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~" . .. ft' . . 3 . The historical eyrie is suitable for peregrine occupancy. However, there are larger more typical peregrine cliffs in southwestern Colorado. The Colorado Division of Wildlife does not consider the historic site as exceptional. Further, the surrounding hunting habitat is judged to be of marginal quality. The Ridges Basin Reservoir may improve the habitat for some peregrine prey such as swifts and swallows; however, the fluctuating water tables will create a barren shoreline reducing the likelihood that blackbirds and other prey species would be available to peregrines. We believe the proposed reservoir will neither destroy good peregrine habitat nor enhance existing habitat; consequently, it is my biological opinion that the proposed action is not likely to jeopardize the continued exis- tence of the peregrine falcon. On March 16, 1978, the bald eagle, another project inhabitant, was listed as endangered in the conterminous United States except for several northwest and lake states where it was designated threatened. The decline of this eagle has been attributed to the loss of breeding habitat, illegal shooting, and the presence of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides in their food supply which caused egg deterioration and reproduction failures. The bald eagle is a wide ranging species associated with and dependent upon water. Its food base may include fish, small mammals, waterfowl, and all forms of carrion though fish appear to be the stable food item. Within the project area, the Animas River south of Durango to Farmington supports approximately 20 wintering bald eagles. This population may be the maximum winter population this riverine system can support. In addition, there exists one active bald eagle nest near the Animas River, south of Durango. My main concern is the impact of reducing the Animas River stream flows upon the nesting bald eagles. This reduction in stream flow could reduce availability of warm water fish for these eagles as well as change fish species composition. Data indicates flannelmouth sucker dominance may be replaced by white suckers, but pounds per acre of fish will not change significantly. . With these considerations, it is my biological opinion that the proposed action is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the bald eagle. .