| OCR Text |
Show would be unable to reproduce in sufficient numbers to maintain desirable population levels and significant numbers of hatchery fish would be required. This stocking program would place a long- term financial burden on the State Division of Wildlife Resources. The Bonneville Unit reservoirs would be of significant long- term value in satisfying an increasing demand for reservoir fishing. In contrast to the gain in reservoir fishery, diking of Utah Lake would cause a long- term loss of about 35,000 acres of water surface in Utah Lake, a good warm- water fishery. This loss could seriously affect the sport fish population in the lake as some of the spawning areas for these fish are located in the portion of the lake which would be diked. It is expected that planned ecological studies and mitigation measures would prevent a severe adverse impact from occurring. There would be considerable potential for enhancement of sport fish production. 4. Wildlife There would be short- term uses by man of the construction areas which would disturb the wildlife which forage or live in the area. The wildlife would likely return in all areas where the constructed facilities would have no recreational value. In areas where recreational developments would be created, the loss of wildlife unable to adapt to human activity would be permanent. The adverse impacts of temporary construction activities upon wildlife would not be expected to be significant. The principal loss of wildlife habitat would occur as a result of reservoir inundation, marshland damage, and interruption of natural migrations. The anticipated net changes in habitat, as estimated by the State Division of Wildlife Re source s*-*-*- would include a loss of 540 acres of beaver habitat; 15,500 acres of sage grouse habitat; 15,500 acres of mule deer habitat; and 18,000 acres of waterfowl habitat. This analysis is contingent upon full implementation of planned mitigation measures. The habitat losses would constitute significant local longrterm adverse impacts. The impact at the Statewide level would be less severe. The Unit- caused loss of habitat would also be important because it would comprise a small part of a large scale process in which human activity is severely reducing a dwindling supply of good quality habitat. 5. Recreation Long- term recreational uses of the reservoir environment would take place in the form of increased water related recreation such as boating, fishing, swimming, etc. Camping around the reservoir area would also be an important recreational use. Improved access to presently under- used areas would enhance recreational opportunity. The recreational potential derived from Unit reservoirs would assist 478 |
