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<br />, t J. <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />002181 <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />Belted Kingfisher (M~~lIceryle ~ <br />Great blue heron (~ herodiH~ trerllnzRi) <br />Dippers (Cincllls mexicllnlls lInicolor) <br />Woodpeckers (Picid~ family) <br />- Swallows (Hirundinidae family) <br />Black-Capped Ch.ickadees CI3mJ.1l1tricapillus septentrionslus) <br />Flycatchers (Tyrannidae family) <br />Warblers (pa.rolidae family) <br />Sparrows (Fringillidae family) <br /> <br />ENVIR01\'hIEI\'T AL CONSEQUENCES <br /> <br />Proposed Action - Implementation of the proposed action would have positive benefits for aquatic life throughout the <br />upper reaches of the river and, therefore, the wildlife species depeooem on aquatic life for food. Species dependent <br />on floodplain ripari/lIl and wetland communities for nesting and feeding would not be significantly affected although <br />the higher flows during the summer and the elimination of extended periods of 20 cfs release may benefit the riparian <br />zone. <br /> <br />Tnere is a potential for increased ice fonnation in the river near the dam due to lower winter flows than would occur <br />during ~notinal" or ~wet" years under the no action aitemative. This would result.in less open water being avaiiable <br />for waterfowl during winter. However, the propostlCi action would allow the management flexibility to increase flows <br />dUrLl1g the winter if icing of the river becomes a problem. River icing would not sigillficantly affect waterfowl or <br />bald eagles. TIlere would higher winler flows 81)d lc:ss icing than during designated "dry" years under the no-a::tion <br />li.iteITUitivc. <br /> <br />1'0 Action - 'i'ear round fiows of 20 cfs during designated "dry" years would adversely affect aquatic life through the <br />upper reaches or the river a.nci. therefore:. adversciy affect the wildiife species aependent on aquatic life for food. <br />Species ciepencien: on fiooripiain riparian and wetland communities for nesting and feeding would no: be significan1iy <br />afiectea. Tnere is a polemial for increased ice fonnation in tile river near tile ciam during aesignated aI')' years out <br />waterfowl or bald eagles would not be significantly affected. <br /> <br />D. \VETLA.1'\D AND RIPARIA~ <br /> <br />AFFECTED E~,,1RO~1\IE?'-.'T <br /> <br />Tne Dolores River supports severa! types of wetland and riparian vegetation communities downstream from McPhee <br />Dam. These inciucie mature cottonwood forests, riparian shrub lands, and emergent wetlands. Due to the relatively <br />Il!lITOW floodplain in this portion of the Dolores River, these cOItUDunities generaliy occur in narrow bands along the <br />river banks and in old overflow channeis and oxbows. <br /> <br />NRrrowleaf cottonwood (populus Rn..ustifolia) forests are COITunon along the Dolores River. Cononwoods form an <br />open to dense overstory with a variety of understory shrubs, grasses, and forbs including: <br /> <br />SJ..."Unk~ush (Rhus trilohRtll) <br />Desert olive (Forestierl\ neoln<,xic:ma) <br />Bluegrasses (bill spp.) <br />Brame grasses (Bro1nll< spp.) <br />Rushes (Jll:1CUS spp.l. <br /> <br />Box elder is presen: 1.'1 some habiUl: nicnes seemingly mor" suitabie for cottonwoods in portions of the dov."IlStreaID <br /> <br />iC <br />