WSP06362

• File Number: 8210.470
• Description: Pacific Southwest Interagency Committee
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 11/1/1971
• Author: PSIAC
• Title: Pacific Southwest Analytical Summary Report on Water and Land Resources based on Framework Studies of Four Regions - November 1971
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

002701

1966-1980
1981-2000
2001.2020
Total

. 11.4 million acres
.12.2 million acres
. 10.5 million acres
.34.1 million acres

This plan will meet only 41 percent of the demand
proj~cted for the year 2020. The relationship of
production under the framework plan to the
projected demand is shown on figure 36.

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1965 1980 2000 2020

Figure 36.- Timber demand and production.

Conclusions - Timber

With respect to timberlands it is concluded that:
1. The framework plan provides for management
measures to increase the output of wood
products and, at the same time, to protect the
land and to enhance the inherent watershed,
recreation, and environment values.
2. The cost of measures for wood production to

Land Management

be installed from 1966 to 2020 is estimated at
$628 million. Annual operation, maintenance,
and replacement costs wiil range from $19
million in 1980 to $25 million in 2020.
3. About 41 percent of the projected demands for
wood products wiil be met.
4. Additionai study is needed to improve
utilization and marketing techniques as they
apply to timber resources.

RANGE FORAGE PRODUCTION

Status - Forage

In 1965, 70 percent of the land in the Pacific
Southwest area was grazed by domestic livestock
harvesting 25 million AUM'sl of forage. Normally
about 61> million cattle and 41> million sheep graze
on range from 1 to 12 months each year. Both the
beef cattle and sheep generally are produced as feeder
stock on range and finished elsewhere for market.
Grazing provides a natural and renewable source of
food without requiring drastic changes in land and
water resources. Under intensive management, it is
generally compatible with other land uses and does
not detract from the quality of the environment. It
can complicate multiple-use management but usually
does not require exclusion of other land uses.
Extensive wildlife and recreational uses are usually
accommodated, as well as more intensive uses such as
mineral exploration and development. Under proper
management, wildlife use and domestic livestock use
are quite complementary. When the two are properly
balanced, optimum vigor and composition of the
vegetal cover can be maintained. Watershed
management also benefits from proper livestock and
wildlife use because the optimum vegetal conditions
for grazing are similar to those for watershed
protection.
More than 50 million acres have been improved
through rehabilitation practices and intensive range
management. Twice that amount has not fully
recovered from the deterioration caused by
unregulated use during and before the early 1900's
and has not had the benefit of proper management.

Needs and Problems - Forage

Most of the grazing lands can be improved through
proper management, revegetation of depleted ranges,
and installation of fences and water developments.
The basic problem in grazing programs is to provide a
sustained yield of forage at the time it is needed

Ian animal unit month (ADM) is the amount of forage
needed to SUPPQrt a cow for a month.

85