WSP03031 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

'.:::> (\J co c',) .-j Replacement of the habitat value of the 11,098 acres of affected lands in the project area will be accomplished as follows: -, '..~~ 1. Improve the habitat value of 3,485 acres of lands surrounding high- value wetlands in the northern portion of Alamosa NWR. 2. ~mprove the habitat value of 880 acres of lands surrounding the stabilized San Luis Lake high-value wetlands. 3. Maintain and improve the habitat value of 410 acres of lands in the vicinity of high-value wetlands in the Blanca WHA. 4. Improve the habitat value of 1,642 acres of lands surrounding the high- value wetlands at Russell Lakes management area. The 11,098 acres of low-value lands affected by drawdown pumping wi thin the pro- ject boundaries will be replaced with 6,417 acres of lands with improved habitat values due to nearby wetlands and ponded waters. The 410 acres of lands in the Blanca WHA on which vegetation may be affected by drawdown pumping will be replaced with about 300 acres of land in the west 1/2 of sec. 4, T. 38 N., R. 12 E. and maintained and improved with the development and use of 102.5 acre-, feet of artesian water annually from appurtenant water rights. C. Waterfowl Production and Other Bird Use The 3,443 ducks produced and 594 hunter-days per season which will be lost will be replaced on Alamosa NWR and Blanca WHA with the addition of water from the project through the replacement and improvement of wetland habitat values. The 601 ducks and 104 hunter-days lost annually on Blanca WHA will be replaced with the 993.5 acre-feet of water annually supplied by the project to maintain and improve the habitat value of 608 acres. The remaining 2,842 ducks produced annually (490 hunter-days) will be replaced on the 4,374 acres of lands receiving the 5,300 acre-feet of water annually on Alamosa NWR. An additional 7,472 ducks in excess of those lost will be produced annually on Alamosa NvR from the improvement of wetland habitat value through the management of 5,300 acre-feet of water. The additional 7,472 ducks produced annually on Alamosa NWR represent approximately 1,288 hunter-days per season. The 338,400 days of other bird use lost per season will be maintained by the replacement and improvement of 8,460 acres of wetland habitat. D. Fishery The 5,251 pounds of trout production lost in the Blanca WHA will be maintained with 113.5 acre-feet of artesian water annually. The 113.5 acre-feet of water will be transferred to Blanca WHA in the transfer of the acquired W. 1/2 sec. 4, T. 38 N., R. 12 E. with appurtenant artesian water rights. ' 15