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CHAPTER I SUMMARY In line with prescribed public involvement procedures, a multi- disciplinary planning team (consisting of representatives of Federal, State, and local agencies and nongovernment organizations) was formed to aid the Bureau in the study. The team met twice to discuss and update resource base data and projections for energy-related developments. Past studies for both private and Federal water development projects were reviewed. Limitations of water development caused by interstate compacts and state water rights were discussed. A survey of potential reservoir sites was made and over 70 were given at least cursory engi- neering and geological consideration as indicated in Chapter VI. . Description of Study Area Locati9ll The UCRS area includes the entire White River Basin from its head- waters to its confluence with the Green River, as shown on the General Map at the front of this report. It includes the Yampa River Basin with the exception of the Little Snake River and Vermillion Creek sub- basins. The western limit of the area is the Green River between its confluences with the Yampa and White Rivers. It includes essentially all of Rio Blanco County, major portions of Moffat and Routt Counties, and a small part of Garfield County in Colorado and the eastern part of Uintah County in Utah. . Natural characteristics The area has a diverse physiography, ranging from rugged mountains with peak elevations over 12,000 feet in the eastern portion to desolate' and broken desert lands, under 5,000 feet, near the ]ihite-Green River confluence. The climate ranges from hot dry summers in the lower ele- vations to very cold winters with deep snow in the higher mountains. Vegetation varies with climate and elevation, from dense conifer and aspen forests in. the mountains to sparse desert shrub communities in the lower deserts. The area is rich in wildlife. Northwestern Colorado is one of the Nation's principal big-game hunting regions. Elk are found in the moun- tains while deer range throughout the area, especially the middle ele- vations. One of Colorado's largest antelope herds roams the lands north and west of the city of Craig. A variety of small-game animals, fur- bearers, and nongame animals is found wherever their special habitat requirements exist. Migratory waterfowl are also common especially along the Green River and the lower reaches of the Yampa River. Fish are present in many of the streams as well as in both natural and man-made lakes. Cutthroat and brook trout are found in the colder . 2