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Home My WebLink AboutPINNACLE TOWNHOMES - FDP - 34-00B - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTRoutine Wetland Determination - Data Form (1987) COE Wetlands Delineation Manual ' Project Site Investigator Pplicant / Owner Av c". v-r ( .nitz County/State L-� Do Normal Circumstances exist on the site? No Is the stte significantly disturbed (Atypical Sttuatlon) Yet Is this a potential Problem Area? - Explain Yes Indicator C t op. by Tot of All sp, to yet Relative Cover. Cover of FAC, FACW, or OBLTaxe (exc. FAf ,r 1_ e- Sample Pt ID Recorded Data (Describe Below) Stream, Lake, or Tide Gauge Aerial Photographs Other No Recorded Data Available Depth of Surface Water 11`4�, _ Depth to Free Water In Pit 7 ) o - Depth to Saturated Soil 7 �o !' Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Inundated Saturated In Upper 12 Inches is Water Marks Drift Lines IL Sediment Deposits Drainage Pattern In Wetlands Oxidized Root Channels In Upper 12" >° Water-stalned Leaves c Local Soil Survey Data ° ° FAC-Neutral Test Other Explain Below) Map Unit Name (Series &Phase) Drainage Class Taxonomy (Subgroup) Profile Description (Moist Colors) Confirmation of Mapping Yes No Depth In Inches Horizon f q 9 Matrix Color Mottle Color Mottle Abund ! Contrast Texture etc. 2 3 4 6 6 Hydric Soil Indicators Histosoi Concretions Histic Epipedon Suifidic Odor High Organic Content In surface layer of sandy soils Organic Streaking In Sandy Soils Aquic Moisture Regime Reducing Conditions Gle ed or Low-Chroma Colors Listed on Local Hydric Soils List Listed on National Hydric Soils List Other (Explain Below Remarks: Continue on Back of Form J•� �. �., ��.+". �� }r`nf ti'J". �J.�'.,�' � ''.� Q�f1� 1 � i} .;� a 142 !�' NI . X :.e ...ova..., a ,m v.. ..i.w.et+ a .:w(av C . �evM� _ e ?'Y�b✓e•T4�i!t�fidNfLL^.X ' J'E✓3, eK....uC-..1wniC..:J Is Enough Hydrophytic Veg. Present? (i.e. > 501/.) Yes Is Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes Is This Sample Polrrt Within a Wetland? •. r � T,, G''� .`,3�x. �t Are Hydric Soils Present? Yes N ' Routine Wetland Determination - Data Form (1987) COE Wetlands Delineation Manual pplicant / Owner County/State 1,.o , , � , t O Sample r Normal Circumstances exist on the site? �No�r, a �� the site significantly disturbed (Atypical Situation) Yes�tJo~% Recorded Data (Describe Below) this a potential Problem Area? - Explain Yes QL�Stream, Lake, or Tide Gauge Aerial Photographs em0If4Y0h.PYedYx4`�'yJ�YI Dominant Taxa SUatum 1 r S 0.rLk,+�cice.. Tr Sh Indicator 1TGW1 % Abs Cov d0 2 Tr Sh Herb 3 Tr Sh Herb 4 Tr Sh Herb 5 Tr Sh Herb s Tr Sh Hero 7 Tr Sh Herb g Tr Sh Hero 9 Tr Sh Herb 10 Tr Sh Herb 11 Tr Sh Herb 12 Tr Sh Herb 13 Tr Sh Herb Other Welland Species Tr Sh Herb Other Upland Species Tr Sh Herb Divide Tot WeL op. by Tot of All op. to get Relative Cover. I Total Relative Cover of FAC, FACW, or OBL Taxa (exc. FAC-1, }e Class Description (Moist Colors) th In Inehes F irizon It -, Matrix Color Other No Recorded Data Available L rface Water �0 re..ee Water In Pit 1 Oturated Sol[ �d Hydrology Indicators: Inundated Saturated In Upper 12 Inches Water Marks rift Lines Sediment Deposits �lnage Pattern In Wetlands Oxidized Root Channels In Upper 12" Water -stained Leaves Local Soil Survey Data FAC-Neutral Test Other ( plain Below Map Unit Name (Series & Phase) Taxonomy (Subgroup) Confirmation of Mapping Yes No Mottle Color Mottle Abund / Contrast Texture etc. � V 0 Sk I -r ." � ' , t [-`.`ram , \ no- I Histosol Concretions Hlstic Epipedon High Organic Content In surface layer of sandy soils Sulfidic Odor Organic Streaking In Sandy Soils ciAquic Moisture Regime Listed on Local Hydric Soils List vReducing Conditions Listed on National Hydric Soils List Gleved or Low-Chroma Colors Other (Explain Below Is Enough Hydrophytic Veg. Present? Is Wetland Hydrology Present? Are Hydric Soils Present? (I.e. > 50%) No I Is This Sample Point No Within a Wetland? No I SHEDS WETLANDS 8NDRr. TOP OF eek :t Avenue_ KLI rLAIICDI UTILITY & ACCESS LASCOENT L L -J pLATIrD LITIIJ11' & ACCESS CA$LUCNr — — -- — --, — — — — — — — — — -- ; -1; II L lnpl- i - A!J, -J - 2 srwLR 1A5rmw T[krPHONI A E[LCORAP11 FASI U! 'it 03 ff -4.00 SPRINC CRrEk TRAIL fA:,-tUENT Wetland Mapping for the Pinnacle Project Area L (813 Prospect Avenue) II I Scale: 1 -82' I 2 41 McKee, T. 6/13/00 Page 3 uplands, a few wetland species such as showy milkweed (Asdepias spedosa -FAC) and hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinurn - FAC) were also present but not dominant. There was no evidence of wetland hydrology at P-2, and the soil matrix chroma was 10 YR 4/2 with no mottles or other evidence of hydric soil conditions. Therefore, this sample point was classified as upland. _V I The preceding paragraphs summarize the results of the wetland field survey completed for the Pinnacle project area. Based on the City of Fort Collins current requirements for development setbacks or 100 feet from Spring Creek, there will be no impacts to wetlands along the so hem property boundary. Terry, H you have any questions regarding this report, please give me a call at the letterhead phone number. Sincerely, CsDAA CI8EM