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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTHE GROVE AT FORT COLLINS - FDP - FDP110015 - REPORTS - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT (3)Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 NOTES 19 No Text No Text No Text No Text . i S • . - _ IT •Yet 1 e J 1• (,•t�Yl i. J� _ I 1 4(14 f . •. aea. 1f �..%I !pf s(!h! e5Al 4�1,+ . Ahr.. •'"� if • {. t iS! {, ! , {, SJ y / ' +. • f ,t{�f4l�rha l�,r(a ��.41{.{u,lt6 ,ia �( __ `�, \ i •e ; ati'�+'1€a�rt�4r +el�idf %Tr€�(L1���-' , { e e �� C }''1.1+ rr/SY'! jY1J( �i Y� yY{1itpC'�f10 •+Yl. - J:�,.�tYi.if � +. a YJ•. - /�SI!'•'{ ( !. �J ''/��'1 a J:�(: {: = .. + ' ~,� �Jdt �•(l: r''+illrf( i'1,�{(f 1'SJ( iJ(YJAA Y,�J+ Y(�ti• _ - - 'e4. t' S f � .� fit\ I .r 1 L.,•+J,'a /, . jr iL 71 ir L•J . o a ., �.: LrA�+}a L. }:. � +`ter '� 1 s •'-j • - Fwvi .lu w Iuruow w iu�Uu rr lv�z/ Fuw- Uu w -i J v t 1 .\ I ♦ +I 1 I �. � JAangl�l , . I�F1bQ4 v n CoU Gou.fe ' QC r 4:11N "JIB (( M t M Mq 1UN 4 i The Grove Residential Development Project yy L lier• ; 7 27 < o Pa Alk 7Cz'nlaO�r� -- . S1 •- Ins^m'M- W Irmr oa w tns-t-,snrr w Ntftn_17 tns rvsn,r w o s , ml�nml NATIONALY 141111 311111 oxII MI GEOGRAPHIC fill ,me a .nr Rt ,aoo rr�n7i-_ Figure 2. General site map showing the location of the proposed The Grove Mixed Residential Development Project, Fort Collins, Colorado. Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 13 a ULI-3 it iQWAWZl tl_WF44LILI]Wj!� 01" 97-FABILI I L1_1.WZj Albi Medicine *Horse C k es amie s E L. V FRANC 'p 0'!_411 "K e 0 AJI IN A. Hit + wk eyenne, r +1654,/ 71 .... .. ........ .......... C The Grove Development Ck 281 ) 11 a Site Project jProee 0 Red Featl­ier Lakes :15 &rttn -1 +3354 Live --a"C Nunn C MCIA4 Iq 1,4n, = Pierce Briggsdaleb, Ault/ xsis' Fort Collins Z New Rayrner nt Stir q Saton 0 �Gou 0 CIO + Mas nyille. I 4a3, K !�Y 0 z KYMr. .-Gill z b a bw Moss 34f NAT- U 17W LSane _a rr_A e b and X G Crest 0 T. JOWIT15 P AI`la I. TION z rn z rc Kewesbot" .74 HUI SD Ta&be F U M N!VthqIenn z Winter Paris6'orn z—Berthoud Pam'' 34493Strasburg S rora , a devm Ve wood .4a Dillon -4134 n Deer Trail rn 04 6 n ad ('O-PµJ Ifer i Parker z cke n-r, rs 0 d" Agate 0 Shawnee* . I I I 1'. 0 R_� 285 Buffalo ?h 4-1 Creek J,ja owe Cr en P/ filisor) Peak, Larks pu -011 Fwrpvv 3789 N1.1 'Of& Elbert IbetT r Paize n Monument agifed . I JR, C 10_ rn D 10600500'W 105039OCf'W 105D1300" W 104047'00r W 1041021'00"W NAD27 103x33W W NATIONAL 0 to 20 30 40 50 rriles GEOGRAPHIC 1 [I'll Y 1101 811P 0 25 T 5D 75 km 09)D7112 Figure 1. Area map showing the general location of the proposed The Grove Mixed Residential Development Project, Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado. Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 12 REFERENCES City of Fort Collins. 2012. City of Fort Collins integrated pest management guidelines. Accessed at URL http://www.fcgov.com/parks/pestmamt.phhp on September 6, 2012. Larimer County, Colorado Government. 2012. Larimer County noxious weed management plan. Approved 2008. Fort Collins, Colorado. Accessed at URL http://larimer.org/weeds/weed management plan.pdf on September 6, 2012. Royer, France and Richard Dickinson. 1999. Weeds of the northern U.S. and Canada. The Univ. of Alberta Press, Edmonton, Alberta and Lone Pine Publishing, Renton, Washington. 434 pp. Whitson, Tom D. Editor. 2001. Weeds of the West, 91h Ed. Western Society of Weed Science, P.O. Box 963, Newark, Calif. 628 pp. Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 RECOMMENDATIONS The following recommendations are presented for optimum noxious weed suppression and control within the project area. Recommendations include treatments prior to construction, during construction, and after construction and landscaping are completed. 1. Ensure that only certified weed free seed is utilized for any seeding during and after construction and landscaping (Colorado Seed Act, § 35-27-101 through 125, C.R.S. [1993 Supp. As amended by Senate Bill 93-17] Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the Colorado Seed Act). 2. Ensure that only weed free hay, straw or mulch is utilized for any mulching during and after construction and landscaping (Weed Free Forage Crop Certification Act, § 35-27.5-103, C.R.S. [1993 Supplement] Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Weed Free Forage Crop Certification Act). 3. Keep on site all topsoil which is collected from the site and which is to be reapplied after construction during the landscaping phase to prevent dispersal of weed seeds and cuttings to other sites. 4. Remove noxious weeds such as cheatgrass, where appropriate and cost efficient. using mechanical means such as hand pulling. 5. Treat weed sprouts on all stockpiled topsoil piles with appropriate herbicides at least 7 days prior to reapplication of topsoil to the site for landscaping. 6. Treat all landscaped areas with a grass tolerant broad leaf specific herbicide or mixture of broad -leaf herbicides in the early fall after construction and landscaping are completed. This treatment should be applied in the fall only if landscaping was completed early enough to allow treatable weed sprout growth to occur prior to treatment. Otherwise, postpone treatment to the following mid to late spring after sprouting has occurred. 