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The RSI is calculated from a habitat suitability index model for a particular wildlife species. These models differentiate the individual habitat needs and relationships critical to a wildlife species existence in order to evaluate the effects of vegetative suitability changes on that species. With this tool, a representative change (either negative or positive) to habitat quality can be determined. This value can then be multiplied by acres of covertype being evaluated to come up with Rabitat Unit Value (HOV - an integration of qualitative values <RSI> and quantitative values <Acres>). Under the Environmental Impact statement for the McElmo Creek salinity Control Unit, RSI's and HOV's were to be calculated for the followinq evaluation species: mule deer, mallard, ring-necked pheasant, great-horned owl, yellow- breasted chat, montane vole and common snipe. As agreed to at the last interagency meeting for species model review; the mule deer model would be dropped, the meadow vole model would be adopted in place of the montane vole, the yellow warbler would be substituted for the yellOW-breasted chat and the screech owl would be substituted for the great- horned owl. It was felt by the group that if a particular model satisfactorily evaluated a cover type, even if the species was uncommon in the area (but utilized the same cover type in other areas), then a substitution was warranted. It was also agreed that an additional model would be selected to evaluate cattail wetland habitat (type 3 & 4). The marsh wren model has been selected, modified and is presently in use. The new list of models is as follows; mallard - winter, mallard - nesting, pheasant, screech owl, meadow vole, yellow warbler, common snipe and marsh wren. Ten cover types have been selected for measurement and evaluation (using HEP) to determine suitability for wildlife. These cover types are as follows: Cropland (AC), Annual Herbland (ANNHERB), Perennial Herbland (PERHERB), Woodland (WOODY), Pasture and Rayland (AP), Native Rangeland (SSSB), Orchards and Vinyards (AO), Palustrine Emergent Wetlands (PEM), streams, Rivers and Canals (RIVERSn), Lakes, Ponds and Reservoirs (LAKESn). It should be noted that rivers and canals (RlVERSn) are rarely affected in the McElmo Unit. " C\\. ~ , \" >-... ., \ .. "