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Show Lake Fork. The Yellowstone may very well have had and still have important and continuing uses for the Ute families who still remain on the western side of the reservation; this, however, could not be determined from the Utes who were interviewed. 2. iv. B Faunal Resources Much of this area, especially in the vicinity of the proposed reservoir, is valued primarily as a habitat for deer and elk. Deer and elk follow the Yellowstone south to wintering grounds on high benches above Altonah, and in so far as the reservoir might impact this movement, there is some concern ( Appendix B. l. l; Appendix B. 1.2). Of greater concern, however, is the effect of the proposed pipeline that crosses the foothills between the Yellowstone and Lake Fork rivers. Here questions were raised about what impact this would have on the established migratory paths of the deer and elk which cross this area enroute to their wintering grounds on Towanta Flats ( Appendix B. l. l; Appendix B. 1.2). The area along the western side of the Yellowstone Canyon is considered a choice location for hunting sage grouse ( Appendix B. 5.1). The Yellowstone River is known as a good fishing area as well, but there is some question about the frequency of its use by the Utes ( Appendix B. 4). Again, there are many other animal species of use and value to the Utes that probably frequent the canyon and high bench areas of the Yellowstone, but none of them were singled out by the consultants in their assessment of the area. 2. iv. C Other Resources Other than an area known to contain gilsonite ( 4.3), which is west of the Yellowstone Canyon, no other resources were reported for this area. 2. iv. D Sites of Social Significance None as far as the consultants knew about, but a few recommended that Utes who live in the area should be asked. 2. iv. E Sites of Spiritual Significance Except for a possible burial ground above Altonah ( Appendix E. l), consultants were not aware of any spiritual significance attached to locations along the Yellowstone from Cow Creek Canyon to its juncture with the Lake Fork. However, once again, a few consultants did emphasize the need to consult on this matter with Utes who still live in the area and with those elders who herded cattle in this region several decades ago. 2. iv. F Other Considerations None indicated. 24 |