HomeMy WebLinkAboutAIRPARK VILLAGE - ODP - 16-05A - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT■ BUFFERS
® EXISTING WETLANDS
AIRPARK VILLAGE DEVELOPABLE PROPERTY
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Attachment B
Buffer Details
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Photo S. View of Dry Creek in area of proposed diversion channel.
Photo 6. View of Dry Creek in area outside of proposed diversion channel.
Photo 1. View of wetland in northeast comer to south.
Photo 2. View of northeast wetland, spring flow at bottom.
Photo 3. View across grassland/pasture of site. Photo 4. View of isolated wetland northeast section of site.
Attachment A
Site Photographs
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1
Colorado Division of Wildlife. 1998. Significant Wildlife Habitat Maps, Larimer County.
Colorado Division of Wildlife. 2005. Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse Occupied Range,
Colorado [GIS data]. Denver, CO.
Colorado Division of Wildlife. 2006. Natural Diversity Information System Data Search.
Fertig, W. 2000. Status Review of the Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp.
coloradensis). Report prepared for the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department by the
Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, Laramie, WY.
Fitzgerald, J.P., C.A. Meaney, D.M. Armstrong. 1994. Mammals of Colorado. Denver
Museum of Natural History and University Press of Colorado. 467pp.
City of Fort Collins. 2007. City of Fort Collins Natural Habitats & Features Inventory
Map.
City of Fort Collins. 2006. City Code Section 3.4.1.
Hammerson, G.A. 1999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado. Colorado Division of
Wildlife. Denver, CO. 130pp.
O'Kane, S.L. 1988. Colorado's rare flora. Great Basin Naturalist 48(4):434-484.
Plage, P. 2007. Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lakewood, CO,
Personal Communication With E. Berg, Wildland Consultants, Inc. August 2007.
Spackman, S., B. Jennings, J. Coles, C. Dawson, M. Minton, A. Kratz, and C. Spumes.
1997. Colorado Rare Plant Field Guide. Colorado Natural Heritage Program.
System for Conservation Planning. 2002. Colorado Division of Wildlife and NDIS's
System for Conservation Planning (SCoP). http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edLI/esco/.
Wildland Consultants, Inc. 2007. Wetland Delineation Report, Airpark Village
Development, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Wildland Consultants, Inc. 2007b. Summary Report, Ute Ladies' Tresses Orchid and
Colorado Butterfly Plant Surveys, Airpark Village Development.
H
Assessment Report will been prepared for the project and to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service for approval/concurrence. The Habitat Assessment Report will conclude that no
' impacts to listed species would occur with project construction.
' 6.0 Conclusion, Proposed Mitigation
No developments of open lands are possible without impacts to the environment. Project
' construction would result in the conversion of approximately 124 acres of seeded
grassland/pasture to urban uses. Depending upon final setback/buffer zone widths from
the Creek channel, wildlife use of the Dry Creek corridor may diminish after project
' construction.
The developer proposes the following general mitigation measures for the project. These
twill be refined for later submittals:
' • Setback/buffer zones are proposed to protect Dry Creek, the new Dry Creek
Channel, the new diversion channel, and remaining wetlands.
• A detailed Enhancement/Mitigation Plan will be prepared for the project.
' Proposed enhancements will include: planting of riparian trees and shrubs within
the Dry Creek buffer, diversion channel buffer, and margins of detention and
water quality ponds; seeding native grassland species in disturbed buffer areas;
' creating new wetland areas to mitigate for the small wetland loss associated with
construction; fencing; signage to protect natural areas; restrictions on use of
natural areas; and lighting guidelines on lots adjacent to natural areas. All direct
' wetland impacts will be mitigated on site, adjacent to one of the existing wetland
areas in the northeast corner of the site.
• All proposed enhancements will be coordinated with the City of Fort Collins
' proposed mitigation for the diversion channel construction. For example,
proposed Airpark Village enhancements along Dry Creek will be planned to
benefit proposed City of Fort Collins mitigation of the Creek.
• Lighting, building locations, final detention areas/locations and other features will
be planned to minimize impacts to Dry Creek and natural areas.
