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Mr. Ron Thompson Page 2 of 5 April 5, 2012 <br />These characteristics indicate that Molinaro Loam can be characterized as alluvium. <br />Other soils near the river are Bandarito Clay Loam (FuD) and Trujillo Loam (TmD). These two <br />soil types also have the characteristics of alluvium. <br />The soils where farming is practiced along the main stem of the Purgatoire River (see <br />observations below) include Molinaro Loam and Mauricanyon Loam. Mauricanyon Loam has <br />similar characteristics to Molinaro Loam. <br />Agricultural Practices <br />The following are observations from the 19 January 2012 field inspection. <br />Farming was observed in places along the main stem of the Purgatoire River. For example, a <br />field showing signs of farming (irrigation pipes, rows of vegetation) was observed approximately <br />0.4 mile east of the town of Valdez. This field appeared to be 500 feet wide at its widest point <br />(please see photograph below). Another field was observed approximately 1.5 miles east of Wet <br />Canyon Road in Weston; this irrigated field was also approximately 500 feet wide. <br />Three tributaries to the Purgatoire River (other than the South Fork) were inspected for signs of <br />farming. Reilly Canyon, Burro Canyon, and Sarcillo Canyon were observed for approximately <br />three miles from the river and Highway 12. Ranching was seen but no signs of farming. The <br />valleys were as wide as 500 feet in some locations. <br />Physical Characteristics of Valley Based on Field Inspection <br />The South Fork of the Purgatoire River was inspected from the Purgatoire River upstream to the <br />gate just beyond Bingham Canyon. Much of this area is in the Bosque del Oso State Wildlife <br />Area (SWA). No farming practices were observed, although several adobe brick structures could <br />indicate a history of farming in the valley. Currently, the valley is dominated by oil and natural <br />gas production activities. A compressor station, pump jacks, several trucks, and other equipment <br />were seen. <br />Several areas were found to have wide, flat valleys that would be suitable to farming. At one <br />location, a range finder was used to determine that the valley is over 700 feet wide (both sides <br />including river bed). In many locations, between the river and one hillside, there is at least 300 <br />feet of relatively flat area. <br />Conclusion <br />Based on the Division's preliminary investigation, it appears that the pertinent reach of the South <br />Fork of the Purgatoire River can be characterized as an AVE This is due to evidence regarding <br />water availability in the river, soils and other physical features of the valley, and nearby <br />agricultural practices. <br />