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<br />< ) <br /> <br />Environmental Considerations <br /> <br />The U.S. Fish and wildlife Service, Colorado Division of <br />Wildlife, and U.S. Forest Service met at the site in August of <br />1992 to discuss the project and environmental concerns associated <br />therewith. Reports by U.S. Fish and wildlife Service, Bureau of <br />Reclamation, and Colorado Division of wildlife detailing the <br />discussion are found in Appendix 3. The Forest service expressed <br />concern regarding the large loss of range on the Buzzard Creek <br />Allotment if Owens Creek Reservoir were constructed. The <br />confluence area (Buzzard and Owens Creek) is now developed as a <br />central staging, holding, and cattle driving area, including a <br />large corral complex and stock driveways. Nearly all of the <br />project is located within the Grand Mesa National Forest and <br />require permitting by the USFS. A representative of the USFS <br />stated that support for the project by USFS would have very low <br />priority because development of the reservoir would drastically <br />change the character and management of the area. <br /> <br />Riparian wetlands inundated by the reservoir would need to <br />be replaced. Opportunities exist along inflow arms of Owens and <br />Buzzard Creek to install check dams to create and enhance <br />riparian areas. However, the complete replacement of wetlands <br />necessary for mitigating the project may be difficult. <br /> <br />Other considerations include: <br /> <br />stream Fishery - How will the operation of the reservoir <br />affect the Buzzard Creek fishery downstream of the <br />reservoir. <br />Endangered Fish - Depletions from consumptive use, <br />evaporation, and transmission losses would need to be <br />identified. Construction of the reservoir may provide <br />additional flow for downstream endangered fish. <br />Aesthetics - Annual reservoir drawdown will .cause <br />aesthetics impacts to the gently sloping shoreline by <br />exposing large mudflat areas. <br />Recreation - Construction of the reservoir would provide <br />a high potential for recreational development and offset <br />existing guide and outfitter hunting operations. <br />Elk Habitat - construction of the reservoir will affect <br />the large resident elk population. calving areas exist <br />nearby. <br />Additional issues are identified in appendix 3. <br /> <br />11 <br />