7. Monitor all landscaped areas frequently to identify noxious weed infestations early while minor chemical and mechanical treatments can be implemented effectively. Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 10 Table 1 continued: Leafy Spurge Euphorbia esula Dense to sparse throughout the site. Occupies over 7 acres (>50%) of the project site. Perennial. Reproduces by seed and rhizomes. Flowers from May to October. Disturbed soil and vegetated areas. Very difficult to control. Long term control measures required. Cultural management (enhanced competition from desirable species), herbicides such as picloram (Tordon), dicamba (Banvel and Rifle), and imazapic (Plateau and Picloram). Puncture Tribulus Common Annual. Disturbed Cultural management (enhanced competition Vine terrestris along the Reproduces by soil. from desirable species). Biological control by Latimer seed. Flowers from two introduced weevils. Mechanical by Canal No. 2 June to October. collecting the seed, pulling, hoeing, or corridor at Seeds are very cultivation prior to seed development. the south troublesome. Herbicides such as picloram Jordon), dicamba boundary of (Banvel and Rifle), glyphosate (Roundup), and the site in 2, 4-D. late summer. Russian Elaeagnus Scattered Perennial small tree. Does best in Mechanical removal accompanied by chemical Olive angustiifolia throughout Reproduces by seed lower wetter treatment of stumps. Herbicides suitable for the site, and suckering from areas. broad leafed woody species such as picloram especially stumps. Jordon), glyphosate (Roundup), and triclopyr within the (Garton 4). riparian corridor along the north riparian corridor. a) Whitson et at 2001. b) Larimer County Noxious Weed Management Plan 2008; City of Fort Collins Integrated Pest Management Guidelines 2012. PROBLEMS A factor which may have affected the thoroughness and accuracy of the noxious weed survey was the timing of the survey, i.e. time of year the survey was conducted. The contractor's schedule necessitated conducting the survey in late -spring before some plant species had sprouted and grown to a size which facilitated specific identification. This may have resulted in the omission in identification of some weed species which would be readily identified later in the year, but which would be missed in the spring. Additional noxious weed species were identified during site visits later in the summer, however, and these are included in this report. Control measures recommended in the management plan should be formulated so as to be as broad as possible to adequately treat species which would have a high probability of being indigenous to the site. Another factor to be considered in formulating a Noxious Weed Management Plan specific to the Centre Avenue, The Grove, site, is the extent and nature of the proposed construction work. The entire project corridor is proposed for extensive disturbance through clearing, grubbing and extensive grading. Most topsoil is proposed for removal, stockpiling and then reapplication to the site during landscaping after construction is complete. This presents special problems in that most methods of weed control are precluded as ineffective, too time consuming or too costly with the exception of the application of herbicides. Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 9 Table 1. Noxious weed species listed by Larimer County, the City of Fort Collins and the State of Colorado which were identified within the proposed The Grove Mixed Residential Project site during a field survey conducted by Natural Resource Services, Inc. on May 28, 2012 and during site visits during the snrinn and summer of 2012- Common Scientific Density on The Seasonality Habitat Recommended Control Measures' Name Grove Site of Name Preference (Pre-treatment) Occurrence " See Fig. 4 ab throw h 7 Canada Cirsium Dense to sparse Perennial with Upland and Cultural management (enhanced competition Thistle an•ense throughout most an extensive wet areas from desirable species). Biological control by of the project area. root system. Bare ground grazing and'experimental insects; herbicides Occupies Flowers from and such as picloram (Tordon), aminopyralid approximately 7 June through vegetated (Milestone), clopyralid (Stinger), chlorsulfuron acres (75%) of the August. areas (Telar), glyphosate (Roundup & Rodeo), . project area. Reproduces chlorsulfuron methyl (Escort), dicamba by seed and (Banvel), and premixed clopyralid and 2,4-D sprouting (Curtail). Chemical treatment is best due to the from deep extensive root system. Pulling can actually roots. increase the spread. Cheatgrass Bromus Sparse in a few Annual. Disturbed Cultural management (enhanced competition tectomm widely scattered Reproduces and waste from desirable grasses). Mechanical mowing locations throughout the by seed. areas and roadsides. and pulling. Herbicides such as imazapic (Plateau and Panoramic), glyphosate (Roundup). site.. Occupies less than one - hundredth acre (<0.01 %) of the reject site. Common Verbascum Very sparse in a Biennial. Pasture, Cultural management (enhanced competition mullein thapsus few widely Flowers from rangeland, from desirable grasses); mechanical mowing scattered locations Juneto roadsides, and grubbing; herbicides such as Grazon throughout the August. waste areas, (picloram plus 2,4-D). site. Occupies less Reproduces farmland, than one -tenth by seed. disturbed acre <0. I %) of the areas. project site. Field Convolvulus Dense to sparse Perennial with Cultivated Mechanical by cultivation, grubbing or Bindweed an•ensis throughout most an extensive fields, covering. Herbicides such as picloram (Tordon), of the project area. root system. pastures, fosamine (Krenite); atrazine; glyphosate Occupies Flowers from lawns, (Roundup & Rodeo), dicamba (Banvel), and approximately 5 late June until disturbed 2,4-D.b acres (50%) of the frost_ areas, waste project site. Reproduces areas, by seed and roadsides. sprouting from roots. Houndstongu Cynoglossum One individual Biennial. Disturbed Mechanical control by digging or hoeing the e ofcinale plant identified Flowers May and bare soil root crown. Repeated cultivation. Chemical within the Natural through July. and control using 2, 4-D; metsulfuron (Escort, Habitat Zone at Reproduces vegetated Cimarron); chlorsulfurion (Telar). Grazing is the north side of by seed. areas.. not recommended and may spread the seed more the site. Seeds mature efficiently. July through August, i ante i conunuea on next page Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) White bryony (Bryonia alba) Woolly distaff thistle (Carthamus lanatus) *(Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the Colorado Weed Management Act, State of Colorado Noxious Weed Website, www.colorado.Qov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture- Main/CDAG/l 174084048733 September 6, 2012). NOXIOUS WEED SURVEY Natural Resource Services, Inc. conducted a noxious weed survey over the entire The Grove at Fort Collins project site on May 28, 2012. The entire project site was thoroughly walked by Steve C. Johnson, Senior Ecologist for NRSI during a five hour period. Noxious weed species were identified, locations were noted on an aerial photograph, and densities of individual species were noted at each identified location. In addition, vegetative community types within the site were mapped using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The following state and county listed noxious weed species were identified and mapped during the initial field survey and during additional site visits throughout the summer of 2012. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) Downy brome/Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Locations and densities of all of these species are shown in Figures 4 through 7. Specific information relating to each species is given in Table 1 below. Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 7 Wild caraway (Carum carvi) Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculemus) Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) . List C — List C species are species for which the Colorado Commis§ioner of Agriculture, in consultation with the state noxious weed advisory committee, local governments, and other interested parties, will development and implement state noxious weed management plans designed to support the efforts of local governing bodies to facilitate more effective integrated weed management on private and public lands. The goal of such plans will not be to stop the spread of these species but to provide additional education, research, and biological control resources to jurisdictions that choose to require management of List C species. Bulbous bluegrass (Poa bulbosa) Chicory (Cichorium intybus) Common burdock (Arctium mints) Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) Common St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) Downy brome (Bromus tectorum) Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus) Johnsongrass(Sorghum halepense) Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) Perennial sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis) Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) Redstem filaree (Erodium cicutarium) Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Wild proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) Colorado Watchlist - Weed species that have been determined to pose a potential threat to the agricultural productivity and environmental values of the lands of the state. The Watch List is intended to serve advisory and educational purposes only. Its purpose is to encourage the identification and reporting of these species to the Commissioner in order to facilitate the collection of information to assist the Commissioner in determining which species should be designated as noxious weeds. Asian mustard (Brassica tourneforiii) Baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata) Bathurst burr, Spiney cocklebur (Xanthium spinosum) Common bugloss (Anchisa officinalis) Common reed (Phragmites australis) Flowering rush (Butomus unbellatus) Hairy willow -herb (Epilobium hirsutum) Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) Japanese blood grass/cogongrass (lmperata cylindrical) Meadow hawkweed (Hieracium caespitosum) Onionweed (Asphodelus fistulosus) Pampus grass (Cortideria jubata) Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) Swainsonpea (Sphaerophysa salsula) Syrian beancaper (Zygophyllum fabago) Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 Giant knotweed (Polygonum sachalinense) Giant reed (Arundo donax) Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) Hydrilla (Hydrilla hydrilla) Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) Meadow knapweed (Centaurea pratensis) Mediterranean sage (Salvia aethiopis) Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) Myrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) Orange hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum) Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Rush skeletonweed (Chondrillajuncea) Squarrose knapweed (Centaurea virgata) Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) List B — List B species are species for which the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, in consultation with the state noxious weed advisory committee, local governments, and other interested parties, develops and implements state noxious weed management plans designed to stop the continued spread of these species. Absinth wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) Bouncingbet (Saponaria ofcinalis) Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) Chinese clematis (Clematis orientalis) Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) Common teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) Corn chamomile (Anthemis arvensis) Cutleaf teasel (Dipsacus laciniatus) Dalmatian toadflax, broad-leaved (Linaria dalmatica) Dalmatian toadflax, narrow -leaved (L. genistifolia) Dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis) Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diusa) Eurasian watermilfoil (Hyriophyllum spicatum) Hoary cress (Cardaria draba) Houndstongue (Cynoglossum ofcinale) Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) Mayweed chamomile (Anthemis cotula) Moth mullein (Verbascum blattaria) Musk thistle (Carduus nutans) Oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) Plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoides) Quackgrass (Elytrigia repens) Russian knapweed (Centaurea repens) Russian -olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Salt cedar (Tamarix chinensis, T. parviflora and T. ramosissima) Scentless chamomile (Anthemis arvensis) Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium and O. tauricum) Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) Spurred anoda (Anoda cristata) Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) Venice mallow (Hibiscus trionum) Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 (A) Aggressively invades or is detrimental to economic crops or native plant communities. (B) Is poisonous to livestock. (C) Is a carrier of detrimental insects, diseases, or parasites. (D) The direct or indirect effect of the presence of this plant is detrimental to the environmentally sound management of natural or agricultural ecosystems. The definition applies to species listed by both the state and local governing bodies. The noxious weeds designated for special attention by the city of Fort Collins, Larimer County, and the state of Colorado under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, § 35-5.5-101 through 119, C.R.S. (1991 as amended) are listed as follows: Larimer County — The Larimer County Weed District emphasizes identification and management of the following 16 Colorado List B species, but reserves the right to enforce on any state -listed noxious weed if the infestation size and density deems it necessary. As mandated by the State Noxious Weed Act, the Larimer County Weed District also must eradicate all Colorado List A species. (see http://Iarimer.orp/weeds/weedlist.htm ). Weeds mandated by Larimer Countv for identification and manatement: Bull thistle Cirsium vulgare Canada thistle Cirsium arvense Common teasel Dipsacus fullonum Dalmatian toadflax Linaria dalmatica, Linaria genistifolia Diffuse knapweed Centaurea diffusa Hoary alyssum Berteroa incana Hoary cress Cardaria draba Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale Leafy spurge Euphorbia esula Musk thistle Cardtars nutans Perennial pepperweed Lepidium latifolium Russian knapweed Acroptilon repens Scotch thistle Onopordum acanthium Spotted knapweed Centaurea maculosa Salt cedar Tamarix ramosissima Yellow toadflax Linaria vulgaris City of Fort Collins — See the Larimer County and state of Colorado weed lists. State of Colorado* List A — List A species are those that are designated by the Colorado Dept. of Agriculture for eradication. African rue (Peganum harmala) Bohemian knotweed (Polygonum bohemicum) Camelthorn (Alhagi pseudalhagi) Common,crupina (Crupina vulgaris) Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) Dyer's woad (Isatis tinctoria) Elongated mustard (Brassica elongata) Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 4 Existing Vegetation and Land Use All of the project area was farmed or ranched in the past. Vegetative communities which occupied the site prior to the initiation of the present construction were composed almost entirely of introduced species common in formerly ranched or farmed sites. Dominant species included smooth brome (Bromus inermis), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), Russian olive, and others. Wildlife A number of wildlife species potentially utilize the area of the project site. Wildlife species which are probable inhabitants or migrants utilizing the site include numerous species of songbirds and other bird species including redtail hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), Swainson's hawks, (B. swainsoni), owls, and other hawk species, mourning doves (Zenaidura macroura), etc. Potential mammalian species which might utilize the site include cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus auduboni), raccoons (Procyon lotor), red fox (Vulpes fulva), coyote (Canis latrans), striped skunk. (Mephitis mephitis), longtail weasel (Mustela frenata), mink (Mustela vison), a number of bat species, whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) , mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and a number of rodent species. Coyote, whitetail deer, red foxes, cottontail rabbits, and numerous bird species were observed on the site during the 2012 site assessments. Wetlands and Riparian Areas A riparian zone adjacent to a ditched tributary to a stream known as Spring Creek was located along the north boundary of the project area (Figures 2 and 3). A number of wetland plant species, herbaceous and woody, were associated with this riparian zone. Several species of trees [peachleaf willow (Salix amygdaloides), crack willow (Salix fragilis), plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides), and Russian olive] and shrubs [coyote willow (Salix exigua) and golden currant (Ribes aureum)] occupy the areas within and adjacent to the creek. Cattails (Typha latifolia) and other herbaceous wetland species characterized the corridor. NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS Natural Resource Services, Inc. was requested by Campus Crest Communities through Ripley Design, Inc. of Fort Collins on January 31, 2012 to complete a Noxious Weed Survey, a Noxious Weed Management Plan (IMP) and control implementation for noxious weeds located on the The Grove in Fort Collins project site. The IMP and weed control were required by the City of Fort Collins as part of the permitting process for the project. The requirement for the noxious weed survey and IMP stem from requirements incorporated into the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, § 35-5.5-101 through 119, C.R.S. (1991 as amended). This law charges state and local governments in Colorado with the management of noxious weeds. As part of the required management, each local government must adopt an "undesirable plant management plan" directed at controlling noxious weeds and a "designated noxious weed species list" which their plan would target. Noxious weeds, as specified in § 35-5.5-103, C.R.S. (2000 and as amended) means an alien plant or parts of an alien plant that have been designated by rule as being noxious or has been declared a noxious weed by a local advisory board, and meets one or more of the following criteria: Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT The proposed development project consists of the construction of a mixed -use residential development consisting of a number of residential apartments, parking areas, and a central features area which will include a central green and an amenity area. Three access streets are planned for construction through the 34+/- acre property. Also, the existing Larimer Canal No. 2 is to be rerouted to the south which will provide a semi -forested natural wildlife movement corridor bordering the project site to the south. PROPERTY LOCATION The Campus Crest The Grove project site is located immediately west of Centre Avenue, south of Gilgalad Way, and immediately north of the Larimer Canal No. 2 in the city of Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado (Figures 1 and 2). The tract is located at approximately 400 33' 34"North latitude x 1050 5' 22" West longitude (UTM Zone 13 492470m E x 4489917m N). . SITE DESCRIPTION The area surrounding the project is characterized by developed residential areas to the west and north, open rolling prairie with scattered large plains cottonwoods (Populus deltoides) and Russian olives (Elaeagnus angustifolia) along the Larimer Canal No. 2 to the south, and developed government office complexes to the east. A riparian area designated by Fort Collins as a Natural Habitats Zone occupies the northern portion of the project site along a drainage ditch which is a tributary of Spring Creek (Figures 2 and 3). The project