Detailed project investigations, initiated in November 1940, followed approval of the project. The first water from Jackson Gulch Reservoir was delivered to the water users in 1949. In March 1942, the CCC organization was disbanded and a group of Civilian Public Service assignees resumed the construction work by contract after the war ended. The major project works were completed between May 1947 and December 1948. A dependable supplemental water supply for project lands adds to the economy of the area.
Principal crops are alfalfa, grass hay, irrigated pasture, wheat, oats, barley, and corn silage.
Domestic, Municipal, and Industrial The community of Mancos, to ensure a permanent source of domestic water for the future growth of Mancos Valley, has subscribed for reservoir storage. The reservoir also provides water for Mesa Verde National Park and the Mancos Rural Water Company. Recreation and Fish and Wildlife Jackson Gulch Reservoir has a surface area of about 220 acres at total capacity. The reservoir is stocked with trout by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. There are many good camping and picnicking sites, and hunting for the plentiful deer and elk in the area is permitted in season.