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OG12~1 waxflower are present; however, 1 ichens and mosses dominate the understory. Thick accumulations of litter are found in the closed dense stands of Douglas fir on the north-facing slopes. Crescent Site Terrestrial and Aquatic Life The di verse habi tat types at the Crescent si te accommodate a 1 arger number and variety of animals than the Coal Creek site. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) identified high interest wildlife species present in the area which include mule deer, elk, wild turkeys, mountain lions, black bear, and Abert's squirrel (Cancalosi, 1979). Mule deer are the most populous and most important big game animal in the area (Cancalosi, 1979). Overall distribution, winter range, and winter concentration areas for the mule deer include all or portions of the reservoir site. The Fish and Wildlife Service describes the deer population as moderate (Cancalosi, 1979). Observations and areas of heavy browse confi rmed the presence of mul e deer. The exact numbers of deer are unknown. Elk are present west of the project area and are known to winter withi n the proj ect area on the western end of the proposed reservoi r site. Large predators, such as mountain lion and black bear, are known to be present within this area. During the 1979 field season, coyote, raccoon, and bobcat were observed in the project area. Hunting in the area has been hampered in the past due to limited access across private property. Small mammal trapping was conducted in the ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, ravine, and riparian habitat types. Deer mouse, redbacked vole, meadow vol e, Colorado chi pmunk, and rock mouse compri sed 98 percent of the total captures. Some animals were associated exclusively with some habitat types. The redbacked vole was found to be restricted to the Douglas fir forest, while the meadow vole and rock mouse were restricted to riparian and ravine habitat areas. Shrews were snaptrapped only in the r~vine areas. Abert's squirrels, although not captured, were observed to prefer the ponderosa pine trees that were present in ri pari an and ponderosa pi ne habitat types. Porcupi nes, wood rats, pocket gophers, and golden manteled ground squirrels were found only in the ponderosa pine forest type. Beavers were identified only within the riparian habitat. Other mammal s did not prefer one habitat type over another. The deer mouse, which was the most frequently captured small mammal, was present in all habitat types. Repti 1 es observed in the area i ncl ude the wanderi ng garter snake and the eastern fence 1 i zard. A vari ety of reptil es and amphi bi ans are potentially present on the site. Game birds in the area include wild turkey, found north of the project area, and blue grouse, which also occur in the project vicinity. Numerous species of nongame birds inhabit the area, including dark-eyed juncos, black-billed magpies, ravens, and dippers. 13