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<br />4 <br /> <br />The San Luis Valley Is one of the most Important waterfowl produc- <br />tion areas in C.olorado and .contains valuable migration a.nd wintering <br />habitat. Because of these factors, the valley Is of Importance In <br />the natl ona 1 mi gratory bl rdmanagement program. <br /> <br />About 100,000 acres of wetland habitat occurs within the proJect <br />area, During wet years, the brushlilnd areas from Russell Lakes <br />southeast to San Luis Lake contaIn hundreds of small potholes, <br />Seepage and runoff from irrigation and artesian wells create exten- <br />sive marshy areas. The largest acreage of nesting habitat in the <br />water-salvage area Isbrushlands, although native hay meadows and <br />grasslands also provide some nesting cover, <br /> <br />Habitat of the project area Is an important segment of the water- <br />fowl habItat within the Central Flyway, Many ducks use the area <br />annually for nesting and during fall and spring mIgrations, The <br />major nesting species Is themallard, followed .by smaller populations <br />of gadwa 11, pintail, cl nnamon tea I, green-wi nged tea I, blue-wi nged <br />teal, shoveler, and baldpate. A few coots and shorebirds also nest <br />I n the area. <br /> <br />During the .sprlng migration, thousands of ducks and many geese stop <br />to rest on the open water areas and feed on aquatic ve'getatlon or <br />waste grain from nearby stubble fields. Many species of shorebIrds <br />use the area during migrations. The Rio Grande and seep areas <br />caused by springs proviae habitat for many ducks that spend the <br />winter months In the valley. <br /> <br />Opportunities for hunting waterfowl are present around San Luis <br />Lake and along the Rio Grande and drainage canals. Hunting is <br />primarily by local residents. Mallards provide most of the take, <br />Sportsmen's expenditures associated with waterfowl hunting In the <br />project area will average $15,000 annua lly, <br /> <br />Brushlands contain suitable habitat for cottontails and mourning <br />doves and ample hunting exists for those who desire this type of <br />hunting. Although beaver and .muskrats are common, little Interest <br />is shown at present In trapping these animals fOJ J~eLr.~elts, <br />I.- -", V <br />,~. ",". ... V -...../ <br /> <br />With the Project <br /> <br />San Luis Lake will become more manageable ilS a cold-water fishery <br />due to the .constant inflow of cold water. Fishing over the period <br />of analysis Is expected to result In average annual expenditures <br />by fishermen of about $38,000. <br /> <br />In some places the main conveyance channel will be bordered only by <br />stunted vegetation, Such a setting will not attract large numbers <br />of fishermen. With a compacted earth lining, the channel will not <br />produce aquatic organIsms in sufficient quantities to sustain a <br />