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~ The Selectecl Plan will accel erate the presently increasing game bird damages to crops. An increase in sprinkler irrigated land acreage wEl probably result in a greater annual acreage of small grains. Fall depredation on small grains may ~crease by an unknown amount during the grain harvest. Early fall duck humbers (especially mallards) will increase on and near grain fields. Costs for damage prevention by the WGFD may increase and landowner tolerance of waterfowl will decrease. In light of the WGFD's recent efforts to lure fall staging sandhill cranes and geese to Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge 30 miles away and the recently (1986) initiated September sandhill crane and goose hunting season, it is impossible to predict the crop depredation impacts from this project. it~ fj U'>~ _T~ ,'-': Based on annual breeding pair surveys, the project area supports an average of one duck breeding pair per 2.4 acres of wetland. Impacting 3,775 acres of wetland will eliminate or reduce the quality of habitat for about 1,570 breeding pairs of ducks. ~4 ., There are four sandhill crane roosting areas identified by the WGFD. Only the area between Pacific Creek and the irrigated area will be significantly impacted. This area will gradually become drier if the upslope irrigators participate in the project and convert to sprinklers. The large open water area 2 miles north of Eden will temporarily be dewatered for lining of the bottom. The remaining two crane roosting areas north of Farson will not be adversely impactecl by the project. ..,..' According to the WGFD, the adverse impacts on mule deer, antelope, sage grouse, and raptors will be insignificant. Nongame wildlife associated with impacted wetland will adjust to the new conditions or relocate to other remaining wetlands. Wildlife incapable of adjusting to gradually changing habitat conditions or relocating will be lost. .,e Water Quality and Salinity Reductions Reducing the amount of waterflow through the underground aquifer will reduce the total dissolved solids (TDS) to the Big Sandy River by 52,900 tons/year. This translates to a reduced TDS of 27 mg/L in the Green River at Green River, Wyoming, and 5 mg/L in the Colorado River at Imperial Dam, California. The 27 mg/L reduction in the Green River and 5 mg/L in the Colorado constitutes the downstream salinity reduction benefits as a result of implementing the l5,700-acre salinity control project. Water Quantity and Water Rights The Selected Plan shows that irrigation diversion requirements will be reduced approximately 20,500 ac. ft. per year. This water will be released directly to the Big Sandy River when the reservoir is anticipated to fill or is full. Note that this is not additional water to the Big Sandy River system. 00LfiO f ~ 4-18 v..': ~<j ..4.