ASSOCIATES, INC. T. Michael Phelan Principal enclosures pc: R. Wells, Anchor Development -1 i McKee, T. 6/13/00 ' Page 2 conditions, drainage patterns, and oxidized root channels in the upper 12 inches of the soil profile. As indicated in the 1987 Corps of Engineers manual, vegetation, soils, and hydrologic wetland indicators must be present in order to classify an area as wetland. In conjunction with formal sampling sites, numerous "check holes" were dug to further aid in making wetland/upland boundary determinations. Check holes provided additional vegetation, soil, and hydrologic information useful for refining boundaries between wetland/upland transition zones. Such information was also used to better characterize wetland and upland conditions within the survey area. Feld data sheets were not completed for check holes. Following the analysis of site characteristics, the wetland/upland boundary was flagged with pink fluorescent tape for subsequent survey work. Sample points (P-1 and P-2) were marked with orange pin flags tied with pink tape. The results of the field analysis are summarized in the following paragraphs. Copies of the data sheets completed in the field are included as attachments to this report. ' Results According to the Soil Conservation Service's (SCS) Soil Survey of Larimer County Area, Colorado the predominant soils in the project area are Satanta loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes and Nunn clay loam, wet, 1 to ' 3 percent slopes. Satanta loam is on terraces and uplands and occupies the northern portion of the project area. Nunn day loam, wet is on low terraces and alluvial fans commonly adjacent to drainage ways. This soil mapping unit is associated with the Spring Creek drainage and occupies the southern portion of the project area. Neither soil mapping unit is classified as a hydric soil, but they can contain hydric inclusions. The majority of the project area consists of what appeared to be an old alfalfa/grass hayfield dominated primarily by two upland vegetation species, smooth brome (Bromus inermis - UPL) and alfalfa (Medicago satfva - UPL). Other less dominant species recorded included orchard grass (DaclAs glomerata - FACU), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense - FACU), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis - FACU), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis - UPL), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea - FACU), common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale - FACU), and false salsify (Podospermum laciniatum - UPL). Check holes in areas dominated by these species did not document any evidence of wetland soils or hydrology, and the majority of the property was classified as upland. The only evidence of wetland habitats on the property was found in the southwest comer immediately ' adjacent to the Spring Creek drainage and west of the recreational trail bridge crossing of the creek. East of the bridge crossing, the property boundary is defined by the Spring Creek recreational trail corridor and ' wetlands along the creek are located on private property to the south of the recreation trail and the project area. Wetlands along the south edge of the project area west of the trail bridge are relatively narrow and dominated by reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea -FACW+). The wetland/upland boundary was defined by a relatively sharp transition in vegetation dominance from reed canarygrass to smooth brome in the adjacent uplands. Sample points P-1 and P-2 were selected to characterize wetlands and the adjacent upland transition zone at the southwest property corner. A map showing the location of wetlands on the property and sample points P-1 and P-2 is provided as an attachment. At P-1 reed canarygrass (FACW+) exhibited 100 percent vegetation cover. Drift lines, saturated soils at 8 inches in depth, and free water at 10 inches in depth provided evidence of wetland hydrology. A soil low matrix chroma of 10 YR 212 with a few, faint mottles (7.5 YR 5/6) indicated reducing conditions and hydric soils. Since all three wetland parameters were met, this site was classified as wetland. Other wetland vegetation species noted upstream from this site included weeping willow (Salfx babylonica - FACW), peach -leaf willow (Salix amygdaloides - FACW), Baltic rush (Juncos baltfcus - OBL), meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis - FACW), and Emory sedge (Carex emoryi - OBL). -, Sample point P-2 was established adjacent to P-1 but slightly higher topographically above the Spring Creek embankment. At P-2 smooth brome (UPL) was the dominant species contributing 70 percent total vegetation cover. Since this area was a transition zone between wetlands and drier and more elevated ..' y C. 'A2O0A ire Collins, Colorado 80521 •• (970) 493-4394 ' June 19, 2000 Mr. Terry McKee U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Denver Regulatory Office ?