Scientists estimate that the currently desiccated Colorado River delta could begin regeneration with just one percent of the river?s flow. To reach the one percent conservation goal for the Colorado River alfalfa growers could:

• Shift 43,000 acres of alfalfa from sprinkler to drip irrigation.
• Shift 38,500 acres of alfalfa to higher value, less water-intensive citrus and vegetable crops; or
• Fallow 17,200 acres of alfalfa

As Mark Lewis said in his Veteran?s Day column in the Farmington Daily Times, regarding the One Percent Campaign, "Are we willing to sacrifice a little so something for the overall good is accomplished? We would be giving something of ourselves for the betterment of everyone. I wonder if we are up to it."

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Last Update: October 30, 2007