HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOMA ANNEXATION & ZONING - 53-05 - REPORTS - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTPhoto 7. View to the east from near western edge of site, showing clump of mature
cottonwoods on area of high ground. Stand contains two spherical nest structures
of black -billed magpies and also has potential to support perching by raptors.
Nesting by raptors is possible but reduced by proximity to areas of human use.
Photo 8. View to west from cottonwood clump in Photo 7, showing proximity to
bordering development. Due to decline of old cottonwoods and dry conditions,
future value of trees onsite might be greatest in conjunction with detention pond.
. L -
MIIAW- ilk
Photo 5. View to northeast along excavated trench in south-central portion of site.
Small trees are Russian -olives. Despite presence of water and minor amounts of
wetland vegetation, isolation from drainages makes it likely that U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers would deem this area "non -jurisdictional."
Photo 6. View to northwest across one of two apparently abandoned and dry
irrigation ditches that run west -east through northern portion of site. Another dry
ditch runs north -south in eastern portion. None of these grass -lined, former
irrigation ditches supports wetland vegetation.
Photo 3. Crack willows on berm of apparent old stock pond in southeastern portion
of site. Dry, shallow, circular depression does not support wetland plants.
Dilapidated sticknest structure in tree at left -center midground appears to be that of
a crow. Size and position in tree are inconsistent with most raptor nests.
3
Photo 4. View to east across southern portion of site. Site contains four oil
facilities, of which only this one has extraction pump. Small trees barely visible in
background to left of well are Russian -olives at excavated trench (next photo).
,.,.,.�
•f mot.
d t
+ w,
Photo 1. View to west along Douglas Road showing northern edge of Boma
property. Small cattail area in foreground is in segment of roadside drainage ditch
where surface runoff accumulates. Remainder of ditch is non -wetland.
�a
Photo 2. View to west from eastern edge of site. Dominant plants in abandoned
pasturelandidegraded grassland include non-native perennial grasses and weedy
annual or biennial forbs, with minor amounts of native grasses. Note large
cottonwoods, apparently associated with abandoned ditch and stock pond.
Photo 2. View to west from eastern edge of site. Dominant plants in abandoned
pasturelandidegraded grassland include non-native perennial grasses and weedy
annual or biennial forbs, with minor amounts of native grasses. Note large
cottonwoods, apparently associated with abandoned ditch and stock pond.
-
oouou►s —
I ' •
_ - - - fill
1_
V i Y SIT
.11M♦.. .. ill.. . y.�n t V11 •
o .. a..- ��.• t---tl--�. i.-i ; 7, I /. II 11•I i Ir .... Pr 4--
ay
I. 4�
��� 1. �,, , �'• Boma Property
•,.r' 1 ',".' �P�'e�' C;, I1:�1.11I '�II�1Iu111Nb�11�1111_..;�$_: jQM
Project Area -
I
02
OIL
�� Dale: Duos 0m n By CAS
Boma Property
S�ie:,"=aoo�
F.nviranmenul Scimlisis am Fngineers, I.I c:
Fort Collins CV 151' 0 "� 3M PNIBCINC. 5617-0e0 Chocked By
PAMIdIife- Wetland 1Brda ll.58 ma Prwertv.040GkSDATAGwg dwg Fgu 2 sheel: 1 0; 1
Il
� J
fair
I
�.,Mlo"masite
o
r..
Ia. 11
�. .. •. k-ae� ems-
Site Location
Osprey Foraging Area
f— Bald Eagle Winter Forage
Pelican Overall Range/Foraging Area
Great Blue Heron Nesting Area
White-tailed Deer Concentration Area
Great Blue Heron Foraging Area
Mountain Lion Peripheral Range/Human Conflict
, 115721
i
na
=I` alsh
an eculopy and rnvir[mrtlenl company
Mapped Critical Wildlife Areas (NDIS Database)
Boma Property: Fort Collins, Colorado
Project 5617-0. 0 1 January 2006 1 Figure 1
0
P\YVrmr,-N nE„fli AIL B MIMSI Pmp&ft010rAS0=Wwro1.m d
Ecological Site Characterization Report
Boma Property, Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado February 2, 2006
APPENDIX A
Figure 7 - Critical Wildlife Areas In Relation to Boma Site
Figure 2 - Labeled Aerial Photo of Boma Project Area
Photos 1 through 8
P:\Wildlife-Wetlands\Birdsall.56171Boma PropertylBoma Property Eco Report.doc
Ecological Site Characterization Report
Boma Property, Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado February 2, 2006
in conjunction with the planned detention facility, approximately in the location of the rectangular
dugout area. The elevated moisture of this area would be favorable for cottonwoods.
