HomeMy WebLinkAboutJOHNSON PROPERTY REZONE - 32-01 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT( Section 3.4.1 of the Fort Collins Land Use Code, should be maintained during the breeding, nesting, and
nestling rearing period.
Because of the relatively low value of wetlands associated with the livestock watering troughs and the
uncertainty of the water supply for these sites, no mitigation recommendations are provided for these
sites at this time. Future mitigation recommendations should be evaluated and based on whether these
three wetland sites are fed by irrigation water or natural springs and if these sites could be enhanced once
livestock use is removed.
Since the railroad right-of-way and the Boxelder Ditch could serve as wildlife movement corridors, the City
standard for a 50400t setback would apply to these features.
Much of the property has been degraded by past disturbances and cultivation practices. Areas to remain
as open space or to be landscaped within future development sites could be considerably enhanced by
the conversion of areas dominated by mostly weedy or non-native species to areas revegetated by
perennial woody and herbaceous native species. This would be particularly valuable in sites adjacent to
the railroad right-of-way and Boxelder Ditch.
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The Boxelder Ditch also provides a corridor connection to the Cache la Poudre River north of the
southeast property comer. To the south the ditch passes through active gravel mine facilities and then
continues through primarily grazed pasture and cropland areas with minimal cover before passing under
Interstate 25 and eventually connecting with the Cache la Poudre River approximately 2 miles south of the
Town of Timnath.
The Fossil Creek Reservoir Inlet Canal is hydrologically linked to the Boxelder Ditch at County Road No. 9.
The Fossil Creek Reservoir Inlet Canal is also hydrologically linked to the Cache la Poudre River and Fossil
Creek Reservoir, but the canal's value as a wildlife movement corridor is reduced because of its close
proximity to County Road 9 and grazed pastureland as well as its lack of continuity with other natural areas.
South of the Johnson property it passes through considerable pastureland and cropland of limited wildlife
habitat value before emptying into Fossil Creek Reservoir. Culverted crossings under Horsetooth Road
and Harmony Road to the south also disrupt the continuity of the canal and minimize its value as a potential
movement corridor. The canal does reconnect with the Cache la Poudre River corridor via the Horsetooth
Storm Drainage Ditch to the south of the property.
Although the ditches offer limited cover and value as terrestrial wildlife corridors, they do have some value
as a loafing and feeding areas or as movement corridors for waterfowl such as mallard, green -winged teal,
and Canada goose. The primary value of the railroad right-of-way is as a movement corridor for urban -
adapted terrestrial wildlife species.
(i) The general ecological functions provided by the site and its features are discussed in Section 3.0.
5.0 WILDLIFE MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS
General mitigation recommendations are provided in this section based on existing habitat conditions and
current City of Fort Collins guidelines provided in Section 3.4.1 of the Land Use Code. As indicated, the
only special habitat features present are the mature plains cottonwoods and the small wetland features in
the farmsteads and the fenced pasture and coral areas. The City of Fort Collins forester should be
consulted to determine which trees meet City of Fort Collins significance criteria. Before decisions
regarding the preservation of native trees are finalized, the trees should be evaluated to determine their
condition and if they pose a human safety or property damage threat in the near future. A construction
(surface disturbance and underground utilities) buffer should be maintained outside of the tree drip -line to
minimize any possible disturbance to the root systems trees determined to be significant by the City
Forester. Because potential raptor nesting habitat is provided by the larger native and non-native trees, all
trees should be resurveyed again prior to any construction activities to confirm the presence or absence
of raptor nesting activity. If an active raptor nest is discovered, a buffer zone setback, as prescribed in
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remainder of the tree line. Seven non-native, young (3 to 6 inches dbh; 20 feet tall) green ash trees also
grow near the northwest end of the shrub and tree line. The only native tree observed in this area was a
single lanceleaf cottonwood (Populus acuminata) southwest of the northwest end of the windbreak. This
relatively young tree was approximately 7 inches dbh and 30 feet tall.
Grasslands in the natural area are also non-native. The grassland area between the windbreak and the
gravel pit pond is dominated by smooth brome, intermediate wheatgrass, and Chinese elm seedlings.
