WSP03098

• File Number: 8200.765
• Description: White River General
• State: CO
• Basin: Yampa/White
• Water Division: 6
• Date: 10/1/1979
• Author: David E Fleming
• Title: Environmental Assessment Report - Rangely Project - Taylor Draw Reservoir
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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River, and water was taken from the river to irrigate the flood
plain for hay and pasture crops. The higher drainages, principally
those of Douglas Creek and Yellow Creek and their tributaries, were
used for grazing of livestock during the summer months, with the
hay and pasture grown along the White River used for winter feeding
of the stock (1). Historically, the population in this region has
been extremely sparse.

During the 1920's, oil was discovered northwest of Range1y, but
lack of transportation facilities and market demand prevented develop-
ment of this resource until the 1940's. After World War II, CSH 64
was built from Meeker down the river to Range1y and was improved from
Range1y to U. S. Highway 40 at Dinosaur (formerly Artesia) 18 miles
to the north. The oil field then developed rapidly, and pipelines
were built to carry the crude oil to the Salt Lake City, Cheyenne
and eastern markets. 8esides crude oil, substantial amounts of natural
gas are recovered in the oil fi e 1 d (1).

During the early 1950's, additional quantities of natural gas
were developed in the Douglas Creek drainage and surrounding environs.
In 1956 and 1957, the Pacific Northwest Pipeline was built, providing
a market for the natural gas in Oregon and Washington. Access to this
market resulted in substantially increased discovery and development
of the natural gas resources in the southern portion of the county (1).

There are no known historical sites in either Range1y, the Range1y
vicinity, or the project area.

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