br />Also, there are truck gardens, orchards, and feed and forage crops <br />where Irrigation systems have been Instal led. Lower mountain slopes <br />and mesas support pinon, Juniper, and brush. The higher mountain slopes <br />are covered with spruce, fir, quaking aspen, and native shrubs and <br />grass to 11,000 feet. Vegetation Is sparse above 11,000 feet. <br /> <br />DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FLOOD PLAIN <br /> <br />I <br />r <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />f <br /> <br />, <br /> <br />The flood plains In the study area are used primarily for <br />orchard~ truck gardens, and the production of livestock feed. A num- <br />ber of residences are located within the flood plains. Some subdivision <br />development has taken place around Riverside Park above the Grand <br />Avenue Bridge In Grand Junction and across the river from Grand Junction <br />In the Connecticut Lakes area. Several gravel plants are located within <br />the flood plain of the Colorado River. The Grand Junction facility of <br />the Atomic Energy Commission Is located In the flood plain of the <br />Gunnison River. Levees constructed to protect the facility during the <br />1957 flood are stl I I Intact. Light commercial establishments and a <br />number of homes are located near the Colorado River upstream from the <br />Fifth Street BrIdge. <br /> <br />. <br />, <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />The flood plains of the Colorado and the Gunnison Rivers are wooded <br />with tal I cottonwoods and wi Ilow thickets. Outdoor recreation uses are <br />In demand along the stream channels because of the avai lable sports <br />fishery and wooded areas. The community Is considering these areas for <br />greenbelt preserves. <br /> <br />The Grand Val ley Is served by the main and branch lines of the <br />Denver and Rio Grande Raliroad; two scheduled airlines; Interstate <br />Highway 70; U.S. Highways 6, 24, and 50; and several state and local <br />highways. <br /> <br />The present population Is estimated to be approximately 40,000 and <br />Is projected to Increase to about 60,000 people In the year 2000. <br /> <br />f <br />I <br />\ <br /> <br />r <br /> <br />3 <br />