HomeMy WebLinkAboutWATER'S EDGE @ RICHARD'S LAKE - PDP - 58-86J - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT...:� s FAQ .r3'lf.].
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Photo 3. View to west across abandoned pasture/degraded grassland in
northwestern part of site. Entire upland area of site consists of non-native pasture
grasses and weedy forbs, with minor amounts of rabbitbrush and other natives.
Photo 4. View to south across partially mown field, again showing dominance by
non-native pasture grasses. Photo taken from road to oil well in eastern part of
Water's Edge site. Trees in background are in offsite residential area.
Photo 1. View to west across Richard's Lake from western part of Water's Edge site.
Shoreline vegetation includes cottonwood, peachleaf willow, Russian -olive, and Siberian
elm with mostly barren beach closer to water. Cattail wetlands are scattered around lake.
Photo 2. View to north in northwestern part of Water's Edge site, showing active oil
well with offsite residential area in background. Like other dirt roadways within site,
edge of road shown supports Russian -thistle, kochia, and other weeds.
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Ecological Site Characterization Report
Water's Edge Project, Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado September 29, 2005
APPENDIX A
Figure 1 - Water's Edge Project Area
Figure 2 - Critical Wildlife Areas in Relation to Water's Edge Vicinity
Photos 1 through 4
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Ecological Site Characterization Report
Water's Edge Project, Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado September 29, 2005
USDA Soil Conservation Service (SCS, now Natural Resources Conservation Service [NRCS]).
1980. Soil survey of the Larimer County area, Colorado. U.S. Government Printing Office,
1981-239-812/48. Washington, D.C.
Vos, D.K. 1984. Response of breeding great blue herons to human disturbance in northcentral
Colorado. Masters Thesis, Colorado State University, Fort Collins.
Weber, W.A., and R.C. Wittmann. 2001. Colorado flora: eastern slope. University Press of
Colorado. Boulder.
Wetland Training Institute (WTI) 1995. Field guide for wetland delineation: 1987 Corps of
Engineers Manual. WTI 95-3. Poolesville, Maryland.
Woodling, J. 1985. Colorado's little fish: A guide to the minnows and other lesser known fishes
in the state of Colorado. Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver.
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habitats. However, to ensure that these sensitive areas are protected during construction in
upland areas, the following best management practice (BMP) is proposed:
Erect a vinyl silt fence and, where needed, straw bales or straw logs between the upland
construction areas and the shoreline area of Richard's Lake, including the outer edge of the
wooded fringe, to prevent waterborne transport of eroded soil into the habitat and to clearly
demark areas to be protected from operation of equipment or placement of material
stockpiles or waste.
Aside from the areas and wildlife uses to be mitigated by the measures summarized above, the
Water's Edge property does not support or contain native plant communities, wetlands, riparian
habitats, other areas of mature trees, or geologic, topographic, or hydrologic features that
warrant avoidance or mitigation..
6 REFERENCES CITED
Armstrong, D.M. 1972. Distribution of mammals in Colorado. Monograph of the Museum of
Natural History, University of Kansas, Number 3. Lawrence, Kansas.
Armstrong, D.M., M.E. Bakeman, A. Deans, C.A. Meaney, and T.R. Ryon. 1997. Report on
habitat findings of the Preble's meadow jumping mouse. Boulder, Colorado. Report to the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Colorado Native Plant Society. 1997. Rare plants of Colorado. Falcon Press, Helena,
Montana, and the Rocky Mountain Nature Association, Estes Park, Colorado.
Colton, R.B. 1978. Geologic map of the Boulder — Fort Collins — Greeley area, Colorado.
USGS Map 1-855G.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and
deepwater habitats of the United States. Performed for Office of Biological Services, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, FWS/OBS-79/31. Washington, D.C.
Fitzgerald, J.P., C.A. Meaney, and D.M. Armstrong, 1994. Mammals of Colorado. Denver
Museum of Natural History and University Press of Colorado. Niwot, Colorado.