' 7.0 References
Andrews, R. and R. Righter. 1992. Colorado Birds. Museum of Natural History, Denver,
' CO. 442pp.
Armstrong, D.M., M.E. Bakeman, N.W. Clippinger, A Deans, M. Marguiles, C.A.
' Meaney, C. Miller, M. O'Shea -Stone, T.R_ Ryon, and M. Sanders. 1987. Report on
Habitat Findings of the Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse. Presented to the U. S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, and Colorado Division of Wildlife.
' Colorado Division of Wildlife. 1990. Colorado Mammal Distribution, Latilong Study.
Denver, CO.
' channel and any wetlands that may develop within the channel will depend on final
design of the channel.
' The proposed buffer for the remaining 2 wetland in the north-east corner of the site (those
remaining after construction of the diversion channel) varies from approximately 50 to
' over 100 feet (Sheet 5).
Wildlife -
The section of Dry Creek that runs along the northern site boundary provides the highest
' quality wildlife habitat on the site. This area supports large trees, shrub thickets and
wetlands. Where Dry Creek turns south into the center of the site the habitat values
decline due to heavy grazing. The proposed City diversion channel will result in major
' impacts to the existing Dry Creek channel that is part of the Dry Creek Improvement
Project. However, the Corps of Engineers will require that the City restore the Dry Creek
channel to preconstruction conditions. It should be assumed that after mitigation is
' completed the restored channel will provide similar wildlife functions to the current
channel.
' The proposed setback/buffers will help preserve the wildlife movement corridor and
wildlife habitat along Dry Creek. The north buffers (Attachment A, Sheet]) are
extensive and should help protect wildlife use of the Dry Creek corridor. The proposed
' south buffer is narrow (20 feet) and may be less than 100-feet from the new edge of the
Dry Creek channel (the actual stream channel within the diversion channel). In addition,
a maintenance road/trail is proposed as part of the 20-foot buffer. Depending on the
' actual location of the new creek channel, the narrow buffer and additional human use
along the trail may result in reduced use of Dry Creek by species that are sensitive to
human presence (raptors, waterfowl, water birds, deer, predators). Because of the
' existing extensive human use and development surrounding the river corridor project
construction should not significantly impact any species currently using the area.
' The proposed setback/buffers to the 2 remaining wetlands in the northeastern section of
the site (Sheet 4, Tract 19) will help protect wildlife use of these sites and other wetland
functions_
' Rare Species -
Past negative trapping along the Cache la Poudre River and adjacent tributaries in Fort
Collins indicates that the Preble's meadow jumping mouse is not present within the City.
Therefore, trapping for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse is not recommended for the
site. Impacts are not expected to occur to the Preble's meadow jumping mouse with
project construction. No impacts to bald eagles area anticipated with project
construction.
No impacts to the Ute ladies' tresses orchid and Colorado butterfly plant would occur.
Neither species was located on the site during summer 2007 surveys. A Habitat
4.0 Views
The area surrounding the site is already heavily developed with commercial properties
bordering the south and northeast sides of the development. The proposed development
will be visible from Vine, Mulberry, and Timberline Roads. Views towards the
mountains and Dry Creek (west and northwest) from Mulberry and Timberline Roads,
will altered by project construction.
5.0 Project Impacts
No impacts of open lands are possible without impacts to the environment. Project
construction would result in the conversion of approximately 124 acres of seeded
grassland/pasture land to urban uses. Approximately 27 acres would remain as open
space/natural areas.
Wetlands and Riparian Zones -
The goal of project planning was to identify and protect wetland areas on the site.
Attachment B Sheet 5, shows wetland areas in relation to the proposed development.
Direct wetland impacts associated with project construction would occur in 2 small areas.
Approximately 251 square feet of the wetland associated with Dry Creek would be lost
due to construction of the proposed main boulevard. This is the area of Dry Creek where
is goes underground in the existing culvert_ Approximately 2,795 square feet of a
wetland associated with Dry Creek (Tract 14) are currently proposed for grading.
However, this area is likely to be heavily disturbed by the proposed City diversion
channel. All other wetland areas are protected as proposed open space.