The grassland area west of the windbreak has been disturbed by past dumping of piles of waste dirt, and
this area is dominated by smooth brome and weedy species including Canada thistle, field bindweed,
kochia, common mallow (Malva neglecta), wild licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota), white sweetclover (Melilotus
albus), and leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula).
(a) No perennial natural drainages or bodies of water exist within the property boundaries. The only body
of water within 500 feet of the property is a reclaimed gravel pit pond within the Fort Collins Natural Area
(see item "d" above). The Cache la Poudre River corridor is nearly 1,000 feet from its closest point to the
property near its southeast comer.
(f) Suitable habitat conditions for Preble's meadow jumping mouse and for Ute ladies' -tresses orchid are
not present on the property or within 500 feet of the property. Suitable habitat conditions for these
species may exist along the Cache la Poudre River, but the river corridor is nearly 1,000 feet away from the
property at its closest point. Large trees on and adjacent to the property may be used by open -country
raptors such as red-tailed hawk or Swainson's hawk for perch sites for hunting adjacent undeveloped
areas. No evidence of raptor nesting activity was noted in any of the trees on or adjacent to the property.
(g) Because of cultivation and livestock grazing practices on the property, special habitat features are
limited to the mature plains cottonwoods (see item "d" and "f" above). The vertical embankment present
along the central portion of the west edge of the topographic break is a distinct topographic feature that
has some wildlife habitat value. A few burrow holes were noted in this embankment, and these could be
potentially used for nesting by cavity nesters such as bank swallow and American kestrel.
(h) The Burlington Northam railroad right-of-way provides a potential wildlife movement corridor adjacent
to the property. The vegetated portions of the right-of-way creates a nearly continuous corridor from the
property to the Cache la Poudre River corridor to the southeast. However, the continuity of this corridor is
disrupted by Drake Road and County Road No. 9 street crossings near the southeast property comer. In
addition, much of the railroad right-of-way south of the property currently has active mine facilities
immediately adjacent to the edge of this narrow corridor.
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4.0 ECOLOGICAL STUDY CHARACTERIZATION CHECKLIST
The following provides a summary of information required by Fort Collins Land Use Code under 3.4.1 (D)
(1) items (a) through,(i). Items 0) and (k) are addressed under the following section, 5.0 Wildliie Mitigation
Recommendations.
(a) Wildlife use of the areas is described in Section 3.0.
(b) As indicated in Section 3.0, the only wetlands on the property are located in association with two leaky
livestock troughs and an abandoned pond. The locations of these livestock water feature wetlands are
shown on Figure 2. These wetlands support minor amounts of wetland vegetation and have minimal value
as wildlife habitat because of their small size, livestock use, and surrounding disturbed areas of pasture
and livestock corrals.
(c) The western portion of the property provide partial views of the Front Range mountains to the west as
well as relatively expansive views of the Cache la Poudre River basin to the east.
(d) As described under Section 3.0, past cultivation and livestock operations has resulted in the removal
of native vegetation and or conversion to row cropland and non-native pasture grass species. As a result
there are no significant stands of native vegetation except for a few mature cottonwood trees in the
fenced corral and pasture areas and within the farmstead sites (see Figure 2). A few additional mature,
native cottonwoods and peach -leaf willow trees grow within 500 feet of the eastern property boundary.
Large mature cottonwoods also grow near the center of the northern property boundary and near the
northwest property comer. Some large non-native green ash, boxelder, and maple trees also grow at
these sites (see Figure 2). No other areas of native vegetation grow within 500 feet of the property
boundaries.
The southeast property boundary abuts a City of Fort Collins Natural Area. This natural area consists of a
reclaimed gravel mine pit pond, grasslands, and trees. The pond is a relatively typical gravel pit pond with
steep or rip -rap shorelines that permit only minimal wetland development. Wetlands around the perimeter
of the pond consist primarily of thin strips of reed canarygrass at water's edge. A few non-native Chinese
elms are also supported around the pond perimeter. The remainder of the pond perimeter is vegetated
primarily by stands of non-native smooth brome and intermediate wheatgrass that were likely planted as a
result of past gravel mine reclamation efforts.