Hammerson, G.A. 1999. Amphibians and reptiles in Colorado: A Colorado field guide.
University Press of Colorado and Colorado Division of Wildlife. Niwot.
Kingery, H.E. (Editor) 1998. Colorado breeding bird atlas. Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership and
Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver.
Peterson, J. 2000. Ecological characterization study for Richard's Lake O.D.P. and Phase I
P.D. P., Fort Collins, Colorado. Prepared for Landscape Architecture & Planning, Fort Collins,
Colorado.
Reed, P.B., Jr. 1988. National list of plant species that occur in wetlands: Central Plains
(Region 5). Prepared for National Wetlands Inventory, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Biological Report 88 (26.5), May.
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Ecological Site Characterization Report
Water's Edge Project, Fort Collins, Lahmer County, Colorado September 29, 2005
Two other prairie raptors that are not as common in the region as the species listed above are
the ferruginous hawk and northern harrier, both of which are state -listed as special -concern
species in Colorado. Both species are very unlikely to nest, perch, or hunt onsite due to the
limited project area, poor habitat quality, and proximity to human development.
Smaller species (woodpeckers and songbirds) likely to nest in the wooded fringe consist of
species that are very common in the area and already highly adapted to human presence —
often nesting in trees and shrubs adjacent to houses. Therefore, use by these species following
development of the Water's Edge residential community is unlikely to be adversely affected.
5 PROJECT IMPACTS AND RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES
Normally, residential or other land development projects can impact wildlife by one or more of
the following: direct habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, interference with movement patterns,
mortality or harassment by pets (dogs and cats), and avoidance of areas of human disturbance.
Considering the currently very poor habitat quality of the abandoned pasture/degraded
grassland that dominates the site and the proximity to existing residential areas, impacts
associated with construction and occupation of the Water's Edge property would represent a
minor incremental increase.
Additionally, because Richard's Lake is not mapped by CDOW as sharing the importance to
fish -eating birds of nearby reservoirs (Figure 2), impacts of surrounding development on the
lake environment are also expected to be minor overall. This conclusion is further supported by
the relative lack of wetland habitats (cattail/bulrush communities) in the portion of the shoreline
adjacent to the site.
Nonetheless, some resident and migrant birds —mostly comprising woodpeckers and songbirds
but potentially also some common raptors —use the wooded fringe, as do some mammal,
reptile, and (potentially) amphibian species not found in the upland habitat that dominates the
site. Therefore, the following measures are recommended to reduce potential impacts:
• If construction is scheduled to begin during the raptor nesting season (March 1 through July
15), conduct a raptor nesting survey along the adjacent wooded fringe. If an active raptor
nest is found, avoid the nest by 0.125 mile (Cooper's or sharp -shinned hawk), 0.25 mile
(Swainson's hawk), or 0.33 mile (red-tailed hawk) until after nesting is complete.
If construction is ongoing prior to the start of the raptor nesting season, phase the
construction so that work begins closest to the lake before the nesting season so that any
raptors are likely to move to another area rather than choosing the site and being subject to
later disturbance.
• If a recreational trail is constructed around the reservoir, stay as far back from (i.e., outside)
the wooded fringe as practicable to minimize disturbance of nesting or migrant songbirds.
• If feasible, prohibit residents of Water's Edge from allowing cats at -large and dogs at -large
in the wooded fringe and shoreline areas of Richard's Lake. Enforce the restriction through
the homeowners association in conjunction with Fort Collins animal control officers.
These measures would also tend to minimize any impacts to use of the lake by water birds.
