HomeMy WebLinkAboutINTERSTATE LAND - MODIFICATION OF STANDARD - 49-02 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTAFFILIATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES
' Certified Wildlife Biologists, The Wildlife Society
Certified Professional Wetland Scientists, Society of Wetland Scientists
Approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to complete surveys for Ute ladies tresses orchid, Preble's
meadow jumping mouse, black -footed ferret, desert tortoise, and Mexican spotted owl
' Licensed by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to complete trapping for
Preble's meadow jumping mouse
Approved by the Corps of Engineers to complete wetland delineations and permitting
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Attachment B
Wildland Consultants, Inc.
' Qualifications
' Wildland Consultants, Inc. (WCI) was established in 1993 to provide high quality environmental and
ecological consulting services to private industry, cities, counties, and government agencies. We specialize
in helping clients to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species
Act, the Clean Water Act (Section 404 wetlands regulations), city and county zoning and land use
t regulations, and other federal, state, and local environmental regulations. WCI has completed work
throughout the western states. We specialize in working with land use planning, real estate development,
oil and gas, mining and other large development projects.
' PROFESIONAL CAPABILITIES
Wildland Consultants, Inc. offers the following services:
' • Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments
• Wetland delineations, wetland mitigation planning, 404 Permitting with the Army Corps of Engineers
• Endangered Species Act compliance including rare species inventories, Section 7 Consultation with
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and preparation of Biological Assessments
• Mitigation Planning
• Baseline ecological studies (terrestrial and aquatic)
' • Project Management
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECT EXPERIENCE
' Development Proiects Colorado Front Ranee- Preble's meadow jumping mouse tEWmg, Ute
Ladies tresses surveys. Project management and principal investigators for completing Preble's
' meadow jumping mouse and Ute ladies' tresses orchid surveys for over 60 development, pipeline,
and related projects along the Colorado Front Range. Coordinated survey requirements and
results with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Army Corps of Engineers. Clients included:
' Public Service Company of Colorado, Diamond Shamrock City of Greeley, City of Loveland,
Everitt Companies, McLeod USA, EDAW, Landmark Engineering Ltd., and Western Properly
Advisors, Inc.
' Development Projects Colorado Front Range- Environmental Assessments, Wildlife Impact
Evaluations. Enhancement and Mitigation Plans. Wetland Delineation's Wetland Mitigation
Plans. Project management and principal investigators for environmental studies for over 100
development projects along the Colorado Front Range. Clients included: Larimer County, the
City of Loveland, City of Berthoud, City of Greeley, City of Fort Collins, Everitt Companies,
Western Property Advisors, Landmark Engineering Ltd., Loveland Commercial LLC,
Cumberland Compares LLC, EDAW, Balloffet and Associates Inc, and many others.
Threatened and Endangered Species Surveys, and Section 7 Consultation- Completed rare
species surveys, raptor surveys, preparation of Biological Assessments, and consultation with
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for over 50 large oil and gas projects, mining projects, and
utility projects in the western states. Clients included: Diamond Shamrock, Chevron, Northern
Colorado Water Conservancy District, Public Service Company of Colorado, AT&T, Conoco,
Exxon, McLeod USA, City of Broomfield, City of Loveland, City of Greeley, and many others.
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Photo 5. View to northwest of Lake Canal.
Photo 6. View to northwest of Poudre Reservoir Inlet Canal
Photo 1. View of remnant of Cooper Slough to north.
Photo 3. View of Boxelder Creek to southwest.
Photo 2. View of remnant of Cooper Slough to south.
Photo 4. View to south across the site.
Attachment A
Site Photographs
' 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.edu/escoo/.
' Wildland Consultants, Inc. 2001. Summary Report, Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse
Surveys, Interstate Land Development
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Reservoir Inlet Canal. Buffer zones of a minimum of 50-feet (averaging 100-feet) are
proposed for the remnant of Cooper Slough These buffer zones will help preserve
wildlife movement corridors, wetlands, and wildlife habitat on the site.
• All buffer zones will be separated from the development by a split rail cedar fence
with inside wire mesh. This fence will separate the buffer zone from the development
and trails. Trails will be located along the outside edge of the buffer zones.
• The scattered Russian olive trees present along the margins of the Boxelder Creek
will be removed.
• Disturbed areas within the open space will be seeded with a native grass/forb seed
mix. Open space areas that support desirable vegetation will be left undisturbed.
Buffer zones areas will be fenced with orange construction fencing during
construction to prevent disturbance of natural vegetation.
• Surveys for the burrowing owl will be completed prior to any control efforts or
construction in the prairie dog colony if such activities are proposed during the owl's
activity period (March 1- October 15).
• Proposed detention areas will be landscaped and seeded according to the landscape
plan.
