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..The staging area is covered with sparse grass and annuals with spruce, fir, and aspen trees on the outer edge. The variation in terrain and elevation of the Ouray area provide a variety of habitats for many type of animals. Some of the larger mammals include elk, mule deer, bear, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Predators in the area include mountain lions, coyotes, and red foxes. Small mammals in the area include mice, voles, shrews, marmots, rabbits, skunk, and squirrels. Bald eagles, ducks, and geese migrate through the area in the winter months, while rufous hummingbirds, swallows, and many other neo-tropical birds reside in the aHla in the summer months. Vear-round residents include turkeys, golden eagles, red tailed hawks, kestrels, osprey, ravens, magpies, jays, finches, and chickadees (Southwestern Colorado Data Center, 1997). 3.3.2 Environmental Effects No Action. Under the no action alternative, the Corps would not undertake the rehabilitation of the streambank on Skyrocket Creek. Existing vegetation and wildlife conditions would remain the same as described in existing conditions. Proposed Action. The proposed rehabilitation of the streambank would have short term effects to vegetation and wildlife. Some herbaceous plants and trees would be lost as a result of the project but would regrow upon completion of the project. Wildlife would be discouraged from entming the area by the construction noise and the presence of people; however, wildlife would return upon completion of the project. Since construction would occur in August or September, there would be no effect on the nesting, lambing, or breeding of any wildlife species. There would be no effect to any of the vegetation and only temporary displacement of any wildlife at the staging area. As a result, there would be no significant effect to vegetation and wildlife due to the project. These effects have been coordinated with the Grand Junction office of the US Fish and Wildlife (FWS) Service. A planning aid letter has been received from the FWS which states their finding of no significant effect (Attachment A). 3.3.3 Mitigation. Since there would be no significant adverse effects on vegetation and wildlife, no mitigation would be required. 3.4 Special Status Species 3.4.1 Existing Conditions. Special status species are classified by the Federal government, State government, and/or regional conservation organizations as rare, threatened, or endangered. A list of special status plant and animal species known to occur or potentially occurring in the vicinity of the project area 8