Because it is not ecologically significant, the small area of cattail wetland does not appear to
warrant preservation. However, prior to disturbance or loss, the jurisdictional status of the
wetland should be confirmed in consultation with USACE. Aside from the cottonwood clumps
and any legal obligations pertaining to the wetland area, the Boma property does not support or
contain native plant communities, riparian habitats, or geologic, topographic, or hydrologic
features that warrant avoidance or mitigation.
6 REFERENCES
Andrews, R., and R. Righter. Colorado birds: A reference to their distribution and habitat.
Denver Museum of Natural History.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
P:\Wiildlife-Wetlands\eirdsall.5617\Boma Property\Boma Property Eco Report.doc
8
Ecological Site Characterization Report
Boma Property Fort Collins, Lanmer County, Colorado February 2, 2006
hawk, two species commonly found in situations such as the isolated trees and small
cottonwood clump in the Boma property. Two smaller raptors that nest in small tree clumps —
the Cooper's hawk and sharp -shinned hawk —are frequently found in residential developments,
where they may feed on songbirds attracted to landscaping and bird feeders. CDOW has not
established recommended buffer widths for these species. The same is true of the great homed
owl, a nocturnal hunter of small mammals, and the American kestrel, a small falcon that nests in
tree cavities and hunts for grasshoppers and small rodents in nearby grasslands.
Two prairie raptors that are not as common in the region as the red-tailed hawk and Swainson's
hawk 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 area, relatively poor habitat quality, and proximity to human development. The site
is also unsuitable in terms of size, habitat type and quality, prey base, and remoteness from
human development for two wide-ranging species, the golden eagle and prairie falcon.
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 by sensitive species of areas of
human use. However, the currently poor habitat quality of the abandoned pasture/degraded
grassland that dominates the site and the proximity to existing residential areas greatly reduce
the severity of any of these types of impacts resulting from future development of the Boma
property.
The site does not contain a wildlife movement corridor or other area of unique or high -quality
habitat, and current wildlife use is essentially limited to relatively minor numbers of common
species frequently found in or near areas of human occupation. While limited use by the current
pastureland/grassland species will decrease to near zero as the site is developed, use by
common ruraUsuburban species will gradually increase, especially as planted trees gradually
mature. No rare species will be lost or displaced.
The clump of cottonwoods near the western boundary and, to a lesser extent, the two
cottonwoods and handful of crack willows near the old stock pond in the southeastern area,
provides some habitat for arboreal species, potentially including perching and, conceivably,
nesting by raptors. No raptor nests were observed during the site survey, although two magpie
nests were observed. However, to ensure compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
regarding potential nesting by raptors, the following is recommended:
If construction is scheduled to begin during the raptor nesting season (March 1 through July
15), conduct a raptor nesting survey. If an active raptor nest is found, avoid human activity
within the buffer width recommended for that species by CDOW until nesting is complete.
Because the western cottonwood clump is planned to be preserved, continued use by arboreal
songbirds is expected, even as the pastureland/grassland is developed —although species
composition may change through time due to differential sensitivity to human presence and loss
of the adjacent pastureland/grassland habitat. Therefore, while preservation of these trees
would be beneficial, it should be recognized that they are old and approaching decadence.
Therefore, a possible mitigation measure would be to plant some small cottonwoods among and
near the existing trees to gradually replace the habitat as the current trees continue to decline
and, eventually, die. Probably more beneficial would be to plant deciduous trees and tall shrubs
P:\Wildlife-Wetlands\Birdsall.5617\Boma Property\Boma Property Eco Report.doc
Ecological Site Characterization Report
Boma Property Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado February Z 2006
The cattail wetland may also support a small number of western terrestrial garter snakes but is
not sufficient wetland birds such as the American bittern, sore, Virginia rail, and common
yellowthroat. Mammals associated with this area are probably limited to the same species as
the surrounding pastureland/grassland, although it may attract additional use by the striped
skunk and raccoon.
4.4 Threatened, Endangered, and Other Wildlife of Special Concern
4.4.1 Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei)
The small amount of wetland vegetation in the northeastern comer of the Boma site does not
support potentially suitable habitat for this federally listed threatened species. Habitats known
to support Preble's include streams and ditches that provide a combination of persistent
moisture, lush herbaceous foliage, and a patchy to continuous canopy of riparian shrubs,
especially willows. None of those conditions is present onsite.