Note that no mitigation measures are recommended for the jurisdictional shoreline areas of
Richard's Lake, because the project is not anticipated to impact the wetland or wooded fringe
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4.4.2 Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
This large raptor has been proposed for removal from the list of threatened or endangered
species but continues to be listed as threatened as of the date of this report. The bald eagle is
protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Bald eagles nest in mature trees to support their nest structures and generally located near a
reservoir or river to allow easy access to hunting habitat (their preferred prey are fish and
waterfowl). In winter, bald eagles may roost, either individually or communally, in similar
habitats but shift their diets to prairie dogs, rabbits, carrion, and other prey when ducks and fish
are less available. Besides Richard's Lake not being mapped by CDOW as bald eagle feeding
habitat, the absence of prairie dogs, poor habitat quality overall, small size of shoreline trees,
and proximity to human development greatly reduce the potential for use by this species.
4.4.3 Burrowing Owl (Athena cunnicularia)
This small, ground -dwelling raptor is state -listed as endangered in Colorado and protected by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The burrowing owl uses abandoned burrows of the black -tailed
prairie dog for nesting and roosting and is almost completely dependent on prairie dog colonies
for breeding. Because no prairie dogs occur within the Water's Edge site, the burrowing owl is
also not expected to occur. Potentially, a burrowing owl from some offsite prairie dog colony
could visit the site to hunt for small mammals and grasshoppers, but the poor quality of the site
greatly reduces this potential.
4.4.4 Other Native Birds
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) protects native bird species (including those not normally
considered "migratory") from not only intentional injury or death, but also from destruction of an
active nest (one containing eggs or young, or being tended in preparation for nesting) and from
disturbance that interferes with breeding. The last prohibition includes disturbance that causes
nest failure due to abandonment or reduced attentiveness by one or both adults. While this Act
technically applies to all species of native birds, it is applied most rigorously to large species,
uncommon species, colonially nesting species, and other species of special regulatory concern
or public interest.
Such species of concern at the Water's Edge site consist mostly of common rurabsuburban
woodpeckers and songbirds, with a small potential for use by raptors. Under the MBTA, the
CDOW has established recommended buffers around active raptor nest sites—e.g., 0.25 mile
for Swainson's hawk and 0.33 mile for the red-tailed hawk. However, as noted previously, the
potential for nesting by these species in the wooded fringe adjacent to the Water's Edge site is
very limited due to small size of most of the trees, poor prey base in the adjacent degraded
uplands, and proximity to human development.
Two smaller raptors that are more likely to use the wooded fringe of Richard's Lake —the
Cooper's hawk and sharp -shinned hawk —commonly nest in close proximity to human habitats
are very tolerant of human activity, often using bird feeders as favorite areas to hunt for small
birds. The great horned owl, a nocturnal hunter, is also common in human developments
providing mature trees for nesting or roosting.
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) previously determined that the wooded fringe
around Richard's Lake, including adjacent to the Water's Edge site, is jurisdictional under
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. However, no part of the wooded fringe would be directly
impacted by proposed development of the site.
4.3 Aquatic and Wetland Habitats of Richard's Lake
According to the NDIS online database, which presents data mapped and compiled by CDOW,
Richard's Lake differs from other nearby reservoirs by not providing feeding habitat fish -eating
birds such as the American white pelican, great blue heron, bald eagle, and osprey (Figure 2).
Presumably, this indicates that Richard's Lake supports no, or a limited, fish community, since
the lake appears suitable otherwise. Nonetheless, the lake provides resting and feeding habitat
for other waterbirds. These include several species of shorebirds (sandpipers, plovers,
American avocet, and white-faced ibis) as well as waterfowl that feed on aquatic invertebrates
and plants. The latter group includes "bay ducks" (e.g., canvasback, redhead, ring-necked
ducked, common goldeneye, bufflehead, and lesser scaup), "puddle ducks" (pintail, mallard,
gadwall, American wigeon, northern shoveler, blue -winged teal, and green -winged teal), and
other species (e.g., Canada goose and American coot).
Wetland fringes, consisting primarily of scattered stands of cattail and bulrush, support feeding
and nesting by wetland songbirds such as the red -winged blackbird, common yellowthroat, and
song sparrow. However, no significant wetlands were observed adjacent to the Water's Edge
site, and even the larger stands around other portions of the lake appear too small to support
additional wetland birds such as the American bittern, sora, and Virginia rail.
