WSP07317

• File Number: 8210.140.20
• Description: Colorado River Basin Organizations and Entities - Colorado River Basin States Forum - California
• State: CA
• Basin: Western Slope
• Date: 1/1/1971
• Author: Myron B Holburt
• Title: Annual Report for the Calendar Year 1970
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Annual Report

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LOWER COLORADO RIVER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

AND RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

In the lower Colorado River, the Bureau of
Reclamation has constructed and maintains
levees and channels with carrying capacities
adequate to contain flood flows, reduce sedi-
mentation, prevent erosion, and salvage wa-
ter. Within the past several years, the pro-
gram has been expanded to include
consideration of mitigation of fish and wild-
life losses along with recreational opportuni-
ties. The maintenance, channelization, water
salvage, and related environmental activities
are collectively known as the Lower Colo-
rado River Management Program. The pro-
gram is authorized by the 1927 Colorado Riv-
er Front Work and Levee System Act and
subsequent amendments, and by Section 306
ofthe Colorado River Basin Project Act, P.L.
90-537.

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The Bureau's early activities involving riv-
er management were directed principally to
the problems of flooding and sediment con-
trol in the Mohave Valley and in the areas
below Imperial Dam. As problems developed
in other reaches of the river, river control
measures were considered therefor and other
aspects of river usage became involved. Thus,
the initial sediment-control program was ex-
panded into a multi-purpose program.

Several years ago the Bureau of Reclama-
tion estimated that 254,000 acre-feet per year
could be salvaged by channelization and 100,-
000 acre-feet per year by eradication of
phreatophytes on 42,000 acres of land. Ap-
proximately 90,000 acre-feet per year has
been salvaged by channelization work al-
ready completed. No phreatophyte eradica-
tion work has been accomplished yet under
this program. It is likely that only a fraction
of the 100,000 acre-feet per year will be ac-
complished since only a portion of the 42,000
acres is available and other environmental
factors are considered in a multipurpose pro-
gram.

Re.ource. Agency Ta.k Force Report

The special California Resources Agency
three-man task force on the Lower Colorado
River Management Program was described
in the 1969 Annual Report. The task force
completed its assignment in September 1970
by submitting a report entitled "State Policy
on the Lower Colorado River Management
Program and Associated Environmental Fac-
tors," which has been accepted as the state's
policy.
The report was submitted in draft form to
other state agencies, local entities, and the
states of Arizona and Nevada. The Arizona
Game and Fish Commission and the Arizona
Interstate Stream Commision concurred
with the recommended action program. The
State of Nevada's Colorado River Commis-
sion raised no objections to the proposed ac-
tion program.
As stated in the report, the State of Cali-
fornia declares as its policy that management
of the lower Colorado River is necessary to
control floods, erosion, and sedimentation; to
regulate and supply water of suitable quality
for municipal, industrial, and irrigation pur-
poses; to generate electric energy; and to pre-
serve and improve conditions for fish and
wildlife and recreation. Such management
should be planned and accomplished to pro-
vide the maximum possible protection and
enhancement of unique environmental quali-
ties, both natural and developed, of the river
and adjoining lands.

A summary of the report's recommended
action program is as follows:

1. The river be managed under a balanced, multiple-
purpose program and that California participate
therein;
2. A schedule be established to develop an overall plan
for the Imperial Division, giving full recognition to
the preservation of the outstanding fish, wildlife,
and recreational values;
3. A plan for the Topock Gorge area be developed,

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