WSP02759

• File Number: 8040.960
• Description: Section D General Studies - Dams
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 1/1/2004
• Author: Denver Water
• Title: Williams Fork Hydroelectric Project - FERC Number 2204 - Wildlife Habitat Survey Report
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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habitat, including deer, elk, beaver, and river otter. No species listed under the
Endangered Species Act is known to use this habitat at the Williams Fork Project.

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Although this important riparian habitat extends for several miles along the Williams
Fork River upstream of the reservoir, only about 7 acres associated with the reservoir
inlet actually occur within the FERC project boundary.

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The riparian corridor below the reservoir is much narrower and is characterized by steep,
rocky banks and upland sagebrush habitat.

3.2 Species Use

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A list of species that use the area within the FERC project boundary and the surrounding
area is provided in Table I, below, This list is based on documented wildlife
observations and on personal communication with CDOW.

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Table I. Wildlife Use of the Area in and around the Williams Fork Project.

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Common Name Scientific Name Suecies Use
Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus Throughout Williams Fork Project
as winter range, Cedar Ridge serves
as a milITation route
Elk Cervus elaphus Throughout Williams Fork Project
as winter range. Cedar Ridge serves
as a migration route
Pronghorn Antelope Anti/ocapra americana Throughout Williams Fork Project
unland sa"ebrush habitat
Sage Grouse Centrocercus urophasianus Individuals periodically observed
within the FERC project boundary,
three leks are located 1-4 miles from
reservoir
Bald Eagle Haliaeellls leucocephalus Winter range located along
Williams Fork River downstream of
reservoir and Colorado River
riparian corridors
Richardson Ground Spermophillls richardsonii Throughout Williams Fork Project
Squirrel
Mountain Lion Felis coneD/or Individuals observed in region
Bobcat L vnx rufus Individuals observed in region
Black Bear Ursus amer;canus Individuals observed in region
Ri ver Otter Lulra canadensis Individuals observed in region,
upstream of reservoir in Williams
Fork River
Bea ver CaslOr canadensis Individuals observed in region.
upstream of reservoir in Williams
Fork River
Mink Mus/ela vison Individuals observed in region

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Williams Fork R~servoir
Hydroelectric Project
January 2004

51eigers CorporatIOn
WIldlife HabItat Survey Report

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