area contains a total of approximately 34 acres. Weather The weather in the proposed project area is typical of the central Colorado high plains. Annual rainfall averages approximately 15 inches and temperatures range from highs of over 90 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August to lows of 0 degrees Fahrenheit and below in the winter. Average humidity generally ranges below 25 percent throughout the year. T000graahv Topography within the site is characterized as gently rolling to hilly prairie which varies by no more than 100 feet in elevation throughout the site (Figure 2). No unusual natural features or rock outcrops are present on the site. Existing Infrastructure The project area was historically utilized as farmland and pastureland for cattle and horse grazing and hay production. No structures were present on the site immediately prior to the initiation of construction of the proposed The Grove project. The project area was possibly irrigated for hay production in the past. Development of high density residential subdivisions, commercial and government office space, retail space, and recreational areas has been occurring in the area for several decades. Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 2 INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN for NOXIOUS WEEDS The Grove Mixed Residential Development Project Larimer County Fort Collins, Colorado INTRODUCTION The mixed residential development known as The Grove at Fort Collins is currently under construction within Fort Collins, Colorado. The project is being developed by Campus Crest Development, Inc., 2100 Rexford Road, Suite 414, Charlotte, North Carolina. Under construction requirements imposed by the City of Fort Collins (personal communication with Lindsay Ex on May 11, 2012), the developer is required to 1) complete a noxious weed assessment of the site, 2) complete a written Integrated Management Plan (IMP) which describes proposed control methods to be used in controlling state and locally listed noxious weeds identified within the site, 3) implement active control of identified noxious weeds, and 4) implement a three year monitoring program, to include annual written reports, which will assess the success of the aforementioned control measures. This plan was completed to fulfill Item 2 of the above mentioned requirements. On April 16, 20 , Campus Crest Development, Inc. contracted with Natural Resource Services, Inc. (NRSI), a Georgia company authorized to conduct business in Colorado, to complete a noxious weed survey, an Integrated Management Plan (IMP), and noxious weed control for noxious weeds located on the The Grove project site. Under the contract, NRSI was to 1) conduct a noxious weed survey of the site according to procedures and guidelines outlined in the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, Title 35, Article 5.5, 2) compile a list of noxious weed species which may inhabit or are determined to be present on the site, 3) prepare draft management recommendations in the form of an Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for noxious weeds identified within the site, 4) implement noxious weed control of identified noxious weeds within the site, and 5) complete monitoring of the site for three years to assess the success of noxious weed control. All recommendations and the IMP would be prepared in accordance with guidelines provided by the Colorado State Weed Coordinator and the local governmental agencies involved with jurisdiction over the project. These agencies include the City of Fort Collins, Colorado; Larimer County, Colorado and the Colorado Department of Agriculture. In completing this IMP, NRSI received valuable assistance and comments from Ms. Lindsay Ex, Environmental Planner, City of Fort Collins; Ms. Melissa Hill, Senior Development Manager, Campus Crest Communities; and Mr. Josh Schreppel, Senior Project Manager, Campus Crest Construction. Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Noxious weed species listed by Latimer County, Fort Collins and the State of Colorado which were identified within the proposed The Grove Mixed Residential Development Project site during field surveys conducted by Natural Resource Services, Inc. between May 28 and August 23, 2012...................8 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Area map showing the general location of the proposed The Grove Mixed Residential Development Project, Fort Collins, Colorado..................................12 Figure 2. General site map showing the location of the proposed The Grove Mixed Residential Development Project, Fort Collins, Colorado...................................13 Figure 3. Aerial photo (2007) showing the locations of major vegetative cover Types identified within the proposed The Grove Mixed Residential Development Project, Fort Collins, Colorado during a field survey Conducted by Natural Resource Services, Inc. on May 28, 2012....................14 Figure 4. Aerial photo (2007) showing locations of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), and