� 9307 South Platte Canyon Road Littleton, Colorado 80123-4120 Dear Terry: -� On behalf of Anchor Development Corporation, Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. is submitting this letter report as confirmation of the findings of a wetland survey completed for the Pinnade project area at 813 .K, East Prospect Street. The proposed 6.9-acre development site is located in Fort Collins, Ladmer County, Colorado in the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 24 (T. 7 N. R. 69 W.). The UTM coordinates for the center of wetlands along the south boundary of the site are Zone 13 494750 4490340. The property boundaries are defined by Prospect Avenue on the north, Spring Creek and the Spring Creek Recreation Trail to the south, and existing residences and a fenced livestock pasture to the east and west. A vicinity map (Figure 1) is provided as an attachment to this letter. The contact person and name, address, and phone number of the company proposing to develop the property is as follows. Russell Wells Anchor Development Company 1083 Wild Cherry Lane Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 495-0508 Cedar Creek completed a field wetland survey of the Pinnacle project area on June 1, 2000. This survey was conducted to fulfill the requirements of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, regarding the delineation of wetlands prior to potential development activities. The following sections describe the methods used ;■ and the results of the survey. Study Methodology ' Wetland mapping and delineation work was completed using the methods and techniques specified for "routine on -site delineations" in the publication Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987). Project maps were reviewed in the office to familiarize field personnel with the project site. Soil Conservation Service (SCS) mapping was also reviewed prior to field work to determine the potential location of hydric soils and to become familiar with site -specific soil properties. A cursory examination of the property was made prior to field mapping to verify property boundaries and Identify site -specific vegetation community characteristics. Feld investigations and wetland delineation were then initiated. =, Sample points along and within suspected boundaries were selected to properly identify and delineate wetland/upland boundaries. A formal field data sheet was completed for each sampling point. At each sample point, percent total cover of dominant vegetation species was estimated. Species were then classed as OBL (obligate wetland species), FACW (facultative wetland species), FAC (facultative species), FACU (facultative upland species) or UPL (obligate upland species). A predominance of FAC, FACW, or OBL plant species is the vegetation parameter indicating wetland presence. Soil and hydrologic data c; were also collected to determine the presence or absence of wetlands at each sampling point. Wetland soil indicators include the presence of a histic epipedon, mottling, gleying, and high organic matter content and/or organic matter streaking in the surface layers of sandy soils. Potential wetland hydrologic indicators include topographic position, presence of standing water and/or saturated soil profile I F APPENDIX A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Report I (a) Spring Creek is the only perennial drainage that exists within or near the property boundaries. ' (f) There was no evidence of the presence of specially valued species within or near the project area. A habitat assessment of potential for Preble's meadow jumping mouse on or adjacent to the project area concluded that suitable habitat is not present for Preble's meadow jumping mouse. The habitat assessment has been submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for review and concurrence. Suitable habitat conditions are also not present for the Ute ladies' -tresses orchid in wetlands along Spring Creek within or near the property boundaries. Habitat for the Ute ladies' -tresses orchid typically consists of seasonally moist soils and wet meadows near lakes, springs, or perennial ' streams and their associated floodplains below 6,500 feet. Associated vegetation species typically include those with a "FACW" Corps of Engineers classification (Equisetum, Asdepias, Calamagrostis, Solidago, etc. genera) occurring in relatively open and not overly dense, overgrown, or over grazed areas. Sites consisting entirely of dense stands of reed canarygrass or other tall grasses such as meadow (oxtail R' do not provide suitable habitat conditions for the orchid. (g) Because of past cultivation of alfalfa and grass hayland over the entire property, there are no special habitat features on the property except for the one large plains cottonwood in the northeast portion. (h) The only wildlife movement corridor on or within 500 feet of the project area is the Spring Creek drainage. The value of the drainage as a wildlife movement corridor is limited however, by the proximity of existing development along the stream corridor and human recreational use of the trail system along the creek. 