Fort Collins Natural Areas mapping designates the line of trees in this area as riparian forest. The mapping
is incorrect. The trees on the property actually are an old planted windbreak consisting of a line of non-
native honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.) shrubs at the northwest end and Chinese elm trees along the
12
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Irrigation Ditches
The Boxelder Ditch is the only large irrigation ditch located on the property. The remaining irrigation
ditches consist solely of minor ditches within row cropland and alfalfa hayfield. The Boxelder Ditch
supports a narrow strip of herbaceous wetland vegetation along the inside portion of the ditch
embankments. Wetland vegetation growing along the ditch banks is composed primarily of dense stands
of reed canarygrass and Emory's sedge (Carex emoryfi) (see Photo 6). Wetlands within the ditch would
j not be considered jurisdictional by the Corps of Engineers since the wetlands have formed in association
with water used for agricultural purposes.
When water is present, this ditch can be used by urban -adapted waterfowl such as Canada goose and
mallard as loafing and feeding sites. Urban -adapted waterbirds may also use this ditch as a movement
corridors when it carries water. Its value as a terrestrial wildlife movement corridors is restricted by box
culvert road crossings and its passage through active gravel mining operations.
Feedlots and Silaae Storage
This area is located at the far north and of the topographic break (see Figure 2). It consists of fenced
corrals with cattle and a concrete lined silage storage area. Because of extensive livestock use of this area
it has minimal value as wildlife habitat. Photo 7 provides a view of this area.
Farmsteads
The farmstead areas consist of buildings, developed facilities, and landscaping associated with existing
farm residences. These developed areas support little vegetation cover except where shade trees, turf
grasses, or other landscaping have been planted. The only native trees noted in these areas were
cottonwoods. Other large trees that grow in these areas include green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanicus),
boxelder (Ater negundo), white poplar (Populus alba). Views of the farmsteads are provided by Photos 7
and 8.
Because of existing development and human disturbance in these areas, as well as the lack of native
vegetation cover, the primary value the farmsteads as wildlife habitat is for perching and nesting use by
urban -adapted songbirds. Fox squirrels may also reside in the trees in these areas.
10
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Photo 3. View of Slope Area with Trash Pile. (View is from south end of slope area
looking northeast.)
Photo 4. View of Junked Automobiles Near Center of Slope Area. (Vertical embank-
ment along west edge of slope can be seen in background behind the abandoned cars.)
herbaceous vegetation species supported in this area are smooth brome, cheatgrass, kochia, field
f
bindweed, and blue mustard. Because of grazing in this area, most of the herbaceous vegetation cover
was dose cropped to the ground. Representative views of this area are provided by Photos 2 and 3.
A portion of this area is also used for the disposal of refuse, farm equipment, and automobiles. This area
contains piles of used lumber and wire, abandoned automobiles and farm equipment, and woody refuse
(see Photos 3 and 4). Most of this area has been disturbed or cleared of vegetation in the past and
currently supports stands of non-native grasses and annual weeds. Total vegetation cover was estimated
to range from 20 to 60 percent.
Three small wetland sites are also located in the slope area. One wetland is supported in a small
constructed livestock or irrigation pond (see Figure 2). Vegetation in the bottom of the pond is dominated
by dense stands of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) and a small pocket of common cattail (Typha
lafifolia). At the time of the survey there was no water in this pond, and it appeared to no longer function as
a water holding pond. The two other wetland sites consist of narrow bands of vegetation growing around
the periphery of two livestock watering troughs (see Figure 2). Wetland vegetation at the watering
troughs consist primarily of cattail, reed canarygrass, and sedges (Carex sp.). These wetlands are
supported by seepage from the troughs. At the time of the survey both troughs contained water and
exhibited small zones of saturated soils around the periphery. R is unknown if these water troughs are
spring fed or are filled by a piped water supply. Photo 5 provides a view of the southern watering trough.
It is unlikely wetlands at these three sites would be considered jurisdictional by the Corps of Engineers
since the wetlands appeared to have formed in association with water used for agricultural purposes.
One distinct habitat feature in the slope area is the vertical embankment (see Photo 4) along the western
edge of the weedy/farm trash area depicted on Figure 2. Several burrow holes were noted in this
embankment and these could serve as nest sites for cavity nesters such as bank swallow and American
kestrel.
