WSP05927

• File Number: 8281.950
• Description: Colorado River Studies and Investigations -- Upper Colorado Comprehensive Framework Study
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 6/1/1971
• Title: Upper Colorado Region Comprehensive Framework Study - Appendix VIII - Watershed Management
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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SUMMARY (Continued)

quantities and costs in Tables 8 through 11. These structural measures
and specific land treatments in conjunction with management will correct
most of the existing problems that can be treated and provide increased
protection as an integral part of projected future production activity.

Some of the more important treatment needs in the Framework plan
to reduce erosion, flood arid sediment problems are: seeding' 1.1 million
acres; brush and weed control 2.6 million acres; sheet erosion control
333,000 acres; watershed tillage 316,000 acres; stabilization 208,000
acres; watershed treatment 273,000 acres; 4,400 miles of gully control;
and 78,000 water control structures such as detention dams, check and
drop structures, diversion dams, sediment and debris basins. Improved
management systems will be applied to all grazed areas, 5.8 million
acres of unsuitable land will be retired, and overgrazing of 8 million
acres will be eliminated to assist the land treatment program in
improving watershed condition.

The Framework Plan developed herein is designed to meet regionally
interpreted OBERS requirements which are based on the Office of Business
Economics - Economic Research Service (OBERS) projections modified to
fit the local conditions in the region. This plan is described in detail
in this report, then is followed by alternative plans that reflect
emphasis on different uses for available water supplies and reSources.
The alternative State plans are identified as:

1. States' alternative to the Framework Plan (6.5 million acre-feet
level of development).

2. States' alternative at the 8.16 million acre-feet level of develop~
ment.

3. States' alternative for water supply physically available at site
in the region.

Other planning alternatives considered are:

l. Going' Program as of the 1964-69 period,

2, OBERS as published.

3, Alternative without additional watershed land treatment or flood
protection.

Watershed treatment programs needed to correct the treatable existing
problems will be the same for all alternatives, and will be accomplished
if funding is available. With greater intensification of use under
alternatives, additional protection will be needed to prevent erosion,
sediment, flood and fire damage. This increased protection will be an
integral part of the increased production activity. Approximately

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