• The proposed bridge crossing of Boxelder Creek will be permitted with the Army
Corps of Engineers. Mitigation for the wetland impact will be completed according
to Army Corps of Engineers requirements.
• Surveys of the wetland and riparian habitat will be completed for the Ute ladies'
tresses orchid and Colorado butterfly weed prior to construction.
7.0 References
Andrews, R. and R. Righter. 1992. Colorado Birds. Museum of Natural History, Denver,
CO. 442pp.
Colorado Division of Wildlife. 1990. Colorado Mammal Distribution, Latilong Study.
Denver, CO.
Colorado Division of Wildlife. 1998. Significant Wildlife Habitat Maps, Larimer County.
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. 2000a. City of Fort Collins Natural Habitats & Features Inventory
Map.
City of Fort Collins. 2000b. City Code Section 3.4.1.
Hammerson, G.A. 1999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado. Colorado Division of
Wildlife. Denver, CO. 130pp.
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Boxelder Creek. This impact would be less than 0.5 acres. The exact impact area has not
been determined at this time.
'
All of the existing natural areas on the site would be preserved as open space. A total of
approximately 77.8 acres of open space would be protected. Buffer zones of a minimum
'
of 50 (averaging 100 feet) are proposed for the wetlands along the remnant to Cooper
Slough. Buffer zones of 125-600 feet are proposed from the development and the
centerline of Boxelder Creek. Buffer zones of 50 to over 150 feet are proposed for the
Poudre Reservoir Inlet Canal. These buffer zones will help preserve wildlife movement
'
corridors, wetlands, and wildlife habitat on the site. Because of the open space
preservation and proposed buffer zones most wildlife species currently using the site
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would be expected to be present after construction.
There are currently no city, county, state, or federal regulations prohibiting removal of
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prairie dogs from private lands. The black -tailed prairie dog colony may be removed
from the site. This would be completed by trapping and relocation, or poisoning by a
state licensed contractor.
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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 97 acres of farmland to
urban uses. Wildlife species sensitive to human presence may use the area with less
t
frequency. The small prairie dog colony may be removed. Open space areas (77.8 acres
or approximately 44% of the site) will include canals and the area between the canals and
the remnant of Cooper Slough, Boxelder Creek and adjacent buffer zones. These natural
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areas will continue to be used by a variety of wildlife species.
The remnant of Cooper Slough on the site does not provide the high quality wildlife
'
habitat associated with Cooper Slough to the north of Highway 14. A 300-foot buffer
zone in not needed or justified to protect use by waterfowl and waterbirds. No flowing
water is present along the remnant of Cooper Slough on the site. The remnant to Cooper
'
Slough does not provide important waterfowl or waterbird habitat. The proposed 50-100-
foot buffer zone should comply with City of Fort Collins buffer zone standards for
wetlands without significant use by waterfowl or waterbirds. The proposed buffer zones
'
for Boxelder Creek and the Poudre Reservoir Inlet canal meet or exceed City of Fort
Collins buffer zone recommendations.
'
The developer proposes the following general mitigation measures:
• Except for the road crossing of Boxelder Creek, no direct impacts will occur to
'
wetlands or ditch side vegetation. The bridge across Boxelder Creek will be designed
to protect wildlife movement through the site. Design guidelines will be developed
prior to project construction.
'
• Buffer zones of 125-600 feet are proposed from the development and the centerline of
Boxelder Creek. Buffer zones of a of 50 to over 150 feet are proposed for the Poudre
1 Slough. The most important corridor on the site is Boxelder Creek because of its length
and connection to the Cache la Poudre River. The two canals provide movement
' corridors for wildlife through an urban environment.
The remnant to Cooper Slough does not connect with Cooper Slough to the north. The
' remnant of Cooper Slough does not continue south past Prospect Road. The remnant to
Cooper Slough provides a corridor for wildlife movement along the western site
boundary but not off of the project area.
' 3.3 Rare Wildlife Species
' Boxelder Creek provides potential habitat to the federally threatened Preble's meadow
jumping mouse (Znpus hudsonius preblei). The site is not listed as a mouse protection or
potential mouse protection area by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S. Fish and
' Wildlife Service 1999). However, the site is considered to be suitable habitat to the rare
mouse (System for Conservation Planning 2002). Trapping surveys for the Preble's
meadow jumping mouse were completed on the site during the summer of 2001. Surveys
' were complete according the guidelines from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS). No Preble's meadow jumping mice were captured on the site (Wildland
Consultants, Inc. 2001). The USFWS approved the survey effort and determined that
' impacts to the rare mouse were not expected from project construction.
The remnant of Cooper Slough and the canals do not support the riparian vegetation
' preferred by the rare mouse (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1999).
