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The committees provided valuable direction throughout the course of the effort. Given the wide range of interests that were represented, it is not reasonable to expect that a unanimous consensus be obtained in an effort of this magnitude. However, the contribution of the individuals resulted in a comprehenseive evaluation of their viewpoints and their efforts are gratefully acknowledged. In addition to the periodic committee and public meetings, the Study Team also met individually with more than 20 environmental, economic, and governmental entities. Their input is also gratefully acknowledged. 1.4 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE GUNNISON RIVER BASIN The Gunnison River Basin is located in West-Central Colorado. its boundary encompasses an area of 8,020 square miles and includes all or major portions of Gunnison, Montrose, Delta and Ouray Counties and portions of Mesa, Hinsdale, Saguache and San Juan Counties. It is approximately 145 miles long east to west and 95 miles wide at its widest point north to south. 7he Gunnison River and its tributaries drain about eight percent of Colorado. Figure 1.1 shows .the basin and the boundary of the Study Area within the basin. The Gunnison River Basin was controlled by the Ute Indians until a large' tract was opened for settlement in 1873, and the remainder of the basin was ceded in 1881. The first settlers were miners, many of whom turned to farming and ranching as their means of livelihood when the mining industry declined. after 1893. Agriculture soon established itself as the basic industry in the area and extensive agricultural water supply systems were developed in the ensuing years. For the past century, agriculture has been the largest user of water within the Study Area. More recently, recreation has become the other predominant sector in the local economy. The Study Area offers diverse recreational opportunities 1-4