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. ('''! a:,,"') 'J ,.:.. ..... . . 4 the Colorado Division of Wildlife, with primary emphasis on such trout species as the rainbow, German brown, and cutthroat. With some exceptions, such as mule deer which are increasing from a suboptimal level, most fish and wildlife populations within the region are currently at or near optimum levels with respect to their habitats. The valley floors below 6,000 feet (1,829 m) in elevation are predominantly agricultural and are of limited value to wildlife relative to natural vegetation. Lands up to 1,000 feet (300 m) above the irrigated fields contain primarily sagebrush and associated plant species, many of which are utilized by wildlife. These areas constitute the lower limits of big game winter range and are valuable to a host of other wildlife species, including many small mammals, raptors, and songbirds, Areas between 7,000 and 8,000 feet (2,134 and 2,438 m) elevation are the heart of big game winter range for mule deer and elk, and they also support a small number of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the winter. Above 8,000 feet (2,438 m), subalpine and alpine vegetation provide summer range for big game, Sparsely vegetated high mountain peaks and isolated rocky crags provide summer range for the bighorn sheep, Endangered fish and wildlife species of the region that are on the federal list include the American peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and Colorado squawfish.1 The razorback sucker, also found within the region, has been proposed for inclusion on the fed,eral list as a threatened species; it is found in the Gunnison River below the study area. The river otter, peregrine falcon, greater sandhill 1. Endangered Wildl ife Service. V, and Threatened Wildlife Plants, USDI, Fish and Federal Register, Thursday, July 14, 1977, Part 35