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Two major reservoirs exist within the project withdrawal area. They are the Eden Reservoir and the Big Sandy Reservoir and both provide game fisheries habitat. The Eden and Big Sandy Reservoirs are major irrigation water storage reservoirs for the Eden Valley Irrigation Project. The former is a relatively shallow reservoir which may winterkill when it enters the winter with a large drawdown. Fish common to both the ~ig and Little Sandy Rivers are present in the reservoirs. The Big Sandy Reservoir maintains a population of brown trout and contains a small number of cutthroat trout. Rainbow trout occur incidentally in the reservoir. ;i "li &::J ,'" .J ~." .~ The wildlife in the watershed is primarily a composite of native terrestrial animal communities that depend upon specific vegetative types or other animals in the community for food. Some of these animals are closely tied to a particular plant community or vegetative type while others ranr,e throughout the study area and adjacent areas. Many animal species roilY be found in the study area throughout the year, while some migrate into the study area for certain seasons of the year. j. Pronghorn antelope, mule deer, elk, and moose are the major big game species found in the watershed. The WGFD currently manages the population of these species on a hunt area-herd unit basis. Antelope and mule deer are common sights on and near the irrigated lands. The sage grouse is the predominant and most important game bird inhabiting the watershed. Actual numbers of sage grouse are not known. The sagebrush-grass vegetation is characteristically occupied by sage grouse. This type of vegetation covers much of the study area that is not irrigated. Sage grouse uSe the irrigated alfalfa fields extensively for brood rearing during May-June. The project area is part of the Pacific Flyway. Important habitat for ducks consists of nesting, brood rearing, and resting areas used during the spring, summer, and fall. These include flowing waters such as Pacific and Jack Morrow Creeks, the Little Sandy and Big Sandy Rivers, stock ponds, reservoirs, and irrigation induced wetlands in the project area. Figure 2-4 shows the location, types, and size of wetlands in the project area. Figures 2-5 and 2-6 show examples of typical wetlands in the project area. The pictures show dramatic seasonal water supply fluctuations. These wetlands do not support typical wetland plants because of the water supply fluctuations and high salt concentrations. Tables 2-6 and 2-7 show wetland inventories by type and water source. ....... According to the WGFD, the approximately 140 square miles within the agricultural area support a long-term average of about 11 duck breeding pairs/square mile, or 1,540 breeding pairs of ducks on about 10,170 acres of wetland and wetland margin. Five hundred to two thousand geese use the area in October and provide an estimated 500 goose hunter recreation days annually. An estimated 5,000-7,500 ducks, migrants included, provide an estimated 1,500 duck hunter recreation days annually in the project area. These data represent SO to 75 percent of the Sweetwater County waterfowl hunting recreation annually. Commonly observed ducks in the project area include mallard, pintail, shoveler, American widgeon, gadwall, teal, ringnecked duck, and redhead. The Canadian goose and sandhill crane are also commonly seen in the project area. 2-16 l J 11 {I ;i "'" t;i'; L~