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<br />SUMMARY <br /> <br />now occurs under the no-action alternative. Along the <br />Uncompahgre River, bank stabilization efforts would be required <br />to protect riparian areas. . <br /> <br />Less than one percent of the total known population of the <br />endangered clay-loving wild buckwheat (Eriqonum pelinophilum) <br />would be eliminated during construction of the penstock. Special <br />construction techniques in this area would be imposed to reduce <br />impacts, and off-site conservation measures to protect other <br />populations would be implemented. <br /> <br />FISHERIES <br /> <br />Without development, the Gunnison River would be expected to keep <br />its status as a Gold Medal fishery maintained by natural <br />reproduction. This fishery has been maintained under a large <br />range of flows during the 1980's, and no significant, long-term <br />habitat or water quality changes would be expected. <br /> <br />Development alternatives would divert additional flows from the <br />river, with the largest change occurring during the nonirrigation <br />season. Studies on the fish populations and fish habitat during <br />the 1980's indicate that the fishery would be maintained under <br />development conditions. Additional fishing pressure would occur. <br />Additional diversions through the Tunnel may increase the loss of <br />fish from the Gunnison River to the South Canal. <br /> <br />Under the no-action alternative, the fishery in the Uncompahgre <br />River between Ridgway Dam and the M&D Canal would be expected to <br />improve due to better flow patterns and water quality. With <br />development, habitat conditions may improve between the South <br />Canal and the Loutzenhizer Diversion (approximately 7 miles) and <br />decline between the Loutzenhizer Diversion and Montrose <br />(approximately 4 miles). Flow conditions and water quality <br />should improve downstream from Montrose, but other habitat <br />conditions may prevent development of a significant fishery. <br />River flows downstream from Delta would not be affected; <br />therefore, the endangered fishes that inhabit the lower Gunnison <br />and Colorado Rivers would not be affected. <br /> <br />WILDLIFE <br /> <br />Significant changes are not projected under the no-action <br />alternative. Land use changes in the Uncompahgre Valley may <br />gradually reduce wildlife habitat and numbers. Land management <br />plans for lands along the Gunnison River, however, provide for <br />long-term habitat preservation. possible impacts to wildlife <br />under development alternatives include loss of habitat in <br />construction areas and the direct loss of 11 acres of wetland. <br />These losses would be offset by a wetland replacement plan and <br /> <br />S - 11 <br /> <br />" II <br />