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Colorado. The Rio Grande will become a live stream in the Rio Grande Gorge in New Mexico, an area which is part' of the Na- tional Wild and Scenic River system. The project will reverse the salt trend in the Basin and permit the establishment of native vege- tation and native wildlife. The Mishak National Wildlife Refuge would b~ established as a part of the project and about 4.7 MGD of water would be provided for the existing Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge. Wind erosion and storm runoff damages will continue to affect production on unprotected crop lands and OVer grazed lands unless some form of improved land use practices are adopted. (3) Institutional Issues. Until the Federal claim for water rights on public lands, and their quantification is settled, the water users in the Rio Grande Basin ate'hesitant to"invest in im- provements on water systems which may be adversely affected by claims. Colorado could better utilize its allotment of water under the Rio Grande Compact by administration of the Compact so that ir- rigation withdrawal could be made as needed. Crop production would be increased by such administration. (4) Financial Issues. The Closed Basin Project is scheduled to be constructed in successive stages, thereby permitting evalua- tion of the effects of a stage before proceeding to the construction of the next stage. Construction funds must be appropriated as rapidly as the schedule dictates, otherwise the benefits cited above will be foregone for the period of delay caused by lack of funds. Federal- State and 10cal funds for implementation of the San Luis Valley RC&D programs, if not made available as project plans are developed, would retard the economic growth in the valley. It is important that the economic status of the many people in,the area having income below the poverty level be improved. Problem Area 2, ASA 1301. (1) Water Issues. The waters of about five miles of Willow Creek and two miles of the Rio Grande will be unsuitable for human consumption and the maintenance of fisheries until pollution of the water by mining activities are corrected. Fish kills during periods of storm runoff will continue until corrective action is. taken. Failure to provide sanitary facilities in the South Fork area will adversely affect the quality of recreation with the end result of loss of income to those dependent upon tourism for their income. (2) Related Land Issues. Irreversible damages to the environ- ment and wildlife habitat in the National Forest will continue unless the erosion and sediment problems created from use of the mountain roads and trails are prevented. The recreation uses in the Forests 72 (:; :j ~ 1 C 1.