5.0 WILDLIFE MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS The one large cottonwood trees in the northeast portion of the property and the Spring Creek drainage along or near the southern property boundary are the only wildlife habitat features of value on or near the property. The only wildlife mitigation measures proposed for the property are those that would protect the cottonwood tree and other native tree species along Spring Creek as well as the Spring Creek drainage and associated wetlands. The existing City of Fort Collins requirement for 100 foot development setback from Spring Creek will be sufficient to protect the drainage and associated wetlands and trees. If project development plans require the removal of the one cottonwood tree on the property, or H the condition of the tree necessitates removal from a human safety standpoint, the tree should be checked to ensure the ' lack of raptor nesting use prior to removal. If an active raptor nest is discovered, a buffer zone setback, as prescribed in Section 3.4.1 of the Fort Collins Land Use Code, should be maintained during the breeding, W, nesting, and nestling rearing period. Additional native tree plantings could be incorporated into the project landscape plans to mitigate the loss of this tree. 8 151 Offil V Photo 3. Heavily Grazed Horse Pasture and Wetlands South of the Pinnacle Property and the Spring Creek Recreation Trail. Cottonwood Tree on Property Reed Canarygrass Welland Along the North ,Side bf Spriihg O.I Creek on the Prcperty�, ,, 4,il C max icy Photo 4. Wetlands in the Southwest Property Corner Along the North Side of Spring Creek. 7 II ' Wetlands and Sorina Creek Riparian Corridor. The only evidence of wetland habitats on the project area was observed in the southwest comer of the property immediately adjacent to the Spring ' Creek drainage and west of the recreational trail bridge crossing of the creek (see attached wetland report). East of the bridge crossing, the property boundary is defined by the Spring Creek recreational ' trail corridor, and wetlands along the creek are located on private property to the south of the recreation trail and the project area. Most of this area is used as horse pasture and is heavily grazed (see Photo 3). ' Wetlands along the south edge of the project area west of the trail bridge are relatively narrow and dominated by reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea ). The wetland/upland boundary is defined by a relatively sharp transition in vegetation dominance from reed canarygrass to smooth brome in the adjacent ' uplands. A representative view of wetlands on the property is provided by Photo 4. Other wetland vegetation species noted upstream and downstream from the site included plains cottonwood, weeping willow, peach4eaf willow, coyote willow (Salfx exigua), Baltic rush (Juncus balticus), meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), and Emory sedge (Carex emoryi). A number of other non-native trees also grow along the Spring Creek riparian corridor. These include Russian olive, green ash, and Chinese elm. 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 Q) and (k) are addressed under following section, 5.0 Wildlife Mitigation Recommendations. (a) Wildlife use of the area is described in Section 3.0. (b) As indicated in Section 3.0, the only wetland on the property is located in the southwest comer along the north side of Spring Creek. (c) The southern half of the property currently provides partial views of Horsetooth Rock to the west. (d) As described under Section 3.0, the only no significant native trees or other sites of native vegetation ' on the property is the one large plains cottonwoods in the northeast portion. All the remaining trees on the property are non-native. Native plains cottonwood and peach -leaf willow trees also exist within 500 feet of the property along Spring Creek to the east and west of the southern property comers. The cottonwood tree and native and non-native trees along the property boundaries and Spring Creek did not support any evidence of raptor nesting activity at the time of the field surveys. Future raptor use of these trees is unlikely because of the proximity of residential development and human recreational activities. However, because potential nesting habitat is present, trees on or near the property should be surveyed ,.' prior to any construction activities near these trees or tree removal. 6 fallow hayland habitat. There was no evidence of prairie dogs or prairie dog burrows observed on the property. Trees • A line of mature trees grows along the fenceline that forms the western property boundary as well as along the northern property boundary adjacent to Prospect Avenue (see Photo 2). Five mature Chinese elms (Ulmus pumila) grow along the northern property edge. These trees were estimated to range in size from 1.5 to 4.5 feet diameter at breast height (dbh) and 50 to 60 feet tall. Decadent larger limbs were noted in most of these trees. Trees along the western property line are a mix of mature and sapling Chinese elms, mature domestic apple trees (Malus syMestris), a multi-trunked box elder (Ater negundo), and a possible domestic plum tree (Prunus domestica). The apple and plum trees appeared to be the remnants of a old fruit tree orchard. Trees are also present in the landscaping of the residence along the northern portion of eastern property boundary. These trees consist of two large Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and