In general, the overall habitat value of the sloped portion of the property was rated as low because of past
disturbance, relatively low vegetation cover and diversity, and livestock use. Wildlife use of this area is
similar -to that described for alfalfa hayfield. However, trees in this area provide additional nesting and
perching habitat for songbirds. Wetlands in this area have limited habitat value because of their small size
and extensive livestock use. Wetlands around the watering troughs may provide suitable breeding habitat
for amphibians such as Woodhouse's toad, plains spadefoot, and chorus frog.
7
The primary value of alfalfa hayfield as wildlife habitat is that it contributes seasonal food sources for small
mammals and avian species during the growing season prior to mowing. Mule deer and white-tailed deer
also may occasionally forage in hayfield habitats when areas of adjacent suitable cover are available. Mice,
voles, and ground squirrels as well as songbirds such as western meadowlark and homed lark are the only
species likely to establish resident populations in hayfields and weedy edge areas. Songbirds including
Brewer's blackbird, common grackle, and black -billed magpie also occasionally use alfalfa hayfield habitat.
Open -country raptors such as red-tailed hawk, Swainson's hawk, American kestrel, northern harrier, and
great homed owl as well as mammalian predators like coyote, striped skunk, and red fox sporadically hunt
alfalfa hayfield habitats as well. The presence of goose droppings indicated grazing use of this habitat by
Canada geese. There was no evidence of prairie dogs or prairie dog burrows observed in alfalfa hayfield
habitat.
Row Cropland
As indicated on Figure 2, row cropland occupies the majority of the property. These portions of the
property have been planted to row crops such as oom, wheat, or beans. Cultivation practices in row
cropland result in the removal of native vegetation and the invasion of plants consisting primarily of non-
native, weedy grass and forb species around the perimeter of the fields. At the time of the field survey, all
row cropland areas had been plowed, and the only vegetation cover was remnant crop stubble. Non-
native and other weedy upland species noted along the cultivated field edges included smooth brome,
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), common dandelion, field bindweed, kochia (Kochia scoparia), flixweed
(Descurainia sophia), prickly lettuce (Lactuca seniola), blue mustard (Chorispora tenella), and Canada
thistle. Various wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.) were also noted in these edge areas.
Wildlife use of row cropland is similar to that described for alfalfa hayfield, except in row cropland
vegetation cover is typically lacking from fall through early spring. Crop residue remaining after harvest can
provide a food source for small mammals, songbirds, and waterfowl such as Canada goose. There was no
evidence of prairie dogs or prairie dog burrows observed in row cropland habitat. A single coyote was
observed crossing the northern end of the eastern row cropland area.
Fenced Pasture. Corrals. and Weedy/Farm Trash Areas
These habitat/land use areas are located along the topographic break that separates the two level
cultivated portions of the property. This area consists primarily of fenced livestock corrals and pasture
areas. Because of past conversion of this area to livestock use, this area is vegetated primarily by non-
native pasture grass species and weedy annuals. Woody species are limited to a few trees consisting
primarily of cottonwoods (Populus deltoides) and Siberian elms (Urnus pumila). A few of the larger
cottonwoods may be considered significant under current Land Use Code guidelines. Dominant
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Photo 1. View of Alfalfa Hayfield Habitat on the Johnson Property. (View is from south-
east corner of property looking northwest.)
Photo 2. View of a Portion of Fenced Corral/Pasture Area. (View is from upper edge of
topographic break near center of property looking southeast. Larger trees in back-
ground are cottonwoods and a Siberian elm.)
5
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Date of Aerial Photoqrai)hv: 9122/99
predominant soil over the level, eastern property segment is Caruso day loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes
except in the extreme southeast corner where a small pocket of Paoli fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent
slopes is present. Kim loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes; Larimer-Stoneham complex, 3 to 10 percent slopes;
and Stoneham loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes are the soils associated with the topographic break. Nunn day
loam and Caruso day loam are deep, somewhat poorly drained soils, while Paoli fine sandy loam, Kim loam,
Larimer-Stoneham complex, and Stoneham loam are deep, well drained soils. Runoff is slow to medium
on Kim loam, Nunn day loam, Paoli fine sandy loam, and Stoneham loam and the hazards of wind and
water erosion is slight to moderate. Runoff is medium to rapid and the hazard of erosion is moderate to
severe on Larimer-Stoneham complex soils. The vertical erosion embankments are located in this soil
complex. None of these soils are classified as hydric except for Caruso day loam. However, In spite of the
fact that Caruso day loam is the dominant soil over the eastern portion of the property, no evidence of
wetland vegetation, hydrology, or soils were observed in this area. The entire Caruso day loam mapping
unit has been cultivated to row cropland and alfalfa hayfield.