The wetland fringes may provide habitat for breeding by amphibians. These could include the
northern chorus frog and, less likely, the Woodhouse's toad, bullfrog, and northern leopard frog.
The wetlands and portions of the wooded fringe may also attract moist -site snakes such as the
western terrestrial garter snake. Mammals associated with these habitats are likely to include
the water shrew and the muskrat as well as the striped skunk and raccoon.
In a prior wetland delineation of the area, USACE classified the shoreline area around Richard's
Lake as jurisdictional under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. However, no part of the
shoreline area would be directly impacted by proposed development of the site.
4.4 Threatened, Endangered, and Other Rare or Sensitive Wildlife
4.4.1 Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei)
As described previously, the narrow fringe of riparian trees and shrubs along the Richard's Lake
shoreline adjacent to the Water's Edge site does not support potentially suitable habitat for this
federally listed threatened species. Limiting factors, in addition to the very narrow wood/shrub
fringe, are the absence of suitable lush forage, isolation of the lake from riparian habitat along
streams or ditches, and surrounding developments. Conditions that led to issuance by USFWS
of a concurrence letter in 1999 have not changed and, in fact, ongoing residential development
has further reduced the potential for this species.
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Small birds observed or likely to occur include the mourning dove, eastern kingbird, western
kingbird, Say's phoebe, western meadowlark, vesper sparrow, and lark sparrow, as well as a
variety of other birds that nest in nearby trees but feed in the grassy/weedy areas. Examples of
the latter include the American crow, black -billed magpie, Brewer's blackbird, common grackle,
American goldfinch, lesser goldfinch, European starling, and house sparrow (the last two
species are non-native).
Reptiles likely to occur include the bullsnake (gopher snake) and yellow -bellied racer (snake),
and potentially the western (prairie) rattlesnake. No amphibians are expected to use the
abandoned pasture/degraded grassland areas.
4.2 Wooded Fringe along Richard's Lake Shoreline
As described previously, the outer shoreline of Richard's Lake adjacent to the Water's Edge site
supports a mixed woodland and shrubland of plains cottonwood, peachleaf willow, Siberian elm,
Russian -olive, and other woody species. Besides providing visual screening of nearshore
wildlife uses by aquatic and amphibious species, the trees and shrubs attract several arboreal
(tree -nesting) species that otherwise would be lacking from the Water's Edge property.
Among tree -nesting species that could use the Richard's Lake woodland fringe are number of
birds commonly found in mature trees of rural/suburban developments. These include the
northern flicker, downy woodpecker, American crow, black -billed magpie, blue jay, black -capped
chickadee, house wren, American robin, warbling vireo, yellow warbler, Brewer's blackbird,
Bullock's oriole, house finch, American goldfinch, and lesser goldfinch. During migration
seasons, a variety of other arboreal songbirds, including neotropical migrants (species that
winter in the tropics but migrate to Colorado and other middle and northern latitudes to breed),
probably use the trees and shrubs for resting and feeding. These include a variety of warblers,
vireos, and flycatchers. Other species likely to use this habitat during winter include migrants
from more northerly latitudes (e.g., American tree sparrow) and higher elevations (e.g., dark -
eyed junco).
The trees may also provide perching sites for common raptors such as the great horned owl,
long-eared owl, red-tailed hawk, Swainson's hawk, Cooper's hawk, sharp -shinned hawk, and
American kestrel. However, the relatively small size of most of the trees, combined with the
intensive residential development in the vicinity of the Lake, reduce the potential for use of the
trees for both feeding and nesting. This is due both to human activity around the lake and the
loss of feeding habitat as undeveloped lands are converted to residential areas. However, the
abandoned pasture/degraded grassland of the site was already of reduced value to raptors due
to the low abundance and diversity of prey species associated with the poor habitat quality.
