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....,.',.. ~~$) the pressures of development, the Region supports. outstanding fish and wildlife habitats. Sport fishing is especially important, attracting thousands of people each year to the rivers, streams, and lakes (mostly reservoir impoundments) in the Region. Game animals also attract thousands ~~ of visitors and residents alike, making hunting an important economic con- -J tributor to the Region. Fur-bearing animals, which historically have been ~ important, have declined in numbers in recent years due primarily to losses ~~ of habitats. Of special note are those fish which are classified as endangered under Federal legislation. Specifically, the humpback chub, bony tail chub, and Colorado River squawfish are on the endangered fishes list in this Region. No critical habitat for the squawfish has been designated as yet because of recent amendments to the Federal Endangered Species Act requir- ing economic analysis before such habitat is designated (White, 1979). For more complete information about endangered fish, wildlife, and plant species, please refer to the Final Environmental Statement for the Colorado River Water Quality Improvement Program, prepared by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (1977). o~::"'..l ..~,~; ;0 All species of wildlife, including nongame as well as game species, contribute to public interest in the Upper Colorado Region because they provide opportunity for wildlife observation or photography, or simply because they are essential ingredients in a natural environment. Often, those species that provide food and pleasure are emphasized; however, these obvious forms are but representatives of the many other kinds of wildlife that inhabit the Region (Upper Colorado Region State-Federal Inter-Agency Group, 1971, p. 5). 0'-':': 2-9