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<br />.0') <br />';)}.Q" <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />thoughtful recommendations for adequate range i~act damage mitigation. <br />This has not been done. Further, wildlife range impact damage in <br />the collection schemes of both the north and south side systems have <br />not received other than oblique and cursory comment. <br /> <br />Raised by: <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />Representinll <br /> <br />Edwin Merrick <br /> <br />National Wildlife Federation <br /> <br />Response: <br /> <br />The Bureau of Reclamation's concern for the preservation of the <br />environment and fish and wildlife on the Project has been a major <br />force in the planning and construction phases." Early in the stages <br />of development and during past planning activitiea of the Project, <br />many Federal and State agencies have assisted and contributed information. <br /> <br />The Project's West Slope features, except Ruedi Dam and Reservoir, are <br />located at the relatively high altitude of 10,000 feet and do not make <br />up a large area of winter range for deer and elk. There, the collection <br />system is comprised of tunnels, buried conduits, diversion structures <br />and access roads which do not iapede the movement of wildlife. The <br />collection systems were specifically designed in this manner to reduce <br />interference with wildlife movements. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />The effects of operation of Ruedi Dam and Reservoir on fish and wildlife <br />were evaluated by the Fish and Wildlife Service with the cooperation <br />of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The report concludad that the' <br />influence of these structures on big game and upland game would be <br />insignificant, but some habitat 10s8es for waterfowl and aqua~ic <br />animals would occur through inundation of the three original saall <br />ponds. <br /> <br />Mt. Elbert Conduit, a buried pipe on the eastern slope, has been <br />substituted for by its alternate the Mt. Elbert Canal. The buried <br />system eliminates the need for fencing and gaDe ~r08aing atructures <br />and pemits unrestricted movement of game anima18. The selection of <br />the buried pipeline to carry the water was greatly influenced by <br />environmental and wildlife reasons. There will be soae game migration <br />interference associated with the Otero Canal in spite of the game <br />crossings to be provided. Deer and elk winter range in the vicinity <br />of Twin Lakes and Mt. Elbert Forebay will be adversely affected. <br />See Cl:tapter IV. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />XI-44l <br />