HomeMy WebLinkAboutCARIBOU APARTMENTS - PDP - 18-02A - CORRESPONDENCE - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTr
C. Mathis
9/9/02
Page 3
3.4.1 (E) (2) — Development Activities Within the Buffer Zone
entirely of mowed smooth brome (a non-native grass) with limited wildlife value in terms of cover and
forage value. The proposed revegetation plan would replace this non-native community with native mid -
height grasses and tree and shrub plantings. These plantings will enhance habitat diversity by increasing
vegetation cover and forage values and structural diversity. Increased habitat diversity adjacent to the,
existing wetland will also serve to enhance the overall habitat value of the wetland. Therefore, the project
is in compliance with this performance standard.
(b) This performance standard.is not applicable to the Caribou Project since there are no wildlife
movement corridors present.
(c) The only significant trees or vegetation on the property are the landscape trees around the existing
residence and the wetlands along the south property boundary. Existing trees will be transplanted to the -
extent possible, and those that cannot be transplanted will be mitigated by plantings of replacement trees ..
as required by the City. The existing wetland will be protected with the establishment of the buffer zone,
Therefore, the project is in compliance with this performance standard.
(d) Applicable portions of this performance standard include the protection of nesting, feeding, and
wintering areas for waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds as well. as protection of any wetland greater
than 0.25 acre in size. Establishment of the 100-foot buffer and revegetation of the buffer to native
grasses, shrubs, and trees will protect the existing wetland and enhance habitat and vegetation cover for
waterbird use of the wetland. Therefore, the project is in compliance with this performance standard.
(e) Establishment of the 100-foot buffer and revegetation of the buffer to native grasses, shrubs, and
trees will not only minimize degradation of the ecological character of the wetland but enhance adjacent
habitat and existing habitat diversity. The placement of the backs of garages as well as visual screening
by shrub and tree plantings in the buffer zone will minimize the visual and noise effects of the
development on the wetland. Any external landscape or security lighting will be shielded to minimize
nighttime light impacts on the buffer zone and wetland. Diversion of surface runoff from developed
portions of the property into water quality detention basins prior to release into the wetlands will minimize
the risk of water qualitypegradat'ion in the wetlands from the Caribou Project. Therefore, the project is in
compliance with this performance standard.
(f) Minor slope changes will be required for construction of the detention basin, but the general character
of existing slopes within the buffer zone will be maintained after regrading. Therefore, the project is in
compliance with this performance standard.
(g) As indicated, the buffer zone will be revegetated to native grassland with inclusions of native shrub
and tree plantings. Therefore, the project is in compliance with this. performance standard.
(h) A walking pathway and shielded viewing platform will be constructed within the buffer zone for
passive recreation and wildlife viewing. Since Timberline Road and existing residences are currently
located immediately adjacent to portions of the wetland, I believe the Caribou walking trail and viewing
platform to be compatible with the ecological character and wildlife use of the wetland. Therefore, the
project is In compliance with this performance standard.
Cathy Mathis
VF Ripley Associates, Inc.
401 W. Mountain Ave., Suite 201
Fort Collins, CO 80521
RE: Caribou Project — Compliance with City of Fort Collins Buffer Zone Performance Standards
At the request of Doug Moore with the City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department, I have
evaluated current development plans for the Caribou Project site with respect to compliance with City of
Fort Collins Buffer Zone Performance Standards stipulated under Section 3.4.1 (E).of the City of Fort
Collins Land Use Code. The following provides my evaluation for each applicable standard and
requirement within this section of the Land Use Code.
3.4.1 (E) (3) — Buffer Zone Distances
The only natural habitat or feature on or near the Caribou project site is a storm water detention wetland
along the south property boundary. The wetland is greater than 0.3 acre and consists primarily of dense
stands of cattails with a small, open water pond near its west end. Residential development exists
immediately adjacent to the south edge of the wetland, and mowed, non-native grassland abuts the north
side of the wetland. As documented by observations and reporting provided to the City by local resident
Dwight Smith, the open water pond and surrounding cattail stands serve to attract a wide variety of
migratory waterfowl and shorebirds as well as a number of urban -adapted songbird and mammalian
species that rely on wetlands for water, nesting, forage, and/or security cover. However, the relative
small size of. this wetland, lack of diversity in terms' of wetland communities and vegetation cover, and
surrounding urban development precludes large numbers or significant waterfowl or shorebird use of this
site. Therefore, the Buffer Zone Standard of 100 feet for wetlands, greater than 0.3 acre in size and
without significant use by waterfowl or shorebirds seems appropriate for this site.
Current project design indicates a buffer distance of 100 feet but with a few encroachments by project
features. Overall the average buffer distance would be maintained at 87 percent of the minimum buffer ,
distance of 100 feet stipulated in Section 3.4.1 (E) (3). Therefore the project would be in compliance with
this section of the Code since it exceeds the 80 percent requirement of the standard. Impacts associated
with the 13 percent encroachment of the buffer zone will be mitigated by revegetation of the buffer zone
area into native grassland with inclusions of native shrub and tree plantings. A detailed revegetation plan,
developed by Cedar Creek Associates, will be included with the next development plan submittal to the
City of Fort Collins
3.4.1 (E) (1) —,Buffer Zone Standards
.(a) The project will preserve the existing wetland, and regrading disturbances in the buffer zone will be
revegetated to native grassland mix with inclusions of native tree and shrub clump plantings. Native tree
and shrub plantings will be employed to enhance wildlife habitat as well as to provide visual screening of
development features that intrude into the buffer zone. Existing habitat in the buffer zone consists almost