The proposed City Dry Creek diversion channel will result in major impacts to the
existing Dry Creek Channel, and isolated wetlands that are located within the diversion
channel. These impacts are not being considered in this report.
Proposed buffer zones to protect wetland and riparian zones are detailed in Attachment B,
buffer zone figures. The width of the proposed buffer zones varies from those
recommended in the City Land Use Code. For the north side of Dry Creek the proposed
buffer zone (Sheet 1) generally exceeds that recommended by the City (100 feet). The
actual buffer zone from the edge of Dry Creek will depend on the final creek alignment
within the diversion channel. South of Dry Creek (adjacent to Tracts 10,11,14; Sheet 2)
the proposed buffer zone from the top of bank of the new drainage channel is 20 feet and
includes a road/trail. The actual buffer from the edge of Dry Creek will vary according to
the new Creek alignment within the diversion channel. For other sections of Dry Creek
(Sheet 3) the proposed buffer varies from over 100 feet to 50 feet.
The proposed buffer from the new diversion channel is 20 feet from top of bank, this 20-
feet also includes a maintenance road/trail (Sheet 4). The actual buffer from the flowing
5
to passerine bird species. Passerine birds observed nesting along Dry Creek included:
magpie, mourning dove, Bullock's oriole, yellow warble, common flicker, black -capped
chickadee, and American robin. Water birds and waterfowl observed nesting along Dry
Creek included common snipe, wood duck, mallard, and blue -winged teal. Great blue
herons were observed foraging on Dry Creek and the large wetland in the northeast
corner of the site. There are no nesting herons present_ Except for American kestrels
nesting in a cavity of a large cottonwood tree, there are no known raptor nests on the
development site or the adjacent riparian zone. No raptor nests were observed during
other field studies. Raptors have been observed foraging, and roosting on the site.
Dry Creek and the adjacent riparian zone provide highest quality wildlife habitat on the
site.
3.2 Wildlife Corridors
Dry Creek provides a wildlife movement corridor along the northwestern section of the
development site that. This section of Dry Creek connects upstream with Dry Creek and
area irrigation canals. The corridor has been impacted by existing development. The
value of Dry Creek as a wildlife movement corridor to the south is reduced by the
existing section of creek that is underground in a culvert and by the poor habitat present
along the Creek in the adjacent industrial park (south of the development site). However,
Dry Creek does provides a high quality urban wildlife movement corridor on the site until
it goes underground in the existing culvert.
3.3 Rare Wildlife Species
Dry Creek provides potential habitat to the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus
hudsonius preblei). Preferred habitat for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse includes
thick shrubby riparian habitat along area streams and rivers (Armstrong et al. 1997). The
nearest occupied habitat for the Preble's mouse is along the Cache la Poudre River
upstream of LaPorte. This area is approximately 10 miles northwest of the proposed
project area. Numerous trapping efforts have resulted in no Preble's captures in better
habitat along the Cache la Poudre River, adjacent tributaries and canals (including Dry
Creek) downstream of LaPorte (Plage 2007). Because of past negative trapping efforts
along the Cache la Poudre River in Fort Collins and in adjacent areas there is little
likelihood that the rare mouse is present along Dry Creek in the project area.
' Bald eagles may be present of the site during the winter periods_ The area is mapped as
part of overall bald eagle winter range (Colorado Division of Wildlife 2007). Bald eagle
winter concentration areas are mapped along the Cache la Poudre River approximately 4
miles downstream from the project. Bald eagles can be expected to forage along Dry
Creek periodically during the winter period. There are no nests or bald eagle winter roost
sites on or near the proposed development.
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t2.1 Rare Plant Species
' The riparian habitat along Dry Creek and the other wetlands within and near the flood
plain of Dry Creek provide potential habitat for the Ute ladies' tresses orchid (Spiranthes
diluvialis) and Colorado butterfly plant (Guerra neomexicana). The orchid has been
documented in areas with seasonally wet soils and wet meadows near springs, lakes, or
perennial streams and their associated flood plains below 6,500 feet above sea level in the
South Platte River Drainage (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1992). The Colorado
' butterfly plant typically grows on sub -irrigated alluvial soils in floodplains and drainage
bottoms and in depressions along slow -moving streams (Fertig 2000, O'Kane 1988a).
