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Creating fisheries in the ponds after mining has been completed could provide an <br /> excellent source of food for the herons, and the creation of emergent wetlands on the <br /> pond fringes will add diversity and a significant food base as well. Planting of <br /> cottonwoods on the reclaimed site will eventually create suitable habitat for a rookery. <br /> Sandhill Crane: Sandhill crane use along the Colorado River is sporadic during spring <br /> and fall migration, and generally involves small flocks or pairs of birds when it occurs. <br /> There is no documented use of the Property by this species, and suitable habitat is <br /> currently limited due to the encroachment of Russian olive trees which decrease sight <br /> distance and make the birds vulnerable to predation. The creation of lakes on the site <br /> opens an opportunity to create island features,which would provide roosting security for <br /> this species. The lake and wetland fringe creation would also enhance the food base as <br /> described for Great Blue herons,making the site attractive as a stopover for migrating <br /> cranes. However, since current crane use of the entire lower Colorado River valley is so <br /> sporadic currently, it would not be prudent to expect a single 72-acre site to create <br /> enough of an attraction to increase crane stopover to any appreciable degree. ' <br /> 9 <br />