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<br />.... ,.\" <br /> <br />DOW, the Chukar partridge is a year-round resident on both sides of the gorge. <br />Observations have revealed that the gorge serves as a resting area and refuge for <br />thousands of ducks and geese in mid-winter. Birds of prey include prairie falcon, kestrels, <br />golden eagles, and red-tailed hawks. The area supports a small population of turkey <br />vultures and is historic range for peregrine falcon, It is also within the hunting range of <br />the pair of falcons using BlCA as a nesting site. In addition, the area is heavily used by <br />wintering bald eagles. <br /> <br />Several species of reptiles are found in the area; predominantly lizards and snakes. <br /> <br />The Oedipodine grasshopper, found in this area, is a researched example of a <br />topographic barrier to gene flow. On the southwest side of the Gunnison Gorge, the <br />grasshoppers have predominantly yellow wings, and on the northeast side, orange wings. <br /> <br />Aquatic Wildlife <br /> <br />The Gunnison River, flowing through the Gunnison Canyon, was designated a 'Gold <br />Medal Trout Fishery' in 1982, by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Northern pike, eastern <br />brook, German brown, and rainbow trout are the game species found in the river. Non- <br />game native species of suckers, dace, and chubs also exist. The Gunnison River also <br />contains a high concentration of aquatic insects which helps with the excellent fishery <br />resource. <br /> <br />Air Quality <br /> <br />Relatively isolated from major sources of air pollution, the GGRA has air quality ranging <br />from very good to excellent. On October 27, 1977, the Colorado Air Quality Control Act <br />designated the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument and the study area as <br />Colorado Category I for sulfur dioxide. Under the Clean Air Act of 1977, the wilderness <br />area of BlCA was designated a Class I area. <br /> <br />CULTURAL RESOURCES <br /> <br />To date, very little archeological work has been done in the GGRA. Nonetheless, it is <br />possible to discuss the contexts of area history in general stages, based on the recent <br />summaries prepared for the Colorado State Historical Society: West Central Colorado <br />Prehistoric Context (Reed 1984) and Colorado Mountains Prehistoric Context (Guthrie, <br />Gadd, Johnson, and Lischka 1984.) <br /> <br />Paleo-Indian Stage <br /> <br />Peoples of the Paleo-Indian period, dating approximately 12,000 to 7,500 years (10000- <br />5500 BC), were the first to inhabit the region. This stage represents an efficient and <br />enduring adaptation to terminal Pleistocene environments, characterized by small groups <br />exploiting regional resources in a migratory lifestyle. Utilization of Pleistocene megafauna, <br />such as mammoth and giant bison, was an important part of seasonal activities, although <br />undoubtedly acquisition of plant resources was an important part of life as well. Paleo- <br /> <br />12 <br />