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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I uncultivated areas includes woody species such as rabbit brush (Chrvsothamnus nauseousus), black greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), spiny hopsage (Gravia spinosa), fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) and sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata). Grass species include Indian ricegrass (stipa hvmenoides), bottlebrush squirreltail (Sitanion hvstrix), galleta (Hilaria jamesii) and threeawn (Aristida longiseta). . Fish and wildlife Resources The wetland and riparian habitats located at this site are very important for wildlife. Wetland and riparian communities are often the most productive of any habitats in this region. They provide important food, cover and reproductive sites for many types of wildlife. The relative scarceness of these habitats contributes to their crucial value to wildlife. The following is a summary of the most common or significant fish and wildlife species which likely occur at the Escalante Ranch site. This summary identifies species only by their common name. A list of bird and mammal species from the nearby Ouray wildlife Refuge is included in Appendix 1 as a reference for species potentially occurring at the Escalante Ranch site. Big Game - The most common big game species is the mule deer. However, elk are also frequently observed on the site. Upland Game - The wild turkey is the largest upland species occurring on the site. Other species include the ring-necked pheasant, morning dove and cottontail rabbit. Sandhill cranes are common during spring and fall migration periods. Furbearers - Muskrat and beaver are common in the wetland and river bank habitats of the site. Raccoons also frequent the site although evidence of their occurrence is less obvious than beaver or muskrat. Mink may also occasionally be found on the site. Coyotes and red foxes are large furbearers which utilize this area. Small Mammals - A wide variety of small mammals utilize the project site. Deer mice and several species of voles are probably the most common. other species likely to be found include shrews, long-tailed weasel, striped skunk and the house mouse. Waterfowl and Shorebirds - Large numbers of waterfowl can be found on the site throughout the year. The largest concentrations are found during spring and fall migration periods. Species utilizing the site include the mallard, pintail, cinnamon teal, Canada goose, common coot, blue heron, killdeer and sandpiper. 15