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<br />the river flows through four major life zones; Artic-Alpine (above 11,500
<br />feet), Hudsonian (10,500 to 11,500 feet), Canadian (8,000 to 10,500 feet) and
<br />Transition (5,500 to 8,000 feet).
<br />
<br />These four life zones offer a variety of wildlife habitats which are
<br />conducive to abundant populations. Aquatic habitats include the river,
<br />tributary streams, lakes, reservoirs, seeps and ponds for fish, amphibians,
<br />crustaceans and some reptiles. Terrestrial habitats include alpine meadows,
<br />forests, shrubland, grassland and riparian areas for birds and mammals.
<br />
<br />There are approximately fifteen species of fish in the waters
<br />basin. Game fish include five species of trout, Kokanee salmon
<br />whitefish. Non-game fish include minnows, shiners and suckers.
<br />there are six species of crustaceans found generally in lakes and
<br />
<br />of the upper
<br />and mountain
<br />In addition,
<br />reservoirs.
<br />
<br />The Colorado Division of Wildlife stocks about 33 miles of the mainstem
<br />and 3 miles of the Little South Fork with trout each year. A number of the
<br />reservoirs in the upper basin are also stocked with trout. The river provides
<br />excellent aquatic habitat with good water quality, desirable water
<br />temperatures, a gentle stream gradient, abundant riparian vegetation, adequate
<br />reproduction areas and a pool-riffle ratio of about 50:50.
<br />
<br />There are approximately 265 species of amphibians, birds, mammals and
<br />reptiles in the upper Cache la Poudre basin. The more common species include
<br />beaver, chipmunks, coyote, deer, elk, hawks, lizards, magpies, mice,
<br />shorebirds, skunk, songbirds and squirrels.
<br />
<br />Big game mammals include bear, bighorn sheep, deer, elk and mountain
<br />lion. Deer are the most abundant of the large mammals and are found along the
<br />entire river corridor. Elk are also numerous and, like the deer, they are
<br />found in the higher elevations during the summer months and at lower
<br />elevations during the winter. Their winter range extends from about 8,000
<br />feet down to about 6,500 feet.
<br />
<br />There are approximately 100 bighorn sheep in the upper basin with the
<br />largest herd of about 75 animals located along the north slope of the canyon
<br />near Rustic. This herd started with 16 animals introduced in the area in 1946
<br />by the Colorado Division of wildlife. Their range extends from above Spencer
<br />Heights down to Stove prairie Landing. Smaller bighorn sheep herds are found
<br />near the headwaters of the River in Rocky Mountain National Park.
<br />
<br />Small game mammals
<br />snowshoe hare and tree
<br />ptarmigan and turkey.
<br />mourning dove, waterfowl
<br />
<br />found in the upper basin are cottontail
<br />squirrels. Upland game birds include blue
<br />Migratory game birds include band-tailed
<br />and shorebirds.
<br />
<br />rabbit,
<br />grouse,
<br />pigeon,
<br />
<br />Raptors are common to all habitats along the river corridor. The most
<br />common residents include several species of hawks as well as golden eagle,
<br />prairie falcon and great-horned owl.
<br />
<br />II-8
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