HomeMy WebLinkAboutFOSSIL LAKE P.U.D. - PRELIMINARY - 33-01D1 - CORRESPONDENCE - CITY STAFFCommu y Planning and Environmental
Natural Resources Department
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City of Fort Collins
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 10, 1997
TO: Leanne Harter, Planner
FROM: Rob Wilkinson, Senior Environmental Planner
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Team
RE: Natural Resources Comments on Fossil Lake P.U.D
The following are Natural Resource Department comments regarding Fossil Lake P.U.D.
1. If there is to be development on the southern parcel, south of Duck Lake, then there needs to
be an evaluation of impacts to both on -site and off -site wetlands and wildlife habitat areas.
Appropriate buffering and mitigation actions should be applied when the potential for impact to
such is evident.
2. With regards to the northern parcel, located on the north side of Fossil Creek Reservoir, our
primary concern is with the buffer zone distance proposed. Given that the desirability of a 1/4 mile
buffer between development and the north shore of Fossil Creek Reservoir is recognized in
several long term planning documents, and given that maximization of buffer width is desirable to
protect current and future wildlife habitat values, and given that the applicant is proposing a buffer
zone less than 1/4 mile in width; we believe a wildlife impact study should be performed by a
qualified consultant prior to a staff decision regarding appropriate buffer width. The study should
evaluate the impacts of the proposed development on the existing and future wildlife use of the
habitats adjacent to the site and associated with Fossil Creek Reservoir. In particular, impacts to
herons, bald eagles, and sensitive species of waterfowl and shorebirds utilizing the site and
adjacent habitat areas should be evaluated, and adverse impacts to habitat areas should be
avoided. If avoidance of impact is not possible, then mitigation plans should be developed to
offset the projected wildlife/habitat impacts.
3. Additional information is also needed on the landscaping and vegetation proposed for the
buffer area as well as the design and grading of the proposed water quality protection areas.
281 N. College Ave. • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6600 • FAX (970) 224-6177