PROJ00509

• Contract/PO #: C153500
• Contractor Name: San Miguel Water Conservancy District
• Contract Type: Loan
• Water District: 0
• County: San Miguel
• Bill Number: XB 99-999
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

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CHAPTER II - STUDY AREA

The San Miguel study area is located in San Miguel and Montrose Counties of southwestern Colorado. The study

area extends along the south side of the San Miguel River from near the town of Placerville on the east, to

Naturita on the west, a distance of approximately 37 miles. About 20 miles west of the study area the San Miguel

River flows into the Dolores River, which then proceeds northwesterly into Utah where it joins the Colorado

River. Communities in the irrigation service area include Norwood and Redvale with a total combined population

of less than 1000, The major features of the study area are displayed in Figure II-l.

Local Economv

The agricultural economy of the area has been dependent mainly upon the production of livestock (cattle and

sheep) and feed crops. Tame grasses with some legumes for pasture, alfalfa and lesser quantities of small grains,

oats, feed barley and silage corn are produced. The short growing season, limited irrigation deliveries and the

distance from marketing centers are considered the major reasons for the livestock/feed crop nature of agriculture

in the area.

Some transition in the agricultural economy has occurred during the last few years as larger landholdings in the
Norwood area have been subdivided into smaller units. These units are often farmed by individuals who have an
additional source of income.

The non-agricultural economy in the past was generally dominated by mining and mineral processing. As these

activities have declined during the last few years, recreation and related service activities (such as hotels and

restaurants) have become increasingly important sources of employment in the study area. It is reported that a

significant number of people commute from the Norwood-Redvale area to jobs in and around Telluride.

Phvsical CharacterIstics

The San Miguel study area is located in a geologically unique region with the San Juan Mountains to the south
and east and the Uncompahgre Plateau to the north. The study area is underlain by sedimentary strata consisting
primarily of sandstones, shales and mudstones. Folding, faulting and erosion of these strata has resulted in a
topography characterized by a series of mesas separated by deeply incised canyons in the east and valleys and

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