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<br />area. Thus available water for irrigation ended for Fruitland <br />Mesa on May 21, 1977, and the crop growing season has barely <br />begun. Agricultural production for the year 1977 will be zero. <br />Had the Fruitland Mesa Project been in existence this intoler- <br />able situation could have been avoided. <br />The Fruitland Mesa Project will adequately irrigate <br />a total of 18,250 acres of irrigated land of which 6,310 acres <br />are presently being irrigated with inadequate supplies. <br /> <br />ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES <br /> <br />Although several environmental questions have been <br />raised, more than adequate mitigation of all adverse environ- <br />mental impacts has been included in this project. In fact, <br />the environment and the wildlife will benefit. . Fishery pools <br />will be provided in the Millie K. Goodwin Reservoir and also <br />in the existing Gould Reservoir. Increased agricultural pro- <br />duction will provide additional foliage for deer and other <br />animals. Presently, the majority of the land to be placed <br />in agriculture can support only a very limited deer herd. <br />Placing this land under irrigation, and raising hay and <br />other crops thereon~ will provide more foliage of greater <br />nutrient value for winter feeding by deer and other animals. <br />Recreational facilities will be provided at the Millie K. <br />Goodwin Reservoir and downstream on Soap Creek in Gunnison <br />County, Colorado, and at the Gould Reservoir. <br /> <br />-2- <br />