' A small (less than 0.5 acres) an active black -tailed prairie dog colony is present in the
proposed open space area between the two canals. The colony is located in the northeast
section of the site. The black -tailed prairie dog is a candidate for listing as a threatened or
endangered species.
4.0 Views
The area surrounding the site to the north, west is already heavily developed with
commercial and residential properties.. Existing development already exists adjacent to
east site boundary along the Frontage Road. The view to the west towards the mountains
is already interrupted by existing development
The buffer zone and open space proposed along Boxelder Creek, the remnant to Cooper
Slough, and the canals will help preserve views across the site.
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 97 acres of farmland to
urban uses. The only proposed wetland impact is associated with a road crossing of
rd
The wetland and riparian habitat along Boxelder Creek is mapped as a rare vegetation
type in Larimer County (System for Conservation Planning 2002).
3.0 Wildlife Description
3.1 Species and Habitat
The project area provides habitat to wildlife species adapted to agricultural lands, canals,
and wetland -riparian habitats. Wildlife species likely to use the area periodically include:
red fox, 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 homed owl, great blue heron, mallard, and
others); a few reptiles (western terrestrial garter snake, gopher snake) and amphibians
(leopard frog, tiger salamander, plains spadefoot toad) (Andrews and Righter 1992,
Colorado Division of Wildlife 1990, Fitzgerald et al. 1994, Hammerson 1999).
Wildlife species or signs of species observed on the site during 2001-2002 field
reconnaissance's included: English sparrow, meadow lark, house sparrow, tree sparrow,
mourning dove, crow, Canada goose, snipe, mallard, great blue heron, American kestrel,
red-tailed hawk, deer mouse, meadow vole, raccoon, striped skunk, cottontail rabbit,
mule deer, red fox, coyote, muskrat, prairie dog, tiger salamander, spadefoot toad, and
gopher snake. The most common nesting bird species on the site are likely to be the
meadow lark, American robin, and mourning dove. Raptors use the area for foraging and
roosting. There are no known raptor nests in the development site.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife has mapped Boxelder Creek as High Priority Habitat
(Class 4 and 5) for reptiles, and birds (Class 4) (System for Conservation Planning 2002)
No other Class 4 or 5 High Priority Habitat is mapped for the site. The highest quality
wildlife habitat on the site is associated with Boxelder Creek. Flowing water, wetland
vegetation, and upland vegetation provide a diversity of habitats that attract a variety of
wildlife species.
The Boxelder Creek, Lake Canal and Poudre Reservoir Inlet Canal provide resting and
foraging habitat to waterfowl and waterbirds. Wintering waterfowl use these areas
(depending on water flows) when other water sources are frozen.
The remnant to Cooper Slough on the site does not provide the quality wildlife habitat
associated with Cooper Slough north of Highway 14. On the site the remnant of Cooper
Slough does not provide high quality waterfowl or waterbird habitat. Flowing water is
not present within this area.
3.2 Wildlife Corridors
Currently wildlife can move through the area freely. Obvious wildlife movement
corridors on the site include Boxelder Creek, the Canals, and the remnant of Cooper
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Land Development Site (Figure 2). Water flow from Cooper Slough goes into the Lake
Canal, and the Poudre Reservoir Inlet Canal prior to entering the development site.
Historically (prior to construction of irrigation canals and irrigated agriculture) Cooper
Slough may have flowed through the site to the Cache la Poudre River. On the
development site the remnant of Cooper Slough exists as an indefinite drainage swale
dominated by upland plants. Small isolated wetlands are present within the swale. There
is no flowing water present in the remnant of Cooper Slough. Attachment A,
Photographs I and 2 show details of the remnant of Cooper Slough on the site.
The only other wetland area on the development site is associated with Boxelder Creek
(Attachment A, Photo 3). A wetland delineation has not been completed along Boxelder
Creek. However, a continuous jurisdictional wetland is present along the Creek through
the development site. Dominant plants within this wetland/riparian habitat include reed
canarygrass (Phalaris arundinaceae), foxtail barley, prairie cordgrass (Spartina
pectinata), American threesquare, watercress (Rorippa nasturtium), and other species. A
few scattered Russian olive trees (Elaeagnus angustifolia) are present along Boxelder
Creek. Boxelder Creek is a perennial tributary to the Cache la Poudre River. Aquatic
vegetation is common within the Creek. The flowing stream channel averages 10-15 feet
across on the development site.
Typical ditchside vegetation is present along the banks of the Lake Canal, and the Poudre
Reservoir Inlet Canal (Attachment A, Photo 5 and 6). Dominant species include reed
canarygrass, prairie cordgrass, curly dock, smooth brome, sunflower, showy milkweed
(Asclepius speciosus), prickly lettuce, Canada thistle, and other species. The Poudre
Reservoir inlet also supports aquatic vegetation including duckweed (Lemna minor).