' A survey for both species was completed during the summer of 2007 (Wildland
Consultants, Inc. 2007b). The survey was completed according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service guidelines. The survey area included Dry Creek, and all wetlands on the site. No
' Ute ladies' tresses orchids or Colorado butterfly plants were located within the project
area. Project construction and operation will not impact either listed plant species.
' A small population of showy prairie gentian (Eustoma grandiflora) was observed in the
largest isolated wetland in the northeastern corner of the site. This species is not state or
federally listed but is considered a rare plant in Colorado wetlands (CSU Herbarium
' 2007).
3.O Wildlife Description
3.1 Species and Habitat
The project area provides habitat to wildlife species adapted to pasturelgrasslands, and
wetland -riparian habitats. Wildlife species likely to use the area periodically include: red
tfox, coyote, raccoon, striped skunk; mule deer, a variety of small mammals (deer mouse,
meadow vole, house mouse, prairie dog, cottontail rabbit); a variety of birds (meadow
' lark, mourning dove, American robin, Bullock's oriole, common grackle, common
flicker, yellow warbler, house finch, English sparrow, horned lark, black -billed magpie,
starling, American kestrel, great horned owl, great blue heron, mallard, and many others);
' a few reptiles (western terrestrial garter snake, gopher snake) and amphibians (leopard
frog, tiger salamander, plains spadefoot toad) (Andrews and Righter 1994, Colorado
Division of Wildlife 2007, Fitzgerald et al. 1998, Hammerson 1999). The site is mapped
as bald eagle winter range, mule deer and white-tailed deer overall range, ring-necked
pheasant overall range (Colorado Division of Wildlife 2007)
' Wildlife species or signs of species observed on the site during spring and summer 2007
field reconnaissance's included: English sparrow, Bullock's oriole, yellow warbler,
common flicker, black -capped chickadee, starling, magpie, mourning dove, mallard,
wood duck, common snipe, great blue heron, American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, great -
horned owl, deer mouse, meadow vole, raccoon, striped skunk, cottontail rabbit, mule
deer, red fox, coyote, muskrat, gopher snake, and leopard frog. The riparian habitat
' along Dry Creek (especially large trees and shrubby areas) provides quality nesting areas
' 3
area proposed for development. Dominant plants include smooth brome grass (Bromus
inermis), crested wheatgrass (Agropryon cristatum), weedy species like kochia (Kochia
scoparia), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serulia), sunflower (Helianthus anmrus), Canada
thistle (Cirsium arvensis), rabbitbrush (Chrysothammrs nauseosus) and other species.
Site photos are included in Attachment A-
A formal wetland delineation was completed on the site during the spring of 2007
(Wildland Consultants, Inc. 2007). Attachment B Sheet 5, shows wetland areas that were
delineated on the site. Wetlands that were delineated on the site include: Dry Creek
(channel and adjacent palustrine wetlands), and five isolated wetlands along the
north/northeast site boundary.
Dry Creek runs through the northwestern section of the site and then go into an existing
culvert (under the existing runway) and exits into the Dry Creek channel in the industrial
park south of the development area. On the site where the natural channel exists, Dry
Creek supports riparian and wetland vegetation. Dominant plants include plains and
narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus deltoide&imgushfolia), coyote willow (Salk exigua),
peach -leaf willow (Salix amygdaloides), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia).
Herbaceous species in this area include included smooth brome, bentgrass (Agrostis sp.),
reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), sedges (Carex spp.), cattail (Typha latifolia)
and other grasses and forts.
