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Although SAR values are within an acceptable range, the water is basically a sodium sulfate type which exhibits high levels of sodium, sulfate, TDS, iron, magnesium and bicarbonate (p. 22, Appendix C, Vol. 2 of the permit application). As discussed in more detail in later sections of this TEA, irrigation potential is limited along Bolton Draw and generally non-existent along North Fork in the permit area. Historically, the permit area has been used only for livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. Pursuant to the Jackson County Zoning Resolu- tion, the permit area was included in the Ranching District Zone. Portions of two BLM grazing allotments are located within the permit area as well as two range improvements - an allotment boundary fence and brush control treatment. The Soil Conservation Service has verified that there has been no prime farmland identified in the permit area. The potential for prime agricultural land is limited for several reasons (Appendix I, Vol. III of the permit application). There is no historical precedence for use as farmland, nor is it irrigated. Natural subirri9ation is limited, the area receives less than 14 inches per year of precipitation and it has no dependable or adequate water supply. Furthermore, some of the soils in the vicinity are not conducive to raising agriculturally useful crops. Native vegetation on the permit area, for example, is largely composed of salt tolerant plants. c;cKl?.•;,•+ Most of the soils of the area are moderately deep,. contain predominantely clay subsoils, are calcareous in nature, and have variable surface textures, i.e, from sandy loam to clay (Appendix I, Vol. III of the permit application). Soil resources in the 500 acre permit area were evaluated in 1979 and 1980. There are eleven soils occurring within the permit area as described in Chapter III of this TEA. -28-