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<br />Dallas Creek Project, Colorado (BR) <br /> <br />-9- <br /> <br />Mule deer in the western part of the Uncompahgre drainage are a <br />part of the animals making up deer herd unit #62, as designated <br />by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Winter range for this herd <br />extends in a belt down the Uncompahgre Valley as indicated in Figure <br />6. These lands sustain on the average, one mule deer per 20 acres <br />during the winter period. Mule deer on the east side of the <br />drainage are animals included in deer herd Unit #65. <br /> <br />Elk occur seasonally in the project area drainage, generally summering <br />higher in the Dallas Divide area and the north slope of the San Juan <br />mountains and wintering along the west slope of the Uncompahgre Valley. <br /> <br />A relatively stable wild turkey population exists on the west slope <br />of the Uncompahgre Valley, and specifically the Log Hill Mesa area. <br />A blue grouse population ranges over the upper Log Hill Mesa area, <br />generally associated with the pine-aspen-meadow-brush-type habitats. <br /> <br />A small sage grouse population is centered around Simms Mesa, west <br />of the town of Uncompahgre, however the northern extensions of Log <br />Hill Mesa are suitable sage grouse habitat that could be utilized <br />in the future. <br /> <br />Cottontail rabbit and fur bearing animals, (muskrat, mink, weasel, <br />skunk, etc.) are present on most of the lands or waters to be <br />impacted by the project. <br /> <br />Some species of dabbling ducks (Mallard, Pintail, green-winged teal) <br />occur occasionally in the upper Uncompahgre Valley, usually as <br />migrants. Some nesting by Mallards does occur. <br /> <br />The existing native habitat in the Uncompahgre River drainage <br />support a myriad of species of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and <br />amphibians. These nongame wildlife populations are an integral <br />element of the biological balance of the ecologic system, and also <br />have a significant aesthetic value to the public. <br /> <br />It is not known whether or not any endangered or threatened species <br />of wildlife reside in the project area of influence. <br /> <br />Project Effects on Fish <br /> <br />Development of the Dallas Creek Project will have the following impact <br />on fishery resources. The project will divert high spring runoff from <br /> <br />~ <br />