4.4.2 Said 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. Even if no longer
protected by the Endangered Species Act, the bald eagle would continue to be protected by the
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Bald eagles nest in mature trees, generally located near a reservoir or river for access to
hunting habitat (their preferred prey are fish and waterfowo. 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 not being mapped by
CDOW as bald eagle feeding habitat, the site lacks prairie dogs, supports few other prey
species, and is very close to existing human development, all of which contribute to make use
by this species unlikely.
4.4.3 Burrowing Owl (Athene 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 Boma 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 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.
Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 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
P:1Wildlife-Wetlands\Birdsall.5617\Boma PropertyXBoma Property Eco Report.doc 63
Ecological Site Characterization Report
Boma Property, Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado February 2 2006
such as the great horned owl, American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, and Swainson's hawk may find
an occasional meal onsite, the surrounding development reduces 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.
Small birds observed or likely to occur within the pastureland/grassland include the mourning
dove, eastern kingbird, western kingbird, Say's phoebe, western meadowlark, vesper sparrow,
and lark sparrow. Additional songbirds may nest in the onsite or nearby offsite trees and feed in
the grassy/weedy areas (see below).
Reptiles likely to occur include the bullsnake (gopher snake) and yellow -bellied racer, and
potentially the western (prairie) rattlesnake. No amphibians are expected to use the abandoned
pasture/degraded grassland areas.
4.2 Mature Trees
As described previously, the Boma site supports a few deciduous trees, including plains
cottonwood, crack willow, and Russian -olive. Although a minor habitat component, the trees
and shrubs attract several arboreal (tree -nesting) species that otherwise would be lacking from
the site. The cottonwood clump in the western part of the site contains two apparent black -
billed magpie nests (one was being actively used for nesting by magpies in April 2005), while
the clump of crack willows on the apparent old stock pond berm contains a sticknest that
appears to be that of a crow.
Among other tree -nesting species that could potentially use trees in the Boma property are a
number of birds commonly found in mature trees of rural/suburban developments. These
include the northern flicker, downy woodpecker, American crow, blue jay, black -capped
chickadee, house wren, American robin, warbling vireo, yellow warbler, Brewer's blackbird,
common grackle, 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 may include a variety
of warblers and vireos, and possibly 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 homed owl,
long-eared owl, red-tailed hawk, Swainson's hawk, Cooper's hawk, sharp -shinned hawk, and
American kestrel. However, the intensive residential development in the vicinity of the site, its
small size, and the relatively poor habitat quality reduce the potential for use by raptors, and
especially for nesting.
4.3 Aquatic and Wetland Habitats on the Boma Property
The Boma property does not contain aquatic habitat, other than the very limited amount of
seasonally persistent surface water in the cattail wetland at the northeastern comer and the
small floor of the rectangular dugout in the south-central area. Due to their small size,
seasonality, and isolation, neither area supports aquatic wildlife. However, either is capable of
supporting breeding by such common amphibians as the northern chorus frog and
Woodhouse's toad.
P:\Wildlife-WetiandslBirdsall.5617\Boma PropertylBoma Property Eco Report.doc
5
Ecological Site Characterization Report
Boma Property, Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado February 2, 2006
they are assumed to be non -jurisdictional under Section 404, although this would need to be
confirmed by USACE prior to regrading or filling.
The circular feature in the southeastern portion that appears to be an old stock pond also does
not support wetland vegetation. However, the narrowly rectangular dugout feature in the south-
central area does contain water for most of the year and supports a minor amount of wetland
vegetation, primarily three -square bulrush. Although the dugout feature marginally meets
USACE criteria for delineation as a wetland, it is very likely to be deemed non -jurisdictional by
USACE due its total isolation. Again, this would need to be confirmed by USACE prior to
regrading or filling.
3.4 Disturbed Areas
Four small areas of the site have previously been disturbed during installation and maintenance
of oil wells. An abandoned mobile home and old out -buildings comprise another disturbed area
in the northeastern part of the site. Vegetation in these areas is either sparse (bare soil) or
consisting of dense cover by weeds (especially cheatgrass, kochia, and Russian -thistle).
4 WILDLIFE
Use of an 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 Boma site
reflects this generalization, being dominated by species commonly associated with agricultural
or rural/suburban residential developments. As shown by Figure 1, mapped sensitive wildlife
use areas in the project vicinity are associated primarily with surrounding reservoirs, the riparian
corridors along Dry Creek and the Cache la Poudre River, and the nearby foothills. No mapped
areas of sensitive wildlife use are present onsite.
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 Boma site supports
a very limited amount of 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.
Native small mammals expected include the deer mouse, western harvest mouse, meadow
vole, long-tailed vole, and non-native house mouse. Typically, these species are present in
lower numbers in agricultural pastures and non-native grasslands than in native grasslands,
indicating that densities onsite are likely to be low.
