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co 0) CHAPTER I N C\J GENERAL DISCUSSIONS central portion of the area the climate nual precipitation is about 17 inches. tures of _20. F. not uncommon. is cool but dry. The average an- Winters are severe with tempera- Vegetation Vegetation in the project area is quite variable, depending on the elevation and climatic conditions. The higher, more humid elevations are characterized by stands of aspen, spruce, and fir separated by open parks of sagebrush, blue bunch grass, wheatgrass, Thurber fescues, mountain brome, and mountain flowers. Along the streams birch, alder, and willows predominate. Alpine meadows and bare talus slopes are common in the ex- treme upper elevations. The more level areas of the broader valleys near Meeker and Axial are producing irrigated grasses, alfalfa, and small grains. Above the irrigated areas, dry-land crops of winter wheat and grasses are grown. Rough broken lands and rolling hills adjacent to the farmed areas are covered with stands of pinon-juniper trees, scattered sagebrush parks, and oakbrush areas. Some aspen and spruce trees are widely scattered at the middle elevations. Serviceberry, mountain mahogany, snowberry, na- tive bluegrasses, cheatgrass, Indian paintbrush, and Indian ricegrass also are found in this zone. At the lower elevations, vegetation is rela- tively sparse. Greasewood, galleta grass, and some western wheatgrass are prevalent. Along the White River, cottonwood trees are common. Streams and lakes The main streams that would provide a water supply for project devel- opment originate in the White River Plateau east of the project area. The White River is the largest. It is formed by the junction of its North and South Forks near Buford. The river flows generally west through' the project area. Tributaries of the North Fork in the headwater area are Ripple, Lost, Marvine, and Fawn Creeks. Tributaries of the White River below the confluence of North and South Forks are Miller, Big Beaver, Lit- tle Beaver, Coal, Curtis, Flag, Piceance, and Yellow Creeks. Milk Creek and Williams Fork heading in the White River Plateau are both Yampa River tributaries. Jubb Creek is a tributary of Milk Creek. Morapos Creek and the South Fork of Williams Fork are tributaries of Wil- liams Fork. Higher elevations of the White River drainage area are dotted with numerous natural lakes which are popular recreational attractions. Most notable of these are Trappers Lake and Marvine Lake. Lake Avery on Big Beaver Creek was constructed and is operated by the Colorado Division of Wildlife for fishermen and other recreationists. Axial Reservoir on a tributary of Milk Creek near the community of Axial is a small (200 acre- feet) privately owned irrigation reservoir frequently used by local fishermen. 8