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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I G 'J 1 7 ~j I l..\. ization and energy development take place. Drainage of wetlands and modern irrigation practices have converted natural wildlife habitats into croplands. As these activities increase, the Fish and Wildlife Service works at all management levels within Region 6 to conserve, protect, and enhance wild species and their environments. In addition to the endangered species, there are several programs within the Fish and Wildlife Service which concern water and related land resource activities. A listing of these programs is presented below. Persons desiring more specific information on these programs should contact the Regional Director, Fish and Wild- life Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225, tele- phone (303) 234-2209. National Wildlife Refuges: Forty national wildlife refuges provide valuable land and water space, or habitat, for fish and wildlife. Prairie wetlands and uplands, river bottom lands, desert and mountainous areas, even a cyprus swamp have been preserved and are managed as places for wildlife in Region 6. Refuge lands range in size from small prairie wetlands known as waterfowl production areas in the Dakotas to large waterfowl refuges like the world famous Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Utah. These are managed for the protection of ducks, geese, and other migratory birds during nesting migration and wintering. Four big game refuges help preserve a western heritage. Buffalo, antelope, elk, and bighorn sheep benefit from the blend of mountain, desert, and grassland habitats of the national Bison Range, the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in Montana, the National Elk Refuge in Wyoming, and Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska. Fishery Resources: Besides rainbow, brown, brook, and lake trout, the 15 national fish hatcheries in the Region provide smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and bluegills for State and federally-managed fishing waters. Garrison National Fish Hatchery in North Dakota, for instance, produces 4 million fish each year for stocking public waters. These include walleye, northern pike, and rainbow trout. The Regions's two fish development centers in Montana and Colorado test fishery research findings before they are applied to hatchery fish production. Region 6 offers its fishery management expertise to improve sport fishing not only on Service-managed lands, but for Indian-owned lands and lands admin- istered by other Federal and State agencies. Fishery biologists make stream and lake surveys and determine the condition of already existing fish populations and species numbers and sizes of fish which should be stocked. They also consider need for removal of undesirable fish and improvement of habitat. Their findings and recommendations are reported to the agency or Tribal Council, and they assist as asked in carrying out the fishery management plans finally approved. Habitat and Environmental Protection: Healthy populations of fish and wild- life depend on naturally functioning ecosystems in the west and mid-west. Flow- ing streams and rivers and their associated riparian or streamside habitats are most important to the well-being of fish and wildlife. The water required for maintenance of these habitats is also in large demand to meet other needs in the Region. As priorities are set, Fish and Wildlife Service speaks for fish and wildlife. The Service aids construction agencies in planning water resource de- velopment projects which are compatible with wildlife cooperates with other Federal - - 1 - 27