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
and foxes, also reduces the potential use by raptors (birds of prey). While common species
P:Widrrfe-Wetlands�Birdsall.5617XBoma Property\Boma Property Eco Report.doc
4
Ecological Site Characterization Report
Boma Property, Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado February 2, 2006
the native component is relatively minor. Few native forbs were observable during the early
January vegetation inventory, and previous surveys also indicated a relative dearth of this
component —again, typical of degraded rangeland and abandoned pastureland. Recognizable
forbs in January included curlycup gumweed, western ragweed, and annual sunflower, as well
as rubber rabbitbrush, a native shrub that tends to persist under grazing and to colonize
abandoned pastures.
A small clump of mature plains cottonwoods occurs on high ground near the western edge of
the site. Additional deciduous species include two cottonwoods and a few non-native crack
willows near what appears to be a long -abandoned and dry stock pond, with additional crack
willows along the southern fence line. A small number of non-native Russian -olives occur next
to an excavated trench that may have been used for stock watering.
3.2.2 Weed Infestations
Non-native forbs included four state -listed noxious species—cheatgrass, field bindweed,
Canada thistle, and musk thistle —as well as other common weeds such as great mullein,
kochia, prickly lettuce, and Russian -thistle. Cheatgrass, a weedy non-native annual grass
common in degraded or disturbed ground, was prominent throughout. Aside from minor areas
of severely disturbed or barren ground, weeds are generally distributed throughout the
abandoned pasture/degraded grassland habitat rather than occurring as distinct infestations.
3.2.3 Threatened or Endangered Plant Species
Two federally listed threatened plant species —the Ute ladies' -tresses orchid (Spiranthes
diluviahs) and Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp. co/oradensis)--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 Boma site. Even the small wetland area in the
northeastern corner is unsuitable since it does not include wet meadow conditions and instead
transitions abruptly from dense cattail wetland to dry, degraded grassland. Additionally, neither
of the dry ditches in the northern portion of the site nor the apparent old stock pond and
associated dry ditch in the southeastern portion of the site is more moist than the surrounding
pasture and hence not suitable for the orchid or butterfly plant.
3.3 Wetlands and Drainages
A small stand of wetland plants —primarily cattails but with a small amount of bulrush and showy
milkweed —occurs in the northeast comer of the Boma property. This area is a segment of
otherwise dry roadside drainage ditch in which surface runoff is impeded. Although meeting
USACE criteria for delineation as a wetland, this small area is probably not "jurisdictional" under
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act due to its apparent isolation. Prior to any direct impacts to
this area, formal concurrence regarding lack of jurisdictionality should be obtained from USACE.
Two dry, grass -lined ditches aligned approximately west -east near the northern edge of the site,
the fainter remnants of a north -south ditch in the eastern portion of the site, and the bulk of the
roadside drainage ditch adjacent to Douglas Road (the northern border of the site) are clearly
not wetlands. Additionally, because the old irrigation ditches are obviously long abandoned,
P:\WiWI'rfe-Wetlands\Birdsall.561TBoma Property\Boma Property Eco Report.doc 3
Ecological Site Characterization Report
Boma Property, Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado February 2, 2006
3 ECOLOGICAL SETTING
3.1 Soils
According to the Soil Survey of Larimer County Area, Colorado (NRCS 1980), the following five
soil map units are present within the Boma property:
o Fort Collins loam, 1 to 9% slopes
o Heldt clay loam, 0 to 3% slopes
o Longmont clay, 0 to 3% slopes
o Satanta loam, 1 to 3% slopes
o Stoneham loam, 5 to 9%
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 Heldt clay loam, and
Satanta loam. One soil type, Longmont clay, has slow runoff, while the Stoneham loam has
rapid runoff. the NRCS rates the erosion hazard as slight to severe for Fort Collins loam, slight
to medium for Heldt clay loam, slight for Longmont clay, moderate for Satanta loam, and severe
for Stoneham loam. However, the Stoneham loam is scarcely present onsite, and no problem
erosion areas were observed during the field survey.
Topography of the site is nearly level to slightly undulating, with an overall gentle slope toward
the east. Current land use is vacant land, except for an oil well and minor dirt roadways that
provide access to oil facilities. The site was most likely used for livestock grazing in the recent
past. Adjacent or nearby land use is residential or agricultural. 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 Boma site, except for a small area of
wetland vegetation in the northeastern comer and small numbers of deciduous trees. In most of
the site, the non-native grasses are no longer grazed or mown and represent "semi -natural
grassland" conditions. Figure 2 shows site features. Except for the areas specifically labeled
on the aerial photographic base, the entire site consists of abandoned pastureland/degraded
grassland.
