WSP04989 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

r . Agriculture is the region's basic industry. Several thou- sand acres of rangeland and National Forest reserves surround the cultivated areas and are used for summer grazing. Most irrigated farmland is devoted to. the: pro.\> duction of alfalfa, grain, and native hay for livestdcbl feeq; a small acreage is used for production of !ruit:an<41 truck crops. J Investigations Investigations of the Silt Project by the Bureau of Reclamation began in 1936. A report on the Colorado River dated March 1946 briefly described a project plan that was similar to the present plan. The plan was described in grealer detail in a January 1951 report on the Silt Projecl, which served as a supplement to the 1950 report on the Colorado River Storage Project and participating projects, The 1950 report was amended in 1953 and was Ihe basis for aulhorization of the Silt Proj- ect. The pecemb~r 1961 definite plan report presented' >> the results of studies which generally confirmed the 195j feasibility plan. Authorization The project is one of the initial participating projects authorized with the Colorado River Storage Project by the acl of April II. 1956170 Stat. 105). Construction The construction contract for Rifle Gap Dam was award- ed in August 1964. The project was completed in 1967. , , Operating Agency Operation and maintenance of the project W8!3 turned over 10 the Silt Water Conservancy District on January I, 1968, The district also operates the private Farmers ' Irrigation Company facilities as part of the Silt Profect. BENEFITS Irrigation Major crops are alfalfa, small grain, and hay for live- stock feed. Fish and Wildlife and Recreation Recreation is administered by the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and consists of camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, and fishing. There were approximately 106,000 visitor days during 1977. Silt Project . 1149 Rifle Gap Dam and Reservoir PROJECT DATA Land Areas (1977) Irrigable area........................... Number of irrigated fanns ................. 6,591 acres 124 Area Irrigated and Crop Value Area irrigated. Crop value. Year acres dollars 1968 4.784 413.764 1969 5,062 600.750 1970 5.395 405.675 1971 5.422 645.521 1972 5.436 836.823 1973 5.483 914,693 1974 5,493 1.015,606 1975 5,513 862,717 1976 5,728 790,899 1977 5,962 781,868 F acUities in Operation Storage dams ............................ Canals .................... ... .......... Grass Valley Canal (farmer owned. preprojectl Laterals............................... . Pumping plants .......................... 1 12.5 mi 13.5 mi 1.98 mi 1