2004-05-19_REVISION - M1979205 (2)

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Wildlife Information Exhibit H The proposed permit expansion area consists of irrigated pasture, riparian habitat, and wetlands. The current ]and use is pasture and vldlife habitat. The irrigated pastures provide very little wildlife habitat, except for deer and elk grazing. However, these areas are not heavily used due to the close proximity of I-70. Wildlife is most commonly observed in the riparian and wetland areas. The major riparian azea is the center of the old river oxbow. This area has been used by both wildlife and grazing. However, substantial non-native species infiltration can be seen in this area, which slightly degrades the sites habitat potential. 1. Significant Game Resources on the Affected Lands Big game species potentially occurring on this site include mule deer, white-tailed deer, and American elk. Mule deer are the most common big game species found on the site. White- tailed deer and elk occasionally visit the site. Mule deer occur on the site throughout the year, typically concentrating in the lush native vegetation near the river and in the oxbow area. This area provides important mule deer winter habitat and a good source of food. It should be noted that the areas within 100' of the river will not be disturbed- ilpland game birds potentially occurring on the site include ring-necked pheasant, mourning dove, and turkey. These species prefer mountain brush and ripazian habitats. Again it should be noted that areas within 100' of the river will be left undisturbed in order to provide a buffer against river capture as well as to maintain high quality riparian habitat. The Colorado River and its floodplain and wetlands provide habitat for breeding and migrant waterfowl. Waterfowl likely to occur on the site includes: Canada geese, common and red breasted mergansers, gadwall, American widgeon, mallazd, green-winged teal, blue-winded teal, cinnamon teal, northern shoveler, pintail, redhead, canvasback, lesser scaup, common goldeneye, Barrow's goldeneye, bufflehead, and ruddy ducks. The only small game species occumng on the project site is the Nuttal's cottontail. This species occurs mostly in shrubby vegetation and within the riparian habitat. The cottontail and various rodent and ground squirrel species on the site are prey for raptors and other predator species in the area. Predators and other forbearers likely to occur on site include: American beaver, muskrat, mink, ermine, badger, raccoon, red fox, and coyote. Beaver, raccoon, and coyote tracks have been observed on the site. 4/26/04 Page H-1