Dominant non-native grass species are smooth brome, crested wheatgrass, intermediate
wheatgrass, and tall wheatgrass. Dominance varies across the site. These four Eurasian
species are widely planted in pastures and former native grasslands degraded by prolonged
and heavy use by domestic livestock. Minor amounts of native grasses —chiefly slender
wheatgrass and western wheatgrass and with smaller amounts of Indian ricegrass and green
needlegrass—are scattered throughout the site. These may either be remnants of pre -
agricultural conditions or represent gradual recolonization following cessation of agriculture.
Forbs (broadleaf herbs) include both native and weedy non-native species. However, as is
typical in degraded grassland dominated by the two aggressive pasture grasses listed above,
P:\Wildlife-Watiands\Birdsall.56171Boma Property\Bome Property Eco Report.doc 2
Ecological Site Characterization Report
Boma Property, Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado February 2, 2006
imL It :T-91 billet 0611,111
This report presents the results of an evaluation of existing ecological conditions at the Boma
Property in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado. The evaluation was conducted on behalf of
Hillside Commercial Group, Inc., project applicants, and The Birdsall Group, project planners
The site includes approximately 80 acres of currently vacant land located west of Larimer
County Road 11 and south of Douglas Road. Existing residential developments lie both west
and south of the site. The Boma Property site is also planned for residential development. The
site comprises the NY2, NE%, Section 30, Township 8 North, Range 68 West, of the Sixth
Principal Meridian. Elevations range from approximately 5,065 along the eastern boundary to
5,125 along the western boundary.
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, review of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soils
mapping of Larimer County, 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.
Figure 1 shows the site location in relation to mapped areas of sensitive wildlife use. Figure 2 is
an aerial photograph of the site depicting site features. Photos 1 through 8 depict site
conditions.
2 METHODOLOGY
Surveys of the site conducted by WALSH include surveys by Allen B. Crockett, Ph.D., Senior
Ecologist, in April and September 2005 and late January 2006. An additional survey in early
January 2006 was conducted by Ms. Lauren Barringer, Staff Biologist with WALSH. The initial
survey in April 2005 was conducted to identify potential environmental constraints on planned
residential development of the property. The other surveys were conducted to characterize
existing ecological conditions and assess potential impacts in partial fulfillment of City of Fort
Collins land development regulations.
During the surveys, major vegetation communities and wildlife habitats present within the
property were documented, as were dominant vegetation associated with each
community/habitat type, unique habitat features, and observations of wildlife. Presence of
wetlands, as defined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), was also noted.
Photographs were also taken to document site conditions.
The assessment of wildlife occurrence and habitat use was based on direct observations;
diagnostic sign such as footprints, fecal pellets, nest structures, etc.; and the types of habitats
present. The NDIS database, which compiles information from the Colorado Division of Wildlife
(CDOW) and other sources, was also queried for crucial or high -value areas of wildlife use in
the project vicinity. This information is shown on Figure 1. 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.
P:\Wildlife-Wetlands\Birdsall.56171Boma PropertylBoma Property Eco Report.doc
Ecological Site Characterization Report
Boma Property, Fort Collins, Lanmer County, Colorado February Z 2006
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 Mature Trees.................................................................................................................5
4.3 Aquatic and Wetland Habitats on the Boma Property...................................................5
4.4 Threatened, Endangered, and Other Rare or Sensitive Wildlife...................................6
4.4.1 Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius prebler)..................................6
4.4.2 Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoosphalus).....................................................................6
4.4.3 Burrowing Owl (Athene cunnicularia)........................................................................6
4.4.4 Other Native Birds.....................................................................................................6
5 PROJECT IMPACTS AND RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES ...........................7
6 REFERENCES......................................................................................................................8
APPENDIX A
Figure 1 — Critical Wildlife Areas in Relation to Boma Site
Figure 2 — Labeled Aerial Photo of Boma Project Area
Photos 1 through 8
P:\Wildl'rfe-WatlamisOrdsall.5617\Boma Property\Boma Property Eco Report.doc
ECOLOGICAL SITE CHARACTERIZATION REPORT
BOMA PROPERTY
FORT COLLINS, LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO
Project Number 5617-010
Prepared for:
Jon Tuner
Hillside Commercial Group, Inc.
8020 South County Road 5, Suite 200
Windsor, Colorado 80528
Prepared by:
Walsh Environmental Scientists and Engineers, LLC
4888 Pearl East Circle
Boulder, Colorado 80301
303-443-3282
Allen B. Crockett, Ph.D., J.D.
Senior Ecologist
February 2, 2006