Five isolated wetlands are present in the northeastern section of the site. These wetlands
do not have direct connections to downstream wetlands or waters. These wetlands appear
to be supported by high ground water, and runoff from wetlands and storm water from
-the north. Dominant plants in these palustrine wetlands include: American threesquare
(Scirpus americamms), Baltic rush (Juncus halticus), Nebraska sedge (Carex
nehraskensis), foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), and other
species. The largest wetland area is associated with an old stock pond. This area is
surrounded by scattered thickets of Russian olive, with a few peach leaf willows and
plains cottonwoods. The downstream end of the wetland supports a spring like area with
flowing water. The water flows underground at the south end of the wetland boundary.
Noxious weeds present on the site include Canada thistle, Russian thistle, and leafy
spurge. Canada and Russian thistle are located sporadically within the grazed areas on
the site. Canada thistle is also present along Dry Creek. Leafy spurge is present along
the banks of Dry Creek_ Thickets of Russian olive are present along Dry Creek.
Adjacent wetlands within 500-feet of the project area occur along Dry Creek to the
northwest and south of the development site. Additional offsite wetlands occur to the
north of the site in manmade drainage/stormwater ditches and in a large natural s No
attempt was made to delineate offsite wetlands or vegetation types.
2
-Preliminary Ecological Characterization Study— Airpark Village Development
' 1.0 Introduction
' The Airpark Village development is located in eastern Fort Collins, Colorado on the site
of the Fort Collins Airpark. Dry Creek runs along the northwestern site boundary and
through the center of the site.
The proposed commercial and residential development is located on a total of
approximately 152 acres. Nineteen development tracts are proposed for the site.
' Approximately 27 acres are proposed for open space including a buffer/setback to Dry
Creek, Dry Creek, the new Dry Creek Diversion Channel, and the wetland areas
(including buffer) in the northeastern corner of the site. Extensive commercial
' development adjoins the southern and northeastern site boundaries. Existing runways
and other airport infrastructure is present on the site.
' A number of water quality ponds are proposed along Dry Creek and the new diversion
channel. In addition, detention areas would be constructed to meet City and State
requirements. The detention areas are still in the design phase. However, all detention
' areas would serve as open space natural areas. They would be seeded with a native
dryland grass seed mix_
' The City of Fort Collins is proposing construction of a storm water diversion channel
across the site as part of the Dry Creek Improvement Project. This diversion channel will
' result in major impacts to Dry Creek and other wetlands on the site. A portion of the
existing Dry Creek Channel will be reconstructed to allow for flood flows. A new
diversion channel will be built to connect to Dry Creek along the north -central site
' boundary. The new channel will continue across the development and connect to an
existing channel just west of Timberline. Several of the isolated wetlands in the
northeastern comer of the site will be removed by channel construction. An
' access/maintenance road would be constructed along the south side of the diversion
channel and reconstructed Dry Creek channel.
' The Fort Collins City Code recommends that an Ecological Characterization Study be
completed for projects that are within 500 feet of any natural habitat or feature mapped
on the Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map. The Ecological Characterization
' study is also recommended if the site includes areas of unique plant life or wildlife
habitat (City of Fort Collins, 2000, 2006). Dry Creek, wetlands and wet meadows on the
site are mapped as natural features on the Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map.
' 2.0 Vegetation and Wetland Description
' Vegetation on the site is dominated by seeded grassland/pasture. The areas surrounding
the runways have been seeded with grasses in the past and have been used for grazing.
Portions of the site have been heavily grazed. The seeded grassland/pasture occurs on the
1
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction............................................................................. 1
2.0 Vegetation and Wetlands............................................................. 2
2.1 Rare Plant Species..................................................................... 3
3.0 Wildlife Description................................................................... 3
3.1 Species and Habitats................................................................... 3
3.2 Wildlife Corridors...................................................................... 4
3.3 Rare Wildlife Species.................................................................. 4
4.0 Views.........................................................:............ 5
5.0 Project Impacts ......................................................................... 5
6.0 Conclusions, Proposed Mitigation.................................................... 7
7.0 References................................................................................ 7
Attachment A - Site Photographs
Attachment B- Buffer Details
Preliminary Ecological Characterization Study
Airpark Village Development
Prepared for:
Airpark Village LLC.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Prepared by:
Wildland Consultants, Inc.
1001 Jefferson Drive
Berthoud, Colorado 80513
September 2007