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Upper level winds from the west and southwest are dominant within the area. The diverse terrain and significant elevation differences within the resource area also affect the area. Local upslope and downslope winds and the dominating upper air flow combine to form complex wind systems. 5.2 WILDLIFE BLM has documented several species known to occur within the area including big game, small game and waterfowl. The most common big game animals are mule deer and elk. Within the large San Juan-San Miguel Resource Area, the BLM is hoping to maintain a stable mule deer population of 30,000 during the winter and 5,000 during the summer and a stable elk population of 7,000 during the winter and 400-500 during the summer. San Miguel/San Juan Resource Area Environmental Impact Statement indicates that Third Park lies within the middle of a crucial winter range for these animals. The animals are at higher risk for disturbance during this time because the density and sensitivity for deer and elk is much higher in the winter than in the summer (Bureau of Land Management, 1984). BLM further states that other big game animals that have been known to meander throughout this large area include antelope, black bear and mountain lion. In addition to these animals, the Colorado Division of Wildlife includes mountain goat, big horn sheep and bobcats (Division of Wildlife, 2005). Furthermore, BLM states that Third Park is only a small portion of their extensive range, which indicates they are considerably less sensitive than mule deer and elk (Bureau of Land Management, 1984). Small game animals and birds also inhabit the area, and yet more species are threatened or endangered animals. "Sage and blue grouse, chukar, quail, wild turkey, ptarmigan, and pheasant are present in small numbers and scattered throughout the area" (BLM, 1984). None of them, however, have nesting or strutting grounds in the interest area. The Division of Wildlife has a more recent and complete list of animals that occur within Montrose County, which accounts for 87 bird species and 76 small game mammals. See Attachment 5-1. (Division of Wildlife, 2005 and Bureau of Land Management, 1984). ' Despite the relative safety of the numerous species mentioned before, there are some threatened and endangered species within the area. BLM has listed these species as threatened or endangered: the Bald Eagle, which has critical nesting areas in the surrounding ' areas of Dry Creek Basin and Disappointment Valley; the Black-footed Ferret, which has been found there in the past; the Peregrine Falcon; and the River Otter, which may be found to the ' south of Third Park in the San Miguel River (Bureau of Land Management, 1984). The Colorado Division of Wildlife has included these species and many more in their list of threatened and endangered wildlife species. See Attachment 5-2. Any or all of these animals ' Third Park Exploration License Application ~ 11