OCR Text |
Show If this is eliminated it will drastically affect the population of these birds. Situated as it is in the midst of a large human population, its recreational value as well as its importance in the preservation of a dwindling bird population can scarcely be overemphasized. " The impact of the proposed projects on the mammal population of the areas would seam to depend more on the extent of human usage during construction and afterward than on the reservoirs, pipelines and tunnels £ 2_ r se. The greatest effect would be on the large game mammals and predators that are more sensitive to disturbance by humans. The construction of the high altitude reservoirs in the Rock Creek and Currant Creek areas might provide more habitat for the beaver and muskrat but this would be of minor importance. Drainage of Provo Bay would of course eliminate or greatly reduce the habitat of the muskrat in that area. " It would seem that the projects would have little effect on the overall populations of the small rodents and small predators. We can think of no instance of a species of mammal that would be in danger of extinction or even drastic reduction in numbers owing directly to these project."^^ The Bureau Df Reclamation concurs with the above quotations. The construction and operation of the Unit would have the effect of raising noise levels in the areas that have previously been relatively noise free. Most of the noise resulting directly from the Bonneville Unit would be associated with construction and would be temporary. However, there would be some minor residual noise produced by the operation and maintenance of features. The recreation use derived from Unit features would also cause increased noise levels to occur as would the improved access generated by Unit roads. |