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<br />Treatment Opportunities for Erosion Problems <br /> <br />Treatment of eroding streambanks on Muddy River would consist princi- <br />pally of sloping and vegetating steep banks and structural protection at <br />bridges, culverts and drain outlets. <br /> <br />A reduction of 5,000 tons or about one percent reduction in annual <br />sediment yield is possible if the treatment opportunities outlined are <br />installed or implemented. An associated reduction of 275 tons of salt <br />can be achieved. <br /> <br />Improved irrigation water management and installation of return flow <br />structures can reduce erosion on the irrigated lands and provide an average <br />annual sediment reduction of 400 tons with five tons of salt reduction. <br />Treatment of eroding channel banks can reduce annual sediment yei1d 4,600 <br />tons and salt loading 270 tons. <br /> <br />A number of ongoing Federal programs have been used to reduce soil <br />erosion and sedimentation prob1ms for several years. USDA agencies (SCS, <br />ASCS, SEA, FmHA) provide technical assistance, cost-sharing and credit <br />assistance through their ongoing programs in the area. These programs <br />are being carried out cooperatively with state and local organizations <br />such as conservation districts and through the efforts of the landowners <br />and operators. The Bureau of Indian Affairs provide similar assistance <br />for tribal lands of the Moapa Indians. <br /> <br />The entire subunit is within Clark County Conservation District. <br />This local unit of state government has carried out active water and <br />related land resource improvement programs for many years. <br /> <br />Problems and Needs Associated with Water Resource <br /> <br />Analysis of present irrigation application indicates that crops may <br />require additional water in Upper Moapa Valley. Field measurements should <br />be made to determine soil moisture conditions in the root zone. Irrigation <br />water should be applied to meet crop needs. <br /> <br />Analysis of irrigation management in lower Valley shows that water <br />application could be reduced. A higher level of management could be <br />attained using a demand distribution system rather than the rotational <br />method. Allotted water is usually applied in anticipation that the water <br />will be required by the crop in the intervening period prior to the next <br />delivery date. <br /> <br />A potential source of additional water for Moapa Valley is from lake <br />Mead. This source was studied by the Bureau of Reclamation in connection <br />with the Moapa Valley Pumping Project (May 1971). This plan was found to <br />be economically unfeasible. Other than lake Mead, there is very limited <br />potential for augmentation. However, there is good potential for improved <br />use of existing water supply. The present irrigation efficiency of 45 <br /> <br />32 <br /> <br />002712 <br />