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DOW, the Chukar partridge is a year-round resident on both sides of the gorge. Observations have revealed that the gorge serves as a resting area and refuge for thousands of ducks and geese in mid-winter. Birds of prey include prairie falcon, kestrels, golden eagles, and red-tailed hawks. The area supports a small population of turkey vultures and is historic range for peregrine falcon. It is also within the hunting range of the pair of falcons using BLCA as a nesting site. In addition, the area is heavily used by wintering bald eagles. Several species of reptiles are found in the area; predominantly lizards and snakes. The Oedipodine grasshopper, found in this area, is a researched example of a topographic barrier to gene flow. On the southwest side of the Gunnison Gorge, the grasshoppers have predominantly yellow wings, and on the northeast side, orange wings. Aquatic Wildlife The Gunnison River, flowing through the Gunnison Canyon, was designated a "Gold Medal Trout Fishery" in 1982, by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Northern pike, eastern brook, German brown, and rainbow trout are the game species found in the river. Non- game native species of suckers, dace, and chubs also exist. The Gunnison River also contains a high concentration of aquatic insects which helps with the excellent fishery resource. Air Quality Relatively isolated from major sources of air pollution, the GGRA has air quality ranging from very good to excellent. On October 27, 1977, the Colorado Air Quality Control Act designated the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument and the study area as Colorado Category I for sulfur dioxide. Under the Clean Air Act of 1977, the wilderness area of BLCA was designated a Class I area_ CULTURAL RESOURCES To date, very little archeological work has been done in the GGRA. Nonetheless, it is possible to discuss the contexts of area history in general stages, based on the recent summaries prepared for the Colorado State Historical Society: West Central Colorado Prehistoric Context (Reed 1984) and Colorado Mountains Prehistoric Context (Guthrie, Gadd, Johnson, and Uschka 1984.) Paleo-Indian Stage Peoples of the Paleo-Indian period, dating approximately 12,000 to 7,500 years (10000- 5500 BC), were the first to inhabit the region. This stage represents an efficient and enduring adaptation to terminal Pleistocene environments, characterized by small groups exploiting regional resources in a migratory lifestyle. Utilization of Pleistocene megafauna, such as mammoth and giant bison, was an important part of seasonal activities, although undoubtedly acquisition of plant resources was an important part of life as well. Paleo- 12