WSP08365 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

00Q372 Elkhead Reservoir. Peregrine falcon nests are usually located on high cliffs. This is especially true for sites that are close to human habitation and use. In the vicinity of the existing reservoir and in the areas that would be impacted by increasing the size of the reservoir, there are no cliffs that would satisfy nesting criteria, There are some Iow sandstone cliffs just upstream from the existing highwater limits, however these would appear to be unsuitabIe as nest sites. The most likely use of the Elkhead Reservoir region by Peregrine falcons would be by occasional migrants. Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalisl The Ferruginous hawk is currently a candidate species for listing as being threatened or endangered. Ferruginous hawks utilize dry, open country. In summer they occur as far north as southern Canada, especialIy in the prairie provinces. In winter they occur as far south as northern Mexico. They occur year-around in Colorado, however they are more cormnon in winter. Ferruginous hawks are more likely to be encountered in the eastern part of the State, especially in winter, At least one confinued nest site has been identified along the Yampa River (Andrews and Righter, 1992), verifying the regional presence of the species. It is likeIy that Ferruginous hawks could be observed in the vicinity of Elkhead Reservoir, however use would be Iimited to hunting or perching. Observed birds could be from regional nesting sites or could be observed as migrants. Black Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripesl The Black-footed ferret was listed as endangered in 1967 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Habitat for Black-footed ferrets is defined principally by the presence of colonies of prairie dogs. Ferrets are dependent on medium-sized, colonial rodent species like bIack-tailed and white-tailed prairie dogs and various species of ground squirrels. No colonies of these rodent species were observed within the project area, thereby reducing the potential for ferrets to occur. While the original distribution range of Black-footed ferrets included the vicinity of Elkhead Reservoir, it is almost certain that there are currently no ferrets within the project area. Habitat in the project area is generally either too wet or the slopes are too steep to sustain prairie dogs. While occasional sightings are reported from western Colorado, none have been verified. Aquatic Species In 1987, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published the Recovery Implementation Program (Recovery Plan) for the Endangered Fish of the Upper Colorado River Basin. This document provided the framework upon which recovery of three species of endangered fish and the management of a fourth in the Upper CoIorado River Basin is to be based. The three endangered species include the Colorado squawfish, the Humpback chub and the Bony tail chub. Since the release of the Recovery Plan, the status of the fourth species, Razorback sucker, has been changed from a "candidate for listing" to endangered status. The ultimate goal of the recovery program is to recover popuIations of these four native species and alIow them to be delisted from endangered species status. A considerable amount of scientific research has been conducted over the past 10 years to characterize the occurrence, habitat preferences, spawning behavior and flow requirements of the endangered fish of the Upper CoIorado River Basin. This research has included extensive popuIation surveys, habitat characterization for different life stages, behavioral studies and development of recormnended stream flows, Nevertheless, some uncertainties 8