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nOl09~ . . Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) The Ferruginous hawk is currently a candidate species for listing as being threatened or endangered. Ferruginous hawks utilize dry, open country. In summer they occur as far north as southern Canada, especially in the prairie provinces. In winter they occur as far south as northern Mexico. They occur year-around in Colorado, however they are more common in winter. Ferruginous hawks are more likely to be encountered in the eastern part of the State, especially in winter. At least one confirmed nest site has been identified along the Yampa River (Andrews and Righter 1992), verifying the regional presence of the species. It is likely that Ferruginous hawks could be observed in the vicinity of Elkhead Reservoir, however use would be limited to hunting or perching. Observed birds could be from regional nesting sites or could be observed as migrants. . Black Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripesl The Black-footed ferret was listed as endangered in 1967 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Habitat for Black-footed ferrets is defined principally by the presence of colonies of prairie dogs. Ferrets are dependent on medium-sized, colonial rodent species like black-tailed and white-tailed prairie dogs and various species of ground squirrels. No colonies of these rodent species were observed within the project area, thereby reducing the potential for ferrets to occur. While the original distribution range of Black-footed ferrets included the vicinity of Elkhead Reservoir, it is almost certain that there are currently no ferrets within the project area. Habitat in the project area is generany either too wet or the slopes are too steep to sustain prairie dogs. While occasional sightings are reported from western Colorado, none have been verified. Aquatic Species In 1987, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published the Recovery Implementation Program (Recovery Plan) for the Endangered Fish of the Upper Colorado River Basin. This document provided the framework upon which recovery of three species of endangered fish and the management of a fourth in the Upper Colorado River Basin is to be based. The three endangered species include the Colorado squawfish, the Humpback chub and the Bony tail chub. Since the release of the Recovery Plan, the status of the fourth species, Razorback sucker, has been changed from a "candidate for listing" to endangered status. The ultimate goal of the recovery program is to recover populations of these four native species and allow them to be delisted from endangered species status. A considerable amount of scientific research has been conducted over the past 10 years to characterize the occurrence, habitat preferences, spawning behavior and flow requirements of the endangered fish of the Upper Colorado River Basin. This research has included extensive population surveys, habitat characterization for different life stages, behavioral studies and development of recommended stream flows. Nevertheless, some uncertainties remain with regard to habitat and flow needs, reproductive success and reestablishment of viable populations. An overview of the occurrence and habitat types of each of the endangered species is provided below. For a more detailed description of habitat requirements, behavior and the occurrence of the endangered fish, readers are referred to the Phase II Flow Recommendations - Yampa River (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1989) and the Final Biological Opinion for the Operation of Flaming Gorge Dam (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1992). 8 ~L;,:,ii