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Dallas Creek Project, Colorado (BR) -25- ~ drainage. These investigations, and any feasible plans revealed by these investigations, should be funded and implemented as a part of the Dallas Creek project. Accomplishment of this water quality improvement would enhance stream fishing in the Uncompahgre River valley. ~ The project would have significant impacts upon game and nongame wildlife resources (See Table III). Additional, already critical deer winter range would be lost from production. The continuing cumulative impacts of this winter habitat loss is reducing the annual harvest of mule deer in Colorado. Cumulative impacts of the loss of native habitat and attendant wildlife must also be recognized. To reduce the impact of this habitat loss on big-game hunting and also general wildlife resources, the Bureau of Reclamation should acquire and develop, as recommended by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, and the Fish and Wildlife Service, 6,000 acres of land adjacent or near to the Ridgway Reservoir. At least 4,200 acres of this habitat acquisition should be located on Log Hill Mesa and would be developed primarily as deer winter range. Administration of these lands could either be transferred to the Colorado Division of Wildlife or administered by the agency responsible for the Ridgway Reservoir complex under a management plan approved by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Acquisition and development by the project of areas suitable for management as deer winter range and also general wildlife habitat would not replace habitat lost due to the Dallas Creek Project. It would however, provide"th~u~h intensive management, a method to maintain deer herd #62 near irs present population level, and to preserve some areas of natural wildlife habitat. Utilizing appropriate management techniques, cottontail rabbit population could be increased on these management areas. This acquisition and development program should be funded and imple- mented as a Section 8 program item. The Bureau of Reclamation has estimated costs of this program at $1,000,000. Annual operation and maintenance costs would be approximately $30,000 and should also be funded under the Section 8 program. , The relocation of U.S. Highway 550 to the east of Ridgway Reservoir will intrude further into a traditional deer wintering area. More deer will attempt to cross this highway which will result in an increased number of vehicle-deer collisions. Presently on the l4-mile segment of highway between the towns of Ridgway and Colona, an average of five