common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) identified within the proposed The Grove Mixed Residential Development Project, Fort Collins, Colorado during a field survey conducted by Natural Resource Services, Inc. on May 28, 2012 and during summer 2012 site visits.......................................................................15 Figure 5. Aerial photo (2007) showing locations of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), and puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) identified within the proposed The Grove Mixed Residential Development Project, Fort Collins, Colorado during a field survey conducted by Natural Resource Services, Inc. on May 28, 2012. and during summer 2012 site visits......................................................................16 Figure 6. Aerial photo (2007) showing locations of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) identified within the proposed The Grove Mixed Residential Development Project, Fort Collins, Colorado during a field survey conducted by Natural Resource Services, Inc. on May 28, 2012 and during summer 2012 site visits ..... 17 Figure 7. Aerial photo (2007) showing areas of Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) identified within the proposed The Grove Mixed Residential Development Project, Fort Collins, Colorado during a field survey conducted by Natural Resource Services, Inc. on May 28, 2012 and during summer 2012 site visits.......................................................................18 Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 iv CONTENTS LISTOF TABLES....................................................................................................................iv LISTOF FIGURES...................:..............................................................................................iv INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................1 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT................................................................................................2 PROPERTYLOCATION..........................................................................................................2 SITEDESCRIPTION...............................................................................................................2 Weather.......................................................................................................................2 Topography..................................................................................................................2 Existing Infrastructure..................................................................................................2 Existing Vegetation and Land Use...............................................................................3 Wildlife.........................................................................................................................3 Wetlands and Riparian Areas......................................................................................3 NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS............................................................3 PROBLEMS..........................................................................................................................9 RECOMMENDATIONS...............................................................................1.................10 REFERENCES......................................................................................................................11 NOTES..................................................................................................................................19 Natural Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed Integrated Management Plan The Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 111 The information contained in this report is certified to be accurate and was acquired ethically through the means and methods described herein. n REPORT SUBMITTED BY: ' Date: Steve C. Johnson,.S r Ecologist Natural Resource Services, hic. P.O. Box 861 Longmont, CO 80502-0861 303.915.3211/800.242.9466 FAX: 720.652.4792 E-mail: nrsi(@,nrsisei-vices.com This plan has been reviewed and approved by: Date 8/ 13113 Campus Crest Development 2100 Rexford Road #414 Charlotte, North Carolina 28211 Date City of Fort Collins Environmental Planner 281 North College Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80524 Nanaal Resource Services, Inc. Noxious Weed bttegrated Management Plan 7Le Grove Mixed Use Residential Development Project September 10, 2012 INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN for NOXIOUS WEEDS The Grove Mixed Residential Development Project Larimer County Fort Collins, Colorado Prepared For Campus. Crest Development 2100 Rexford Road #414 Charlotte, North Carolina 28211 704.496.2572 Prepared By Steve C. Johnson, Senior Ecologist Natural Resource Services, Inc. P.O. Box 861 Longmont, CO 80502.0861 800242.9466/303.915.3211 FAX: 720.652.4792 E-mad: nnsi@inrsiservices.com September 10, 2012 ® Copyright 2012 Nahual Resource Services, Inc.