WSP08310

• File Number: 8220.124.A
• Description: Pine River
• State: CO
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Water Division: 7
• Date: 7/1/1965
• Author: Pine River Soil Cons
• Title: Watershed Work Plan: Pine River Watershed La Plata and Archuleta Counties Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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No change in crops grown are anticipated. Improved varieties will
be planted to help increase livestock production.

There are 114'operating farm units in the project area. There are
56 units cooperating with the Soil Conservation District. There are
25 with basic farm and ranch conservation plans with the Pine River Soil
Conservation District. The size of unit averages about 107 acres
irrigated land and 290 acres rangeland. Most of the lands are owner-
operated.

The majority of the farm operators have moderate to low incomes.
About 5 percent of the watershed operators have off-farm employment for
either husband or wife. Nearly all are family farms operated with some
additional help during harvest periods.

Due to soils and topography most of the irrigated lands are planted
to c lose-growing crops. A high percent of the marginal lands are not
being farmed. No crops now in surplus are being produced.

The average value of irrigated operating units in La Plata and
Archuleta Counties is $46,492 and $60,646, respectively, (1959 U. S.
Census of'Agriculture). The present market value of irrigated land in
the project area averages $300 per acre.

Land ownership is as follows:

Ownership

Acres

Private:

28,940

Federal:
National Forest Service
Bureau of Indian Affairs
U. S. Bureau of Reclamation
Total Watershed --

8,570
19,100
1, 120
57,730

WATERsaED PROBLEMS

This is a land that has not been given proper care. Over-use and
waste of its resources in all but recent years has made it a land of
low production and relatively low-income people.

With the advent of the Soil Conservation District program of soil
and water conservation, an awareness on the part of its people that