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r'- 0) '\1 N CHAPTER I GENERAL DISCUSSIONS Streams ~n the project area have varying patterns of yearly flows. Flows are high in the spring and early summer when the snow cover melts, and they diminish to a very low flow in the fall and winter. The White River peaks in June and July in the reaches above Meeker, whereas the peak is in May and June near Rangely. Lowest flows occur in February and March in the upper reaches and in October and November downstream. Milk Creek's high flows occur in April, May, and June and its low flows in August and September. Fish and wildlife The project area has an abundance of fish and wildlife. Some of the best trout fishing and big game hunting in Colorado are available within the area. The upper White River is a nationally-known trout stream and one of the best free-flowing trout streams remaining in Colorado. Game fish species found in the upper project area are rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout, and mountain whitefish. The rainbow trout, which dominate the catch, are stocked by the Colorado Division of Wild- life to meet the heavy fishing use. In the lower elevations, channel cat- fish gradually replace trout as the principal game fish. Historically, the endangered Colorado River squawfish may have inhabited the lower reaches of the White River. Recent studies have revealed the squawfish in the Green River near the confluence with the White River in Utah. The lower Yampa River, to which Milk and Morapos Creeks are tributary, supports a population of squawfish and is considered critical habitat for the sur- vival of this species. Big game species include deer, elk, black bear, and mountain lion. Numerous nongame animals and birds, in addition to game species, are also native to the project area. Other animals common to the area include the bobcat, coyote, marmot, badger, beaver, muskrat, jackrabbit, cotton- tail, chipmunk, ground squirrels, and others. Upland game birds include sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, mourning doves, and blue grouse. Water- fowl migrate through the area and nest and winter along the White River and its tributaries in limited numbers. Raptors and smaller birds sre numerous. Golden eagles are common year-around residents and are .0ined by bald eagles in the winter months. The project area includes excellent game range for deer and elk dur- ing both summer and winter. One of the most important wintering areas is Oak Ridge which separates the Little Beaver and Big Beaver drainages. This area and other winter ranges are very important to the survival of deer and elk during the critical winter period. Historical Sites , There are cwo significant ~istorical sites in the project area. They are the locations of the Milk Creek Battle (known locally as the Thornburgh 9