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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br /><:j <br />~ <br />o <br />w <br /> <br />CHAPTER 1 <br /> <br />INTRODUCTION <br /> <br />Principal aquatic habitats in the study area include the Big Sandy <br /> <br />and Green Rivers and limited wetlands created by the permanent seeps. <br /> <br />Although limited by seasonal low flows, the lower Big Sandy River does <br /> <br />have some fair resident trout habitat. <br /> <br />Populations of rainbow and brown trout exist in the river when <br /> <br />water temperature levels are acceptable, especially in the 8- to 10-mile <br /> <br />reach of seeps below Farson. <br /> <br />Fishing is seasonal and is usually quite <br /> <br />limited. The Big Sandy does, however, produce substantial spawning and <br /> <br />adult habitat for several nongame species. <br /> <br />Bone Draw supports a good <br /> <br />population of small rainbow and brown trout. <br /> <br />Big game species inhabiting the Big Sandy Unit include antelope, <br /> <br />mule deer, and elk, and other species--including moose and wild horses-- <br /> <br />occur in fewer numbers. <br /> <br />The area appears to be a major antelope win- <br /> <br />tering area, but some elk also winter within the unit area, and moose <br /> <br />occasionally winter along the lower Big Sandy and Green Rivers. Mule <br /> <br />deer winter and summer range is present within the unit area. A variety <br /> <br />of predators occur, including the coyote, fox, bobcat, and cougar. <br /> <br />Other nongame species known to inhabit the area are white-tailed jack- <br /> <br />rabbit, prairie dog, cottontail rabbit, beaver, muskrat, and badger. <br /> <br />Sage grouse are found throughout the area, and nesting and brooding <br /> <br />habitat exists along the Big Sandy River. <br /> <br />Ducks and Canada geese uti- <br /> <br />lize the area as year-round residents or migrants. The cliffs along the <br /> <br />Big Sandy River provide nesting habitat for the golden eagle, red tailed <br /> <br />hawks, prairie falcons, and great horned owls. <br /> <br />6 <br />