In addition to birds, the wooded fringe of Richard's Lake provides potential habitat for common
"urban woodland" species such as the fox squirrel, striped skunk, raccoon, and red fox, as well
as the widespread raccoon and striped skunk. Smaller species in the understory probably
include the deer mouse and meadow vole. Mule deer and, less likely, white-tailed deer may also
occul in the dense zones of trees and shrubs around the lake. Figure 2 indicates a mapped
white-tailed deer concentration to the southwest of the site, along the Cache la Poudre River
corridor. The very narrow configuration of most of the wooded fringe around Richard's Lake
reduces the potential for use by this and the other mammal species listed above.
The wooded fringe may also attract the western terrestrial garter snake.
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Stands of emergent wetland plants —especially cattails and bulrushes —occur along some
portions of the Richard's Lake shoreline, but not within or adjacent to the Water's Edge site. In
the area adjacent to the site, these occur as scattered individuals or small groupings.
No drainages (streams or swales) or ditches are present within the Water's Edge site.
3.4 Disturbed Areas
Parts of the site have previously been disturbed during installation and maintenance of gas
wells and by the placement of a large pile of waste soil material, possibly resulting of excavation
of a stormwater detention facility immediately outside the southeastern corner of the site. Minor
dirt roadways through the site (Figure 1) also are disturbed areas. Vegetation in these areas
was either sparse (bare soil) or consisting of dense cover by weeds (especially cheatgrass,
kochia, and Russian -thistle).
4 WILDLIFE
Use of any area by wildlife is strongly affected by onsite and nearby offsite habitat types and
land uses, within the framework of the overall geographic region. Wildlife use of the Water's
Edge site reflects this generalization, being dominated by species commonly associated with
agricultural or rural/suburban residential developments. Exceptions involve species associated
with the waters of Richard's Lake and the surrounding ring of trees, shrubs, and discontinuous
wetlands. The following description of wildlife use is organized by major habitat type.
4.1 Abandoned Pasture / Degraded Grassland
In general, the abandoned pasture/degraded grassland that dominates the Water's Edge site
support a very limited vertebrate fauna, due to the relatively low diversity and poor quality of the
dominant non-native species.
Mammals likely to use this type include common carnivores such as the coyote and red fox (the
use by species has undoubtedly diminished with the general development of the area). Native
small mammals expected in this type include the deer mouse, western harvest mouse, meadow
vole, long-tailed vole, and non-native house mouse.
Notably absent from the site is the black -tailed prairie dog. When present, this species provides
abundant prey for larger raptors, including the ferruginous hawk, golden eagle and (primarily in
winter) the bald eagle. Additionally, abandoned prairie dog burrows provide nesting and
denning sites for the burrowing owl, a species State -listed as threatened in Colorado. The
absence of prairie dogs reduces the potential for use by these species to near zero.
The low abundance of prey species, besides reducing the likely magnitude of use by coyotes,
foxes, and the larger raptors listed above, also reduces the potential use by more common
raptors. While common species such as the great horned owl, American kestrel, red-tailed
hawk, and Swainson's hawk may find an occasional meal onsite, the surrounding development
has reduced this potential even farther than associated with the poor habitat. Any raptors that
may visit the site would undoubtedly be doing so in conjunction with wanderings across much
larger home ranges, with the site representing a very small fraction of the habitat and prey
needed to sustain them.
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The principal non-native grassland species are smooth brome, crested wheatgrass, and
intermediate wheatgrass. These Eurasian species are widely planted in pastures and former
native grasslands degraded by prolonged and heavy use by domestic livestock. Some small
areas of native grasses —chiefly slender wheatgrass and western wheatgrass and with smaller
amounts of Indian ricegrass and green needlegrass—are scattered throughout the site.
