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<br />J <br /> <br /> <br />By improving the water control structure~ and applying water, management will be <br /> <br /> <br />able to increase wet-meadow habitat and decrease existing brush habitat. This <br /> <br /> <br />will increase waterfowl and other migratory bird production and use. Removal of <br /> <br /> <br />grazing will cause brush habitat that remains in existence to have a greater <br /> <br /> <br />grass understory. This should increase shorebird and waterfowl use of these <br /> <br /> <br />areas. <br /> <br />Appendix A presents summary tables identifying expected waterfowl use and pro- <br /> <br />duction of the property under Refuge management. Also, tables show use by other <br /> <br />major species in the area. Expected use-days under Refuge management for <br /> <br /> <br />Lillpop lands include 105,200 use-days per year for waterfowl and 15,200 use- <br /> <br /> <br />days for geese. These estimates are based on similar habitat use of lands <br /> <br /> <br />currently on the Refuge. <br /> <br />The purchase of the Lillpop ranch in lieu of transfer of 800 acre-feet of well <br />water could result in a slight increase in additional acreage of high quality <br />wetlands, a slight increase in annual waterfowl production, and a potential for <br /> <br />a slight increase in annual hunting man-days. <br /> <br />The effects of the proposed action on big game, upland game, and related hunting <br />opportunities would be minor. <br /> <br />The proposal will benefit at least five species of ducks, two geese species, and <br /> <br /> <br />tundra swans and will provide breeding, migratory, and winter habitat for these <br /> <br /> <br />species. Breeding and migratory habitat will be provided for over 18 species of <br /> <br /> <br />marsh and wading birds, including migratory use by whooping cranes and sandhill <br /> <br />GJG345 <br /> <br />III-7 <br />