WSP06290

• File Number: 8277.600.10
• Description: Big Sandy River Unit - Colorado River Salinity Control Program
• State: WY
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 5/1/1986
• Title: U.S.D.A. Selected Plan - Big Sandy River
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Definite Plan Report

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of Green River, Wyoming, of 26,67 milligrams per liter and a decrease of
5.49 milligrams per liter at Imperial Dam on the lower Colorado River.

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The Selected Plan alternative would also have a benefit of
increased agricultural production of approximately $84/acre/year. This
value is based on actual interviews and economic analysis with
irrigators in the project area who have already installed low pressure
sprinkler irrigation systems and are practicing sound irrigation water
management principles. Three systems were evaluated in the analysis
with an average increased yield greater than two (2) tons of hay
annually. In addition to the increased yields, these irrigators were
able to go to pure stands of alfalfa and realize a higher crop value.

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Increased yields are being realized by these irrigators because the
crops grown under the low pressure sprinkler systems are starting and
growing faster during the first 2 or 3 weeks in the spring, Present
irrigation practices in the valley are to flood irrigate early in the
spring to replace soil moisture and fill the ground water table. This
takes large quantities of very cold water and reduces soil temperature
and slows plant growth, Irrigation under the sprinkler irrigation
system applies small amounts of water to start growth. This in essence
provides a longer growing season and the ability of irrigators to get
second hay cuttings yearly,

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No range or forest lands would be treated under the Selected Plan
alternative. The Selected Plan does include costs to reduce the impacts
of disturbance or loss of wildlife habitat. Wildlife values foregone
because of the installation of modernized irrigation systems to reduce
salinity will be replaced or enhanced through voluntary actions of the
irrigators.

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Summary Table S-l, page S-4, shows the costs, benefits, and impacts
of the Selected Plan implementation.

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S-3