WSP11214

• File Number: 8200.776
• Description: Uncompahgre River General
• State: CO
• Basin: Gunnison
• Water Division: 4
• Date: 1/1/1983
• Author: West Slope Hydro Par
• Title: Before the United States of America Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Application for License for Major Project - Uncompahgre Valley Hydroelectric Project Number 2
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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Although the study area is not considered an important

wintering area for elk, local concentrations do occur infre-

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quently.

Black bear have entered the area due to food

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shortages at higher elevations or otber factors and mountain

lions are occasionally reported around the outer fringes of

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the study area. However, the area does not represent impor-
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tant habitat for these species.

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In terms of hunter use,

small game are a more important re-

source than big game in the study area.

Significant species

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are the cottontail

rabbit,

mourning dove,

ring-necked

pheasant,

and Gambel's quail.

Small numbers of chukars are

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also found. Waterfowl are common in the area in the spring,
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fall, and winter months.

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The ~ottontail rabbit occurs throughout the area and is most

common in the shrub areas and in other uncultivated areas

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associated with agricultural lands.

The mourning dove, the

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most common small game species,

utilizes all habitat types

and migrates from the area each fall.

The ring-necked phea-

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sant,

the most popular game species commonly found in the

area,

is associated with agricultural lands and nearby wet-

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lands and shrub areau.

Although feeding areas are plenti-

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ful, shortages of undisturbed nesting habitat, and in some
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areas winter cover, limit populations.

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