Existing habitats and land uses within the property boundaries consist of row cropland, alfalfa hayfield,
fenced livestock corrals and pastures, feedlots and silage storage, and farmstead (see Figure 2). The
Boxelder Ditch crosses the extreme southeast comer of the property. Surrounding land uses and
habitats include row cropland, alfalfa hayfield, residential construction, non-native grassland, reclaimed
gravel pit ponds, railroad right-of-way, commercial developments, and a wastewater treatment facility (see
Figure 2).
The following sections summarize the characteristics of habitats existing on the property and wildlife use
of the area.
Alfalfa Hayfield
Alfalfa hayfield occupies most of the south end of the level eastern portion of the' property. Dominant
vegetation species supported within this portion of the property are alfalfa (Medicago saliva) and non-
native pasture grasses such as smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron
intermedium). Scattered weedy species including yellow foxtail (Seta►ia glauca), common dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), and Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) are
also present. This area is seasonally mowed for hay production and vegetation height was less than 6
inches at the time of the survey. Total vegetation cover was estimated at 50 to 75 percent. Photo 1
provides a view of alfalfa hayfield.
Although mowed grass hayfield represent undeveloped open space for wildlife populations, their value as
wildlife habitat is limited by seasonal mowing and the lack of woody vegetation cover. Vegetation cover
and food sources are present primarily on a short-term basis due to mowing and occasional cultivation.
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N s i 1. a . Location of the Johnson Property
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Irodak Map Source: USGS 712' Quadrangle - Fort Collins, CO
E
ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION STUDY REPORT
FOR THE
JOHNSON PROPERTY
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND LOCATION
This report documents the evaluation of habitat conditions on the Johnson Property development parcel
in Fort Collins, Colorado. The report was prepared in accordance with Section 3.4.1 of the Land Use
Code of the City of Fort Collins regarding the preparation of a Ecological Characterization Study Report.
The Johnson Property consists of approximately 230 acres in the northwest, southwest, and southeast
1/4s of Section 20 (T. 7 N., R. 68 W.). The location of the property is depicted on Figure 1.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
Cedar Creek completed a field survey of the proposed development parcel on March 14, 2001. The field .
survey was conducted to characterize existing wildlife habitats, as well as identify any unique or sensitive
natural resource features. Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly SCS) soils mapping (Soil
Survey of Larimer County Area, Colorado) was also reviewed to determine if any known hydric soil
mapping units were located on the property. Observations recorded during the field evaluation included:
major vegetation communities / wildlife habitats present within the property; dominant vegetation
associated with each community / habitat; unique habitat features; and observations of wildlife species
and/or definitive sign. Photographs showing representative views of existing habitats were also taken to
document site conditions. Wildlife presence and habitat use was based on on -site observations and
habitat presence in conjunction with the known habitat requirements of potential wildlife species. Existing
habitats were also evaluated regarding their ability to support populations of threatened, endangered, and
other sensitive plant and wildlife species.
3.0 HABITAT CONDITIONS AND WILDLIFE USE
Topography of the project site consists of two relatively flat segments that are separated by a distinct break
in topography (slope) running in a northwest -southeast direction. This topographic break results in a
relatively abrupt drop in elevation of 30 to 40 feet from west to east. Along some portions of the western
edge of this slope, there is a near vertical embankment, 6 to 10 feet tall. The flat areas to the east and west
of the slope are gently sloping to the southeast. There are no drainages on the property except for
irrigation ditches.
According to the Soil Conservation Service's (SCS) Soil Survey of Larimer County Area, Colorado, the
predominant soil over the level, western property segment is Nunn clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes. The
1
a
ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION STUDY REPORT
FOR THE
JOHNSON PROPERTY
Prepared
by
Cedar Creek Associates, Inc.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Prepared
for
James Company
Boulder, Colorado
March 19, 2001