WSP08184

• File Number: 8200.765
• Description: White River General
• State: CO
• Basin: Yampa/White
• Water Division: 6
• Date: 11/1/1966
• Author: USFS
• Title: Water and Related Land Resources - White River Basin in Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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Livestock production dominates the agricultural industry of the
Basin. All cropland is devoted to production of feed and forage
crops, with the exception of about 6,500 acres used for wheat
production and a small acreage of other crops. The 1959 Census
of Agriculture showed 27,000 cattle and 63,000 sheep and lambs
in the Basin. Rangeland provides 282,300 animal unit months of
grazing and irrigated pastures and croplands 65,500. Total
agricultural income from sale of farm products was about $3,300,000
in 1959; of this, the sale of livestock and livestock products
amounted to about $3,000,000.

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The Basin is a recreation area of regional significance. Hunting,
fishing, guest ranches, and resorts constitute the principal
recreational activities. Tourist use of hotels, motels, and
campground facilities amounted to 68,500 visitor-days in 1963.
Guest ranches and resorts provided another 1,650 visitor-days.
Hunting and fishing in this Basin provided about 175,000 activity
days of outdoor recreation in 1963.

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The average annual undep1eted water supply] for the 1943-60
period was 525,400 acre-feet, average annual depletion was 38,400
acre-feet, and average annual discharge at the Colorado-Utah State
line was 487,000 acre-feet (Water Resource Frontispiece). The
major use of water was for irrigation. With projected develop-
ments, estimated total depletions will be 97,700 acre-feet by the
year 1980, 2l4,700 acre-feet by 2000, and 214,100 acre-feet by
2020.

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Program coordination is necessary to assure that proposed project
and resource development opportunities complement each other and
provide for coordinated development of the resources of the Basin.
Water resources are adequate to meet water requirements of proposed
resource developments outlined in this report, including potential
municipal and industrial requirements.

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] Aggregate natural runoff of the River Basin before diminishment
by man-related depletions.

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