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00 cry c;o .-j CHAPl'ER V ALTERNATIVES STUDIED (Tomichi Creek Unit) half of that at Cement Creek Reservoir since Elko Reservoir would fluctu- ate and expose mud flats in the late sunnner whereas Cement Creek Reser- voir would be relatively stable. Releases made during the winter months would sustain the stream fishery below the reservoir. Most of the stream below the reservoir is on private land and permission must be obtained for access. Deer habitat would be adversely affected by the construction of Elko Reservoir, relocation of a section of U.S. Highway 150 above the reser- voir, and by the irrigation of about 1,910 acres of full service land. The animals usualJ.y winter on the sidehills above the new land area, but during severe winters they congregate in the lower areas and on the south-facing slopes above the reservoir. The reservoir basin is located in an area that is considered a crossing area for deer. To mitigate the loss of deer habitat, about 1,900 acres of private land would be pur- chased and rehabilitated as winter range. Some minor losses of s8€!;e grouse habitat would be realized. Sage grouse use the sidehills above the new irrigation area as their normal habitat but occasionally use the irrigation service area as a strutting ground. Mineral resources The Bureau of Mines found no mineral resources of importance in Elko Reservoir Basin. Public domain Lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management that would be affected by the Tomichi Creek Unit include an aggregate of about 2 miles that would be traversed by the Crookton Canal and about 410 acres that would be provided irrigation service. The Bureau of Land Management stated that the unit's adverse impact on its management program would be minimal if certain recommendations were followed. The Bureau of Reclam9.- tion would follow these recommendations if fUrther investigation and con- struction of the development were undertaken. Environmental impacts The environmental impacts of the Tomichi Creek Unit would center around Elko Reservoir, the Paragon Canal, and new irrigation areas. Most of the construction materials for the dam would be taken from the reservoir basin below the high water line of the reservoir. Borrow areas outside the reservoir basin would leave scars but the areas could be reshaped and vegetated to blend with the surrounding landscape. New 49