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Location of the Proposed Spring Canyon Park
Scale: 1 inch = 2,000 feet
1, Map Source: USGS 7 1/2' Quadrangles - Fort Collins & Horsetooth Reservoir, CO
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PRELIMINARY
ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION STUDY REPORT
FOR THE SPRING CANYON COMMUNITY PARK PROPERTY
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND LOCATION
This report provides an evaluation of wildlife habitat conditions in and within 500 feet of the proposed
Spring Canyon Community Park property in accordance with Section 3.4.1 of the Land Use Code of the
City of Fort Collins regarding the preparation of an Ecological Characterization Study Report for properties
proposed for development. The development proposal for the Spring Canyon Community Park property
includes the construction of ball fields, tennis courts, a skate park, multi -purpose athletic fields,
playgrounds, trails, dog park, picnic areas, maintenance facilities, and various other recreational features.
The parcel of land addressed by this report consists of approximately 87 acres of primarily agricultural land
bordered on the west by the Pineridge Natural Area and Cottonwood Glen Park with the remainder of the
property bordered by urban and rural residential developments. The property is located in the western
1/2 of Section 28 (T. 7 N., R. 69 W.), and the project area location is depicted on Figure 1.
This report summarizes the findings of the field evaluation, documents environmental conditions and
habitats on the property and provides preliminary mitigation recommendations to minimize impacts to
important habitats.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
Cedar Creek completed an initial habitat evaluation and field survey of the proposed park development
parcel on June 7, 2004. Follow-up reconnaissance surveys of the property were completed on August 2
and September 8, 2004 to further document wildlife use of the property, in particular raptors. The field
survey was conducted to characterize existing wildlife habitats, as well as identify any unique or sensitive
natural resource features. Prior to the initiation of the field survey, Natural Resources Conservation
Service (formerly SCS) 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.
Field surveys included walking transects through the project area so that the entire acreage included
within and adjacent to the project area boundaries was observed. Habitat unit boundaries were delineated
on a color aerial photograph of the project area. Habitat boundaries were based primarily upon the
dominant vegetation present and/or existing land uses. Observations recorded included: major
vegetation communities / wildlife habitats present within the property; dominant flora associated with each
community / habitat; unique habitat features; presence of wetlands, and observations of wildlife species
and/or definitive sign (nests, scat, tracks, burrows, etc.). Trees of suitable configuration to support raptor
stick nests were also checked for evidence raptor nesting activity. Photographs showing representative
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction and LocationPaae
...........................................................................................................1
2.0 Methodology.............................................................................................................................1
3.0 Habitat Conditions and Wildlife Use..............................................................................................3
3.1 Non-native Grassland/Alfalfa Hayfield......................................................................................5
3.2 Non-native and Non-native/Native Grassland..........................................................................5
3.3 Disturbed/Weedy Sites.........................................................................................................7
3.4 Spring Creek, Pleasant Valley and Lake Canal, and Upland Riparian Habitat ..............................8
3.5 Wetlands...........................................................................................................................11
3.6 Mixed Shrub.......................................................................................................................12
4.0 Ecological Study Characterization Checklist...............................................................................13
5.0 Preliminary Habitat Mitigation Recommendations........................................................................14
6.0 References Cited.....................................................................................................................16
PRELIMINARY
ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION STUDY REPORT
FOR THE SPRING CANYON COMMUNITY PARK PROPERTY
Prepared
by
Cedar Creek Associates, Inc.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Prepared
for
City of Fort Collins
Parks and Recreation Department
September 22, 2004
LbLEDAM° (CQIEfEzn
INC. t
916 Wlllshire Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521 • (970) 493.4394