WSP02582 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Terrace Soils - These soils are located on the high terraces or mesas and are composed of aeolian materials from the sandstones and shales of the area. Organic matter content is low and profiles show moderate development in the subsoil and are calcareous in the lower horizons. These soils are usually uniform in general characteristics. Valley Soils - Alluvium from the upper watershed deposited by the Florida River and local alluvium of shale and sandstone origin de- posIted by tributary streams, are the sources of material from which these soils have developed. The complex pattern of deposition from these two sources is reflected in the existing complex soil pattern. ClImate The project area has a temperate semiarid climate satisfactory for irrigation farming. Prevailing winds are from the southwest. Temperatures and frost condi tions limi t the variety of crops grown to field crops such as small grain, corn for silage, pasture and alfalfa. Some beans, potatoes, apples, and early maturing vegetables are also produced. Average annual precipi tation for the project area varies from 15 to 19 incm s. The average frost-free period is estimated to be 110-115 days. The last killing frost occurs about June 2 and the first killing frost about Sep- tember 22. HIStory of Settlement The first recorded history of the area was In 1541 when Coronado marched through from Mexi co. In 1776 Father Escalante, in search of a route from Santa Fe to CalIfornia, passed through the area. Most of the rivers were named by Father Escalante. The first miners came in 1860. The area was originally part of the Ute Indian Reservation and when mining developed, the U. S. Government purchased three million acres of land from the Indians. The townsite of Durango was Included in this purchase. Farmers and ranch- ers followed the mIners and the cattle industry grew to its peak during the period 1877-1887. The narrow gage railroad was built from Alamosa to Durango in 1881. Population of La Plata County has steadily increased since its origin in 1874. Agricultural Development AgrIculture Is the basIc industry of the project area, with livestock raising the predominant type of farmIng. FarmIng operations in and near the project area have demonstrated that soils and climate are satisfactory for Irrigated agriculture. Income is derIved principally from the sale of livestock and livestock products. IrrIgated lands are used primarily for the growing of feed graIns and forage In connection wi th lIvestock enter- prises. Adjoining natIonal forest and public domain lands are used for spring, summer and fall grazing by cattle. Because of the fluctuating and frequently inadequate late-season water supply, the agricultural economy of the area has not been stable. Irrigated acreage fluctuates from year to year depending upon the anticipated supply of late-season Irrigation water. - 2 -