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<br />(X) <br />0") <br />~ <br /> <br />- 22 - <br /> <br />Even if the project is developed so as to allow for the greatest amount of <br /> <br />flexibility on the fams in meeting I~ater shortages, it will still be very important <br /> <br />for the development to be limited to that size for Nhich the Nater supply is ade- <br /> <br />quate. The development should be carried out in stares only as it becomes completely <br /> <br />clear that the water supply would be adequate. <br /> <br />The possibilities of obtaining additional land, or even supplemental water for <br /> <br />all acrea~e on existin~ units is dependent upon some change in present reclamation <br /> <br />law rerardinp size restrictions. Many ranches in the Little Snake River Valley <br /> <br />presently have irrigated lands in excess of present acrea~e limitations. <br /> <br />In considering possible benefits from the project on existing ranches, it has <br /> <br />been assumed that productivity and efficiency would be increased or remain the same <br /> <br />as at present. Some increase in labor requirements is possible because of a change <br /> <br />in irrigation methods and practices. Reservoir storage will result in reducing <br /> <br />river floN in the spring of the year, and controlled irrigation requiring more labor <br /> <br />Iii 11 be necessary. Less "1~i1d flooding," which is economic in labor use, will occur. <br /> <br />It is possible that some costs of operation may be increased for existing <br /> <br />ranches. Many ranches in the area are operatin~ on a combination of deeded land, <br /> <br />leases of privately owned lands, and Bureau of Land Management and National Forest <br /> <br />permits. One may assume that the Federal range permits are securely held. However, <br /> <br />competi tion for leasinp of privately oNned lands would probably increase as a result <br /> <br />of new farm mits in the area, with possible consequent increase in costs of leasing. <br /> <br />Any increase in these costs for existin!, ranches \~ould T'artially offset benefits to <br /> <br />existing ranches from the project. <br /> <br />Losses in productivity could also occur if irripation of new lands results in <br /> <br />any drainage problems on existing lands or creates any salinity or alkali problems. <br /> <br />Possible detrimental effects such as these are conjectural, and their investigation <br /> <br />is beyond the scope of this study. <br />