WSP01564

• File Number: 8273.600
• Description: Colorado River Basin Salinity Control - Federal Agency Reports - USDA
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 1/1/1991
• Title: Colorado SCS Salinity Projects - Part 1 of 3 - General info and The Grand Valley Project
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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C. Information and Education II&E)

Improved irrigation systems and irrigation water management
will reduce salt loading in the river. Howeyer, the use of new systems,
and new management practices, are not readily understood or accepted by
local farmers. Some new practices will resu;I.t from the M&E program.
Therefore, a program of education, demonstrating new systems and practic
and applying research findings, is needed tp get new systems accepted an
applied. The following activities showing specific times and dates, are
included in the Plan of Work of the Cooperative Extension Service.

Visits with individual water users throughout the year to
provide them with information and to provide an opportunity for
agency personnel to keep informed on local needs and attitudes.

(2) An irrigation newsletter will continue to be published. The mailing
list includes minority and female land owners.

(1)

(3) winter meetings will be scheduled to discuss new equipment
and irrigation techniques, water use information, production
costs, plus ACP and the salinity program. All USDA agencies involve
in salinity control will participate to some extent.

(4) Informational packets on the salinity program and its use
are being reviewed and brought up to date.

As the installation phase of each contract is completed,
contact will be made with the operator to point out ways of
conserving water and preventing deep percolation.

(6) Information from monitoring sites will continue to be interpreted an
disseminated to farmers and other water users. Methods used
to provide current information include radio, TV, newspapers,
and winter meetings.

(5)

(7)

An annual evaluation and update effort will be maintained to
keep the program and activities current with the needs of the
area.

(8) Demonstrations featuring water measuring devices and irrigation
systems will be continued. Demonstrations utilizing surge cutback
cycles for applying fertilizers will be expanded as funds are
available. Evaluation of irrigation return flows for nitrogen and
sediment will be started as funds are made available.

(9) The Grand Valley Salinity Control Advisory Committee, using its
members and others as needed, will provide counsel and advice on
program direction, educational activities, resources and
timetables, educational methods, and assess the effectiveness of
the program.

(10) Coordination of informational activities on wetlands and
wildlife habitat with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Colorado
Division of wildlife.

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