An area of weedy vegetation exists along the eastern portion of the proposed open space
area between the two canals. Common species in this area include prickly lettuce,
sunflower, kochia, showy milkweed, and other species.
Noxious weeds present on the site include Canada thistle, and leafy spurge (Euphorbia
esula). These species are located along the canals, and in other upland non -irrigated
zones. The level of noxious weed infestation is relatively low compared to many Front
Range sites.
2.1 Rare Plant Species
Boxelder Creek and the remnant to Cooper Slough provide potential habitat to the
federally listed Ute ladies' tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis). Surveys for this species
have not been completed on the site. The only other rare plant species with potential
habitat on the site in the Colorado butterfly weed (Gaura neomexicana) (Spackman et al.
1997). This plant is ranked as imperiled in the state of Colorado by the Colorado Natural
Heritage Program. Surveys for the Colorado butterfly weed have not been completed on
the site. There are no known rare plant occurrences on the site ( System for Conservation
Planning 2002).
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,17F
Ecological Characterization Study — Interstate Land Development
1.0 Introduction
The proposed Interstate Land Development is located in eastern Fort Collins just
northwest of the Intersection of Prospect Road and Interstate 25. The site is bordered on
the south by Prospect Road, on the north by the Lake Canal and the Crossroads East
Business Center, on the west by the Boxelder Estates development, and on the east by
Interstate 25 Frontage Road (See the Attached Site Plan). The total development area is
approximately 175 acres. Proposed used include commercial and residential. Natural
area open space proposed for the site is approximately 77.8 acres or 44% of the site.
Natural area open space includes the remnant of Cooper Slough (western site boundary),
Boxelder Creek and floodplain, and the area between the Poudre Reservoir Inlet Canal
and Lake Canal (see Site Plan). Additional open space will include detention ponds and
landscaped areas.
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, 2000a b). Boxelder Creek and the remnant of Cooper
Slough are mapped as natural features on the Natural Habitats and Features Inventory
Map.
2.0 Vegetation and Wetland Description
The dominant vegetation type and land use on the site is agriculture (Attachment A,
Photo 4). The site is used to grow corn, and alfalfa. The attached aerial photo (Figure 1)
shows the agricultural areas on the site.
A wetland delineation was completed along the remnant of Cooper Slough on the site.
Four small isolated wetlands were located in this area (see Site Plan). Dominant plants
present in these wetlands include foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), cattail (Typha
latifolia), American threesquare (Scirpus americanus), hard stem bulrush (Scirpus
validus), curly dock (Rumex crispus), and a few other species. Indicators of hydric soils
found in these isolated wetland included low chroma colors and mottling. Indicators of
wetland hydrology included saturated soils, oxidized root channels, and standing water.
These wetlands are isolated wetlands that do not connect to other wetlands or waters of
the United States. Flowing water or a stream channel is not present in the remnant of
Cooper Slough. Upland areas dominate the remnant of Cooper Slough. Common plants
in the upland areas include introduced pasture grass (Bromus inermis) and weeds kochia
(Kochia scoparia), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serulia), sunflower (Helianthus annuus),
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvensis), and other species. The water flow from the warm
water Cooper Slough (north of Highway 14) does not access the site (Figure 2). The U.S.
G. S. Quad map for the area does not show Cooper Slough flowing through the Interstate
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction .... - --- ............. — ....... ........................... .............. I
2.0 Vegetation and Wetlands ......... ......... -- ............... -- 1
2.1 Rare Plant Species .................... ..................................... 2
3.0 Wildlife Description ............ ........................ ............................ . 3
3.1 Species and Habitats ................... 1. . ..... I ........................ ............ 3
3.2 Wildlife Corridors ...... ............. ........... ............... ....... 3
3.3 Rare Wildlife Species .................. ............... _— ....... ......... ..... 4
4.0 Views ...... ---- --------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
5.0 Project Impacts ......... I ........ I .................................. ............... 4
6.0 Conclusions, Proposed Mitigation.................................................... 5
70 References .... ......................................... ............... ........... � 6
Attachment A - Site Photographs
Attachment B - Wildland Consultants, Inc. Qualifications
Ecological Characterization Study
Interstate Land Development
Prepared for.
Western Property Advisors
11859 Pecos Street, Suite 300
Westminster, Colorado 80234
And,
CityScape Urban Design
3555 Stanford Road Suite 105
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
Prepared by:
Wildland Consultants, Inc.
1001 Jefferson Drive
Berthoud, Colorado 80513
November 2002
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Wildland Consultants, Ina
(970) 532 4354 (09we), (970) 532-3341 (Fax)