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<br />,~ , <br /> <br />~ WILDLIFE <br />~ <br />C\! <br />~ General <br /> <br />1, Question - Why did the Bureau of Reclamation develop its own fish <br />and wildlife data instead of relying on the expertise <br />of the Fish and Wildlife Service? <br /> <br />Answer <br /> <br />- The Bureau undertook its own analysis because of the <br />repeated delays experienced in receiving comprehensive <br />data from the Fish and Wildlife Service. For example, <br />new wildlife information and a recommended enhancement <br />and mitigation plan was requested from the Service in <br />May 1975, A report was promised by mid June of that year. <br />The following October the report was promised by January <br />1976. It was finally received in July 1976. <br /> <br />The Bureau's analysis was developed using the basic data <br />available to both agencies. The Bureau does not believe <br />that information has been developed to show that its <br />analysis is incorrect, In fact, on three separate <br />occasions, March 10, May 7, and June 4, 1976, the Bureau <br />requested by letter biological evidence and appropriate <br />documentation to support the Service's contention that <br />the project may jeopardize endangered fish species in <br />the Yampa River. Nothing was received, <br /> <br />2. Question - According to the Fish and Wildlife Service 1976 report, <br />there "appear to be no feasible means or measures by <br />which these losses (wildlife) can be prevented or <br />substantially offset." Why does the Bureau believe <br />the mitigation plan would be effective? <br /> <br />Answer <br /> <br />- Since the Draft Environmental Statement was issued, the <br />mitigation plan for wildlife has been changed in two <br />areas: 1) the sage grouse-antelope habitat acquisition <br />program would be directed at the impacted herd rather <br />than the general area of Moffat County, and 2) a program <br />is now included for acquisition of deer-elk range in <br />Colorado near Pot Hook Reservoir. The provisions of <br />stackyard fencing would reduce game depredation problems, <br />Habitat losses in Wyoming would not be mitigated and it <br />is recognized that sage grou3e losses may not be mitigated <br />entirely because of difficulties in managing this species. <br /> <br />The Colorado Department of Natural Resources has stated <br />that, when implemented, the fish and wildlife recommen- <br />dations should adequately mitigate for wildlife and <br />fisheries impacts resulting from the project. The Fish <br />