Forbs (broadleaf herbs) include both native and weedy non-native species. However, as is
typical in degraded grassland dominated by the three aggressive pasture grasses listed above,
the native component is relatively minor. Native forbs observed in early September included
white prairie -aster, hairy golden -aster, broom senecio, horseweed, curlycup gumweed, western
ragweed, and annual sunflower. Also present were some individuals of rubber rabbitbrush, a
native shrub.
3.2.2 Weed Infestations
Non-native (orbs included four state -listed noxious species—cheatgrass, field bindweed,
Canada thistle, and musk thistle —as well as other common such as great mullein, kochia,
prickly lettuce, and Russian -thistle. Cheatgrass, a weedy non-native annual grass common in
degraded or disturbed ground, was also present throughout. Aside from severely disturbed or
barren areas, weeds are generally distributed throughout the abandoned pasture/degraded
grassland habitat rather than occurring as distinct infestations. An exception is a large pile of
dirt in the southeastern corner, which appears to be material remaining from excavation of the
offsite detention basin. The slopes of this dirt pile are cloaked by a dense cover of annual forbs,
especially kochia and Russian -thistle. Edges of dirt roadways also tend to be areas of weed
concentrations, generally as very narrow zones.
3.2.3 Threatened or Endangered Plant Species
Two federally listed threatened plant species —the Ute ladies' -tresses orchid (Spiranthes
diluvialis) and Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis)--occur in the
Northern Front Range region. Both of these species are found primarily in moist meadows,
often along streams or ditches but also (especially the orchid) in irrigated meadows. These
species do not occur in dry uplands, in true wetlands dominated by tall or aggressive species
such as cattails, or in willow wetlands or other areas of dense shrubs.
Potentially suitable habitats are absent from the Water's Edge site. Even the Richard's Lake
shoreline is unsuitable since it does not include wet meadow conditions and instead transitions
abruptly from very dense tree/shrub cover of cattail wetlands to dry, disturbed grassland. None
of these habitat types is suitable for either the orchid or the butterfly plant. It should be noted
that a species of butterfly plant found along Richard's Lake was keyed to soft butterfly weed
(Gaura mollis = Gaura parviflora), a common species in wetland -margin and roadside situations
throughout the region.
3.3 Wetlands and Drainages
A narrow wetland fringe occurs along the Richard's Lake shoreline at the western edge of the
site. The shoreline vegetation is somewhat variable but mostly consists of an outer ring of
plains cottonwood, peachleaf willow, tamarisk, Russian -olive, and Siberian elm and an inner
ring of cottonwood seedlings, wetland -margin herbs such as foxtail barley, showy milkweed, and
soft butterfly weed, as well some of the species also found in the uplands.
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Wildlife (CDOW) database was also queried for crucial or high -value areas of wildlife use in the
project vicinity.
In addition to assessing overall wildlife use and ecological condition of the site, the survey and
database search specifically addressed the potential for occurrence of federally listed or state -
listed threatened or endangered species and other rare or sensitive wildlife and plants.
3 ECOLOGICAL SETTING
3.1 Soils
According to the Soil Survey of Larimer County Area, Colorado (NRCS 1980), the following six
soil map units are present on the Water's Edge property:
o Cushman fine sandy loam, 3 to 9% slopes
o Fort Collins loam, 1 to 3% slopes
o Otero sandy loam, 3 to 5% slopes
o Stoneham loam, 1 to 3% slopes
o Stoneham loam, 5 to 9% slopes
o Tassel sandy loam, 3 to 25% slopes
None of these mapping units is characterized as a hydric (wetland) soil by the NRCS. The
runoff is listed as slow to medium for Fort Collins loam, and medium for Cushman fine sandy
loam, Otero sandy loam, and Stoneham loam. Only one soil type, Tassel sandy loam, 3 to 25%
slopes, had medium to rapid runoff. The NRCS rates the erosion hazard as slight to moderate
for Fort Collins loam; moderate for the Cushman fine sandy loam, Otero sandy loam, and
Stoneham loam, 1 to 3% slopes; and severe for Stoneham loam, 5 to 9% slopes and Tassel
sandy loam, 3 to 25% slopes. No problem erosion areas were observed during the field survey.
