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'~j2~~9 . Environmental Consequences of Proposed Action: In general. the proposed action identifies land use priorities that would not be expected to affect ground water quality. The land use priorities can all be compatible with water quality, depending on specific land use actions proposed. The proposed action would limit off-road vehicle use on all of the parcels. By limiting off-road vehicle use impacts to water quality would be reduced. WILDERNESS, AREAS OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN. WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS There are no Wilderness, Wilderness Study Areas or Wild and Scenic River designations that would be affected by the proposed action. 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, AQUA TIC (Colorado Slilndards for Public Land HC:llth. All Olquatic wildlife infonnation for Standll.rd #3) Affected Environment: Middle Park: Six of the eleven acquired parcels provide habitat for aquatic wildlife. In addition, parcels MP-l, MP-2, MP-7, are known to support trout populations. The remaining parcels with aquatic habitat, MP-3, MP-S, MP-6, contain perennial waters, however, no fish populations are known to exist in them. Sulphur Gulch which is located in parcel MP-3 is a perennial stream, however, due to the chemical composition of the water, it is not inhabited by aquatic wildlife. All the waters mentioned above with the exception of Sulphur Gulch support small numbers of waterbirds during the summer and early fall. North Park: Parcels NP-I and NP-3 provide aquatic wildlife habitat, primarily for aquatic mammals and waterbirds. The aquatic habitat found in these parcels primarily includes intermittent shallow ponds and reservoirs which are managed as waterbird habitat. Numerous species of ducks. shorebirds, and Canada geese utilize these waters from spring through fall annually. These habitats contribute a. significant number of waterbirds to the total produced annually in Colorado. Environmental Consequences of Proposed Action: The land use priority designated for each of the parcels is likely to benefit or at least be compatible with the aquatic habitat values provided by each. The parcels included in the Hebron Waterfowl Management Area (NP-I and NP-3) have been managed with emphasis placed on waterfowl production. The proposed. wildlife designation would reinforce habitat management productivity in this area. The proposed land use priorities being evaluated in the proposed action are likely to be compatible with aquatic wildlife values where they currently exist. WILDLIFE. TERRESTRIAL (Color:ido Standards for Public wnd He~lth. All terrestI'iilJ wildlife information for Sl..1ndard #3) Affected Environment: Middle Park: The acquired land included in the proposed action provide upland habitat for a variety of terrestrial wildlife species. These species include mule deer, Rccky Mountain elk, pronghorn antelope. sage grouse. blue grouse. birds of prey. songbirds and numerous species of small mammals. Winter use cf some of the acquired parcels by deer, elk, and pronghorn is especially important since winter habitat is critical to the survival of these species.. Parcels MP-3. MP-S. MP-8. MP-9. and MP-lO in Middle Park are especially imponant as winter habitat for these species. 11