OCR Text |
Show Taskeech Reservoir would inundate approximately 1.75 miles of paved road and 2„ 50 miles of low grade road. These would be relocated. In all, approximately 7 miles of road would be constructed in conjunction with the dam and reservoir. Using an average of 5 acres of clearing per mile, about 35 acres of land would be changed from its natural state to roadway. The land that would be inundated is presently used primarily for livestock grazing. The Forest Service estimates a loss of 105 animal units would occur in the reservoir area. The reservoir basin would encompass one ranch site. Approximately 35,000 board- feet of ponderosa pine would be cut and processed as it would otherwise be inundated. Heavy growths of willows, quaking aspen, scrub oak, and sage brush would also be removed. A recreation area with seven family units would also require relocation. The entire reservoir basin is presently used for wildlife habitat including deer winter range and fawning grounds. This would be lost, as would the section of stream which meanders through the meadow and provides habitat for a colony of beaver. Overall, more than 4 miles of Lake Fork River would be inundated by the reservoir. This area presently supports only a limited fishery because of periodic lack of flows in the stream due to operation of Moon Lake Project. The Taskeech Feeder Canal would traverse an area which was previously undisturbed. It would also cross a major deer migration route. As the canal would be concrete lined, deer- proof fencing and periodic crossings would be necessary. The canal and banks ( including roadway) would mean the loss of approximately 85 acres of natural habitat. Although the service canal would not interfere seriously with deer migration, the results of construction would be the loss of an additional 35 acres of habitat. Neither canal would cause serious scarring as they would be constructed on flat or moderately sloping terrain. Stream habitat below the diversion on Yellostone River would be altered as flows would be reduced. With the recommended minimum flows of 25 second- feet^^ a stream fishery would be maintained to the first existing irrigation diversion which is approximately 7 miles downstream. About 90 percent of the fishery in Yellowstone River would be retained. 418 |