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<br />. f)0242~990 census) is $9,573 as compared to the state average of $14,800. Of the totals <br /> <br />1.~.6 percent of the families are below the poverty level. The average age is 35. The <br /> <br />June 1997 unemployment rate is 5.2 percent as compared to 3.9 percent for <br />Colorado. <br /> <br />The farm labor force has shrunk over the vears to the Doint that irriaated aariculteure <br /> <br />is beina imoacted. Hired farm labor has decreased bv more than 500/0 since 1954. <br /> <br />The La Junta census division of Otero County includes Swink (population 9.450), <br /> <br />Fowler (population 1.647), Manzanola (population 927), and Rocky Ford (population <br /> <br />5.804). These towns are located within the watershed. Transportation routes include <br /> <br />state highways 71, 167, and 169 running north and south, and US highway 50 running <br /> <br />east and west. Thore ar.e alsa Mmany secondary and county roads are within the <br /> <br />countv. <br /> <br />Wildlife <br /> <br />Unpredictable precipitation is part of the climatic picture that combines with other <br /> <br />climate factors to create a harsh environment for wildlife. The watershed rests in what <br /> <br />is considered a historical short grass prairie. Many of the traditional wildlife species <br /> <br />still exist in the area. Suitable habitat for the following threatened or endangered <br /> <br />species is found in or near the watershed: bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), <br /> <br />whooping crane (Grus americana), American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), <br /> <br />least tern (Sterna antiserum), piping plover (Charadrius melodus), and black-footed <br /> <br />ferret (Mustela nigripes). <br /> <br />JIlH5 <br /> <br />i <br />