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...-l ~ N ...-l WILDLIFE Question - What is the mitigation plan for impacts to wildlife? Answer ..) - The wildlife mitigation plans have been formulated with the advice of the States of Colorado and Wyoming, In both States, game crossings would be provided across conveyance systems. Fencing materials would be provided to project-area farmers and ranchers for construction of deer and elk proof storage areas, Areas within fenced reservoir boundaries would be managed for wildlife habitat, The plan for Colorado includes, in addition, acquisition and initial development of critical antelope and sage grouse winter habitat, at a cost not to exceed $1.5 million, along the Little Snake River and about 16,000 acres would be obtained and develop- ed within the cost ceiling, The deer and elk winter range would be acquired, at a cost not to exceed $300,000, in the vicinity of Pot Hook Reservoir and an estimated 1,000 acres could be obtained and developed within the cost ,ceiling. Several techniques used for initial development of the lands could incl~de such measures as seeding, planting, fertilizing, and selective vege- tation control. Watering ponds could be established to influence distribution of animals, and irrigated meadows could be main- tained for wildlife use, Fencing patterns could be modified to facilitate wildlife management, Management practices for sage grouse would center around main- tenance of the sagebrush habitat and protecting strutting grounds from disturbances, Meadow lands would be maintained or established to the benefit of these birds and other species, In selected areas, sagebrush might be controlled on a very selective basis to improve habitat conditions and consideration would be given to seeding of dryland legumes in places, Fishing access easements on about 7 miles of Slater Creek above Pot Hook Reservoir and on about 8 miles of Savery Creek would be purchased. Minimum flows of 10 second-feet in Savery Creek would improve aqu~tic habitat, and the stabilized streamflows resulting from the regulated releases from Sandstone Reservoir would extend the clear water fishing season in the stream below the reservoir, The minimum pools at both reservoirs would be large enough to support cold water fisheries.