Topography of the site is relatively flat to gently sloping toward the southeast, except that the far
western fringe slopes toward Richard's Lake. Current land use is vacant land except for two oil
wells and minor dirt roadways that provide incidental travel routes for pedestrians, mountain
bikes, or vehicles (Figure 1). Adjacent or nearby land use is residential or agricultural, except
for Richard's Lake itself. The following subsections summarize existing habitat characteristics
of the site. Wildlife use is discussed in Section 4. Potential impacts and mitigation are
described in Section 5.
3.2 Vegetation
3.2.1 Plant Communities
Non-native pasture grasses dominate throughout the Water's Edge site, except for immediately
adjacent to Richard's Lake. In most of the site, these non-native grasses are unmown and
represent "semi -natural grassland" conditions. However, the southern edge of the site
(immediately south of Brightwater Drive) had been mown before the site survey in early
September 2005, possibly because of its proximity to occupied residences in an adjacent offsite
neighborhood.
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1 INTRODUCTION
This report presents the results of an evaluation of existing ecological conditions at the Water's
Edge project site in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado. The evaluation was conducted on
behalf of Skyland Meadows Development by Walsh Environmental Scientists and Engineers,
LLC (WALSH). Overall planning consultant and landscape architect for the project is Vignette
Studios.
The Water's Edge Project is located immediately northeast of Richard's Lake, a reservoir in
northern Fort Collins (Figure 1). The site includes approximately 105 acres of currently vacant
land (except for two operating oil wells) located west of County Road 11 and primarily north of
Brightwater Drive. Existing residential developments lie both north and south of the Water's
Edge site. Water's Edge is also planned for residential development.
The site includes the SE'/a and a portion of the SWYa of Section 30, Township 8 North, Range
68 West, of the Sixth Principal Meridian. Elevation ranges from approximately 5,055 to 5,105
feet above sea level.
This report presents the findings of the field evaluation, documents environmental conditions
and habitats on the property, discusses potential impacts associated with the proposed
development, and provides recommendations for mitigation. Information presented in the report
is based on site surveys (the most recent being in early September 2005), review of online data
available from the Natural Diversity Information System (NDIS) and Colorado Natural Heritage
Program (CNHP) websites, and previous experience with the site and surrounding environs.
2 METHODOLOGY
Surreys of the site conducted by WALSH include surveys by Allen B. Crockett, Ph.D., Senior
Ecologist, in April 1999 and, most recently, September 2005. The earlier investigation was in
conjunction with a habitat assessment for threatened or endangered species, which culminated
in submittal to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) of a Site Disqualification Report for
Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei), a federally listed threatened
species associated with riparian (streamside) and habitats and, potentially, the Richard's Lake
shoreline. The USFWS concurred with the conclusion that the site did not provide suitable
habitat for this species.
The most recent survey in September 2005 was conducted jointly by Dr. Crockett and Ms.
Lauren Barringer, Staff Biologist with WALSH. That survey was conducted to characterize
existing wildlife habitats and to identify any unique or sensitive natural resource features. Prior
to the initiation of the field study, Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS) soils mapping
(Soil Survey of Larimer County Area, Colorado) was reviewed to determine if any known hydric
(wetland) or highly erosive soil mapping units are located on the property. Major vegetative
communities and wildlife habitats present within the property were documented; as was
dominant vegetation associated with each community/habitat type, unique habitat features, and
observations of wildlife. Photographs were also taken to document site conditions.
