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XII LETTERS OF SUBMITTAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, . Washington, August 15,194-6. Mr. MICHAEL W. STRAUS, Oommissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, . Department oj the Interior, Washington 25, D. O. DEAR MR. STRAUS: We appreciate the opportunity afforded by your letter of June 3, 1946, to Mr. Wiecking, to comment on the proposed report of the Secretary of the Interior on the Paonia project in Oolorado. . - This appears. to be a worth-while project. The extent of present irrigation development in the area seems to justify improvmg the water supply. However, since this is to be done with public funds, would it not be in the public interest to see that the lands developed are those which would be most productive over a long period Of time, with due regard for the length of canals, water losses in delivery, and other factors concerned in efficient use of the land and water resources, rather than leave such selection to individual preference as is appar- ently contemplated? In view of the estimated high farm and lateral losses and farm wastes, should not the report contain rather plain condemnation of such extravagance and make definite recommendations for rehabili- tation and other needed measures for reducing the losses to a practical .minimum? , The long-time feasibility of the project depends upon the sound use of land and water. Greater emphasis and tJonsideration might well be placed upon such aspects of the proposed development. We would be glad to arrange for representatives of this Department who are well informed on such matters to work cooperatively with you in a more detailed treatment of such phases of the project. . The water sources for the lands to be served by the project are mainly on national forest lands: We agree that more intensive water- shed management, with emphasis on proper range use, is essential to assure a maximum serviceable life of the existing and proposed irriga- tion facilities, particularly the Spring Oreek Reservoir, and so plan to reduce considerably the grazing use of the Muddy River watershed. Although it does not affect the conclusions, it appears that there is a slight error on page 151 of the report. The tabulation of annual direct benefits shows the benefits from irrigation as $179,820. A flood- control benefit of $1,240 is then added to give a total benefit of $181,060. Near the bottom of the page is a statement that "the increase in annual gross-crop values alone will amount to approxi- mately $181,0002 * * *." Sincerely, OHARLES T. BRANNAN, Assistant Secretary. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF. THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF RECLAMATION, Washington 25, D.O., May 16, 194-6. The SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR. SIR: I submit herewith my report on the Paonia project, Oolorado. The project is located in the valley of the North Fork of the Gunnison River, a tributary to the Oolorado River in west-central Oolorado. 1 P. 21 of this volume. I Typographical error referred to has been cOf.rooted in this volume.