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in northwestern Colorado as habitats were continuous. However, populations of Greater <br />sage-grouse have been reduced and become fragmented in northwestern Colorado <br />(Braun, C. E. 1995. Distribution and status of sage grouse in Colorado. Prairie Naturalist <br />27: I-9). <br />8. The population of Greater sage-grouse in southern Routt County <br />has been reduced in size to the point that hunting is no longer allowed. The estimated <br />spring population size in southern Routt County and northern Eagle County is less than <br />500 birds. This is below the level desired for population stability and long-term <br />persistence. <br />9. The sagebrush habitats upon which Greater sage-grouse depend <br />have been fragmented, degraded, and some have been permanently lost in southern Routt <br />County, Colorado. However, because of the juxtaposition of quality habitats and suitable <br />ranch management, greater sage-grouse have persisted in this area. The area is presently <br />unique in character and has the potential to maintain the present size of the population <br />with potential for some population expansion. <br />10. There is a pressing need to avoid further fragmentation of existing <br />sagebrush habitats in southern Routt County as would happen with gravel extraction and <br />heavy truck traffic. Data from southwestern Wyoming cleazly demonstrate that vehicle <br />traffic and road development are negative for Greater sage-grouse breeding and <br />successful brood rearing. <br />11. There is also a pressing need to maintain lazge blocks of suitable <br />habitat for Greater sage-grouse with adequate corridors between and among sagebrush <br />