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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I .002137 4.0 SUMMARY The majority of the area within the FERC project boundary is dominated by upland sagebrush habitat This habitat is particularly important to wintering mule deer and elk, as it provides browse during seasons when forage for these species is not available in their high-elevation summer ranges. The entire area around the Williams Fork Reservoir is designated as winter range for both mule deer and elk, and northern portions of the area within the FERC project boundary are designated as severe winter range for both species. Cedar Ridge is a known migration route for wintering mule deer and elk, and CDOW is currently engaged in a study of migration activities in the area, Other wildlife species supported by this habitat include antelope, small birds, and small mammals, The riparian corridor of the Williams Fork River upstream of the reservoir provides a small amount of variation from the common upland sagebrush habitat in the form of willow thickets and wet meadows. This habitat supports deer, elk, river otter, beaver, and a variety of bird life. Sage grouse habitat occurs within the FERC project boundary, but there have been few observations of sage grouse at the Williams Fork Project These observations are limited to sage grouse feeding on emergent vegetation along the shoreline during times of low reservoir water levels, Sage grouse populations occupy the region surrounding the Williams Fork Project, and three sage grouse leks have been identified between I and 4 miles from the Williams Fork Reservoir. Bald eagles use large mature trees of the riparian corridor of the Colorado River and, to some degree, the Williams Fork River below the reservoir as wintering habitat. CDOW survey results from 1997 through 2003 indicate an average of approximately 13 bald eagles and 2 golden eagles per year in the Colorado River reach nearest the Williams Fork Project. During 1998 and 1999, the only 2 years that CDOW survey results included the Williams Fork River, one adult bald eagle and two adult bald eagles were observed, respectively, in the Williams Fork River below the reservoir. Two golden eagles were also identified in that reach in 1998, No bald eagles have been observed using the Williams Fork Reservoir or the area within the FERC project boundary, which is consistent with the lack of suitable perch trees around the reservoir and the low potential for open-water foraging conditions at the reservoir during the winter. Williams Fork Reservoir Hydroelectric Project January 2004 Steigers CorporatIOn Wildlife Habitat Survey Report Page II