The assessment of wildlife occurrence and habitat use was based on direct observations and
the presence of diagnostic sign such as footprints, fecal pellets, etc. The Colorado Division of
PAWildlife - Wetlands\Skyland.5807\Eco Report.doc
Ecological Site Characterization Report
Water's Edge Project, Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado September 29, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................1
2 METHODOLOGY................................................................................................................1
3 ECOLOGICAL SETTING.....................................................................................................2
3.1 Soils............................................................................................................................2
3.2 Vegetation...................................................................................................................2
3.2.1 Plant Communities...................................................................................................2
3.2.2 Weed Infestations....................................................................................................3
3.2.3 Threatened or Endangered Plant Species...............................................................3
3.3 Wetlands and Drainages.............................................;...............................................3
3.4 Disturbed Areas...........................................................................................................4
4 WILDLIFE............................................................................................................................4
4.1 Abandoned Pasture / Degraded Grassland.................................................................4
4.2 Wooded Fringe along Richard's Lake Shoreline..........................................................5
4.3 Aquatic and Wetland Habitats of Richard's Lake.........................................................6
4.4 Threatened, Endangered, and Other Rare or Sensitive Wildlife...................................6
4.4.1 Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblef).................................6
4.4.2 Bald Eagle (Haliaeetusleucocephalus)....................................................................7
4.4.3 Burrowing Owl (Athene cunnicularia).......................................................................7
4.4.4 Other Native Birds...................................................................................................7
5 PROJECT IMPACTS AND RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES ...........................8
6 REFERENCES CITED.........................................................................................................9
APPENDIX A
Figure 1 — Water's Edge Project Area
Figure 2 — Critical Wildlife Areas in Relation to Water's Edge Vicinity
Photos 1 through 4
PAWildlife - WeNands\Skyland.580-Mco Report.doc
ECOLOGICAL SITE CHARACTERIZATION REPORT
WATER'S EDGE PROJECT
FORT COLLINS, LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO
Project Number 5807-010
Prepared for:
Skyland Meadows Development
7400 East Crestline Circle, Suite 230
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
303-858-0250
and:
Vignette Studios
144 North Mason Street, Suite 2
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
970-472-9125
Prepared by:
Walsh Environmental Scientists and Engineers, LLC
2629 Redwing Road, Suite 280
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
970-223-5655
Allen B. Crockett, Ph.D., J.D.
Senior Ecologist
September 29, 2005
Walsh
Environmental Scientists and Engineers, LLC
an ecology and environment company �lfzN�s
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September 29, 2005
Don Tiller
Vignette Studios
144 North Mason Street, Suite 2
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
RE: Ecological Site Characterization Report, Water's Edge Project
Dear Mr. Tiller:
On behalf of Walsh Environmental Scientists and Engineers, LLC, I am enclosing two
bound and one unbound copy of the Ecological Site Characterization Report for the
Water's Edge Project in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado. This report describes
existing ecological site conditions and summarizes impacts for residential development.
Based on the currently degraded condition of the site and adjacent developments, we do
not anticipate any significant ecological impacts that would warrant major mitigation
measures. However, we do recommend some measures, including a raptor nesting
survey if construction would begin during the nesting season (March 1 through July 15),
to protect the ecologically sensitive and federally regulated shoreline habitats and
associated wildlife uses of Richard's Lake adjacent to the site. These mitigation
measures are outlined in Section 5 of the report.
Note also that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has previously determined that the
Richard's Lake shoreline, including the wooded fringe, is jurisdictional under Section 404
of the Clean Water Act. Therefore, any impacts to the shoreline/woodland area would
require prior authorization by the Corps through the 404 Permit process.
Thank you for this opportunity to work with Vignette Studios. Please do not hesitate to
call Dr. Allen Crockett or me with any questions.
Sincerely,
L'
Lauren Barringer
Staff Ecologist
cc: Mr. Bill Swalling
Skyland Meadows Development
7400 East Crestline Circle, Suite 230
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
►E1VYitdlife--WetlandsSftyland>5807.2overztetterrdoc-
4888 Pearl East Circle . Suite 108 . Boulder, Colorado . 80301-2475 . Phone (303) 443-3282 . FAX (303) 443-0367