WSP02042

• File Number: 8200.760
• Description: Yampa General Publications - Correspondence - Reports
• State: CO
• Basin: Statewide
• Date: 3/24/2000
• Author: BLM
• Title: Kremmling Resource Management Plan Amendments
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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WILDERNESS, AREAS OF CRlTICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN, WILD AND
SCENIC RlVERS

Affected Environment:
The focus of the SRMA is the Colorado River and its water based recreational uses. The
recreation uses are focused on the river itself and the area immediately adjacent to the river with a
scenic component that extends to the first major topographic break. No lands or waterways
within the proposed SRMA are designated as Wilderness, Wilderness Study Areas, Areas of
Critical Environmental Concern, or Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Environmental Consequences of Proposed Action:
Management Prescription # 1,2,3, and 4 (Boundary Adjustment, Identifying Land Use Priorities,
NSO for Oil and Gas ~easing, LandlMineral Withdrawal): There are no Wilderness, Wilderness
Study Areas or wiid and Scenic River designations that would be affected by the proposed
action. The Colorado River and its local tributaries have not been studied for Wild and Scenic
suitability. The proposed action would have no impact on the two Areas of Critical
Environmental Concern (ACEC) managed by BLM within the Kremmling Field Office.

WILDLIFE, AQUATIC
(Colorodo Stand.:1rds for Public Li:1nd Health. All aqu.il.tic wildlife infonnnlion for Standard #3))

Affected En vironrnent:
The SRMA includes numerous miles of the Colorado River, shon segments of six additional
perennial streams, and the Blue River. All of these with the exception of Barger Gulch, provide
habitat for a variety of coldwater fish, waterbirds, and several species of aquatic mammals. Some
of the more common fish species inhabiting these waters include brook trout, German brown
trout, rainbow trout, and several species of suckers and minnows. Some of the waterbirds
common to the waters included in the SRMA include mallards, green-winged teal, Canada geese,
common mergansers, water ouzels, kingfishers, and killdeers. Beavers, muskrats, mink and to a
lesser extent river otters are common in the SRMA.

Environmental Consequences of Proposed Action:
Management Prescription #1 and #2 (Boundary Adjustment, Identifying Land Use Priorities):
These proposed management prescriptions are not likely to impact aquatic habitat unless the
changes increase recreational activities such as fishing, floating, and camping adjacent to the
streams and rivers located in the SRMA. Waterbird breeding could be disrupted, as well as fish
spawning as a result of potential increases in floating, fishing, and camping in the Colorado River
coni dor.

Management Prescription #3 and #4 (NSO for Oil and Gas Leasing, LandlMineral Withdrawal):
These proposed management prescriptions could preclude aquatic habitat degradation or losses of
habitat associated with oil and gas development or mining activity. The prescriptions would
prohibit development activity in critical upland habitat areas associated with rivers and streams
within the SRMA.

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