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<br /> <br />constructed and existing ditehes were extended. As a result, the <br />irrigation systems became over expanded. Severe late-season shortages <br />are experienced L>J' irrigated lands served under junior water rights. <br /> <br />Irrigation has been developed by individuals, partnerships, and cooperatives <br />or incorporated irrigation companies fOI'111.ed through the pooling of interests <br />of' various groups. Except for small individually owned developments, <br />irrigation facilities now serving irrigated lands of the project we:re <br />deve:loped and are presently operated by four principal organizations; <br />Fire 140untain Canal and Reservoir Company, OVerland Ditch and Reservoir <br />Company, Leroux Ditch and Enlargement Company, and Turner Ditch Company. <br /> <br /> <br />Mining <br /> <br />Mining, as in all we:stern Colorado, is a major industry of the region. <br />Large deposits of coal, including considerable amounts of high grade <br />cohing coal, are found throughout the North Fork River area. Records <br />show that production averaged $77,000 tons .of coal annually from 1942-46, <br />inclusive. <br /> <br />other Land Uses <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />NUlllerous streams, laltes, and spectacular mountains of Delta and Gunnison <br />Counties provide scenic attractions and opportunities for camping, <br />picniCking, fishing, and big game hunting. Annual use for these purposes <br />has increased significantly in recent years. Tourist trade furnishes a <br />substantial income each year. <br /> <br />The local lumber industry supplies an important part of the regional <br />demands for lumber. <br /> <br />Economic Conditions <br /> <br />The general economy of Delta County is good. It is supported mainly by <br />fruit production, coal mining, livestock prOduction, and raising of . <br />livestock feeds suppl~ented by general farming, local fruit packing, and <br />attendant wholesale and retail trade. The inhabitants oi North Fork <br />River Valley have enjoyed a prosperous economy through the large volUllle <br />of wealth~roducing resources rather than from the intensive development <br />of any particular industry. Many operators of irrigated faI'111.s supplement <br />their income by working in coal mines or fruit packinghOUses or lumbering <br />in the nearby national forests. <br /> <br />FaI'111. mortgages are in good order and farm credit is readily available. <br />In 1940 mortgages were recorded on approximately 13 percent of the farm <br />units in the project area. Individual indebtedness ranged from $50 to <br />$8,000. During 1942-46, which were years of high prices, much of the <br />property ind?btedness was cleared. Since the ,war, as construction materials <br />have become available, sound investments have been made in property repair <br />and operational expansion. As a result of these investments, mortgages <br />have now been placed on about 30 percent of the farms. They are, however, <br />far under the assessed valuation of the property. <br /> <br />- <br />