7281 ‎(2)‎

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7281
• Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Title: Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Environmental Assessment, November 1987.
• USFW Year: 1987.
• USFW - Doc Type: Denver, Colorado.
• Copyright Material: NO

CHAPTER III AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT I
warmwater species, particularly the channel catfish, walleye, northern pike,
sunfishes, minnows, and suckers occupy the same areas and are suspected to
prey on or compete with the four rare fishes and other native species (see
Tyus, et al., 1982:12-70).
For the past few years, the Service has attempted to limit the encroachment of ,
nonnative fish species into the Upper Basin. The Service cannot support
stocking of nonnative fish species unless stocking is confined to areas where
absence of potential conflict with rare fishes can be demonstrated. For
example, the Service will not supply nonnative fish from Service hatcheries
for stocking purposes if it is suspected that such action will result in
nonnative fish predation on or competition with rare fishes.
E. Terrestrial Biolog ical Resources
1. Riparian Habitat, Wetlands, Waterfowl Habitat
Waterfowl habitat, wetlands, riparian (streamside) and bottomland
vegetation and ass ociated wildlife are all closely interrelated components
of the terrestrial ecosystem occurring along major rivers of the affected
area. Therefore, they are discussed c ollectively rather than as separate
topics.
The riparian-wetland vegetation complex is one of the most limited and
valuable wildlife habitat types in the Upper Basin. As a narrow belt of
relatively lush habitat within an otherwise arid terrain, it is vital to
many wildlife species. Cottonwoods provide nesting roosting and perching
habitat for raptors, herons, and passerine birds. Numerous mammals use
the understory.
Waterfowl nesting habitat occurs naturally on the banks, islands, and
flood plains of the major streams and tributaries. In addition, four
State and Federal developed waterfowl areas are located on the Green River
below Flaming Gorge Reservoir (Figure III-E-1):
1. Browns Park State Waterfowl Management Area consists of two areas
totaling 1,800 acres located along the Green River 16 and 23 miles
below Flaming Gorge Dam. Waterfowl use the area for nesting, spring
and fall migration, and as limited wintering habitat. The area
typically has about 250 geese and 2,500 ducks during the winter. The
area hosts about 25 to 30 migrating bald eagles, and a few bald eagles
winter here. Water sources are the Green River and Crouse Creek.
Most water is pumped, but some water is obtained by gravity flow when
river flows are high.
2. Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Green River
25 miles below Flaming Gorge Dam and occupies 13,375 acres. High
quality nesting and migration habitat is provided for Canada geese,

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