The Delta Conservation District contains an array of natural resources which has been the basis for its economy for some time. 55 percent of the County's acres of land is federally owned and managed by the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest and the Uncompahgre Resource Area of the Bureau of Land Management. Early settlers in the District developed and improved the land in order to irrigate fields for produce, fruit orchards and cattle ranching. Although cattle is the primary livestock with approximately 37,000 head of cattle and calves in the District, ranchers also raise buffalo, elk, goat, llama and exotic fowl. Over the years other farm products (sugar beets, barley, broccoli, and poultry) have been introduced. The District is a major apple producing region of Colorado. There are over 346,000 trees that represent nearly 77% of all apple trees in the state. The District also continues to be the leading producer of pears in Colorado. Over 22,200 trees represent 53% of the state’s total production. Several grape orchards for the production of wine have been pioneered making the District the 2nd largest grape-growing region in the state. Today, most privately owned acres remain in some form of agricultural production - fruit orchards, row crops or pasture. This has all led to an agricultural diversity within the District and has allowed the District to be a major producer of agricultural products within the State. Forest and coal are two natural resources that have also played an important role in the history and production of the District. And wildlife is another natural resource that adds value to the rural character of the District and contributes significantly to the local economy particularly during hunting seasons.
The Delta Conservation District covers most of Delta County as well as portions of Gunnison and Montrose Counties. The information is based primarily upon Delta County. The physical features of the area include seven basins, seven lakes, 27 springs, 109 streams, 59 summits, one swamp and 45 valleys. The climate is of an inter-mountain area nature. Annual precipitation varies from 8 inches in the lower valley to 40 inches in the higher peaks. Elevations range from 4,900 to 11,000 feet. The population is 31,322 of which 76% is classified as rural. 264,144 acres are agricultural, 111 acres are Natural Resources and the remaining 55,528 acres are residential, vacant, unclassified, and commercial and industrial (listed in sequence of percentage.)
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