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. WILDLIFE INFORMATION EXHIBIT H <br />• <br />0 <br />The proposed expansion area consists of irrigated pasture, riparian habitat, and wetlands. The <br />current land use is pasture and wildlife habitat. The irrigated pastures provide very little wildlife <br />habitat, except for deer and elk grazing. However, these areas are not heavily used due to the <br />close proximity of I-70. Wildlife is most commonly observed in the riparian and wetland areas. <br />The major riparian area is the center of the old river oxbow. This area has been used by both <br />wildlife and cattle. However, substantial non-native species infiltration can be seen in this area, <br />which slightly degrades the site's habitat potential. <br />1. Significant Game Resources on the Affected Lands <br />Big game species potentially occurring on this site include mule deer, white-tailed deer, and <br />American Elk. Mule deer are the most common big game species found on the site. White-tailed <br />deer and elk occasionally visit the site. Mule deer occur on the site throughout the year, typically <br />concentrating in the lush native vegetation near the river and in the oxbow area. This area <br />provides important mule deer winter habitat and a good source of food. It should be noted that <br />the areas within 100' of the river and the area within the oxbow will not be disturbed. <br />Upland game birds potentially occurring on the site include ring-necked pheasant, mourning <br />dove, and turkey. These species prefer mountain brush and riparian habitats. Again it should be <br />noted that within the oxbow and areas within 100' of the river will be left undisturbed in order to <br />provide a buffer against river capture as well as to maintain high quality riparian habitat. These <br />areas will also be improved by removing undesirable species such as lcnapweed, tamarisk and <br />russian olive. <br />The Colorado River and its floodplain and wetlands provide habitat for breeding and migrant <br />waterfowl. Waterfowl likely to occur on the site includes: Canada geese, common and red <br />breasted mergansers, gadwall, American widgeon, mallard, green-winged teal, blue-winded teal, <br />cinnamon teal, northern shoveler, pintail, redhead, canvasback, lesser scaup, common goldeneye, <br />Barrow's goldeneye, bufflehead, and ruddy ducks. <br />Scott Pit March 10 H-1