several Lombardy poplars (Populus nigra ). Many of the Lombardy poplars were decadent and appeared to be dying. All of the trees along the north, west, and east property boundaries are non-native to the Fort Collins ' region except for Engelmann spruce. Engelmann spruce grow naturally only at higher elevations, however. ■ One mature plains cottonwood (Populus sargentii) and a number of small sapling Chinese elms grow within the interior of the property. The plains cottonwood is the only native tree supported within the property boundaries. This tree was estimated to be 5 feet dbh and 50 feet tall. {' Additional mature native and non-native trees grow along the Spring Creek drainage, including plains cottonwood, weeping willow (Salix babylonica), peach -leaf willow (Salix amygdaloides), green ash ' (Fraxfnus pensylvanica), Russian olive (Elaegnus angustifolia), and Chinese elm. Only plains cottonwood and peach -leaf willow are native to the region. All of these trees exist outside of the property boundaries, with most present to the east and west of the southern property corners. ' Because of the proximity of residential developments and human recreational activities along the Spring Creek Trail, wildlife use of trees on or near the property is restricted primarily to songbird species adapted to urban environments. No evidence of raptor nesting activity was noted in the trees, and use of these ' trees by raptors other than possibly great homed owl or eastern screech owl is unlikely. Songbird species observed in the trees were northern flicker, American crow, American robin, black -billed magpie, and common grackle. 5 � anx Y Y Photo t_ View of Fallow Hayfield Habitat that Occupies the Majority of the Pinnacle Project Area. (Note informal dirt trail that connects to the Spring Creek Trail in the background_ Trees on right side of photo are along the western property fenceline. Trees in background are south of property.) Photo 2. View of Non-native Trees Along Western Property Fenceline. (Prospect Avenue and Chinese elm trees along north edge of property can be seen in far background on the right.) 0 This soil mapping unit occupies the southern half of the project area as well as the Spring Creek drainage. Satanta loam is a deep, well -drained soil. Runoff is medium on this soil unit, and the hazard of erosion is moderate. Nunn clay loam, wet is a deep, somewhat poorly drained soil. Runoff is slow and the hazard of erosion is slight. These soil mapping units are not classified as hydric, but they can contain hydric inclusions. The only evidence of hydric soils, wetland vegetation, or hydrologic features characteristic of wetland conditions on the property was recorded along the northern embankment of Spring Creek at the southwest property corner. Existing land uses within the property consist entirely of fallow hayland. The majority of the site is comprised of a nearly level, field that appeared to have been managed in the past for hay production. No drainages or irrigation ditches large enough to serve as wildlife movement corridors exist within the property boundaries. The Spring Creek corridor along the southern property boundary represents a potential wildlife movement corridor, but wildlife use of this corridor would be limited to urban adapted species because of the extent of commercial/residential development in close proximity to much of the creek and the extensively used recreation trail that runs along segments of the drainage. The following sections summarize the characteristics of habitats existing on the property and wildlife use of the area Fallow Havland. The majority of the project area consists of what appeared to be an old alfalfa/grass hayfield dominated primarily by two vegetation species, smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Other less dominant species recorded included orchard grass (Dacty0s glomerata), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea ), common dandelion (Taraxacum ofrdnale), and false salsify (Podospermum laciniatum). All of the grasses recorded in the fallow hayfield were non-native pasture grass species. Total vegetation cover was estimated to be mostly 75 to 85 percent but some barer areas in the northern portion of the property supported only 50 to 60 percent total vegetation cover. Height of vegetation in fallow hayfield ranged from 1 to 3 feet. A representative view of this area is provided in Photo 1. Habitat value and wildlife use of this fallow hayland parcel is limited by the general lack of woody vegetation diversity, the relative small size of the parcel and surrounding developments, roads, and recreation activities. Well wom dirt trails also bisect the property indicating the property is used by people to access the Spring Creek Trail from Prospect Avenue (see Photo 1). Mice, voles, and western meadow lark are the only species likely to establish resident populations in fallow hayland and weedy edge areas. Songbirds such as Brewer's blackbird, common grackle, and black -billed magpie may also occasionally use 3 I N Mulberry Street a - r -2 id 3 ao �j jirL'1ZA1A1t1 4" 0-v it • ! 1Jr Ifigh. Z;i t fA 4 Prospect V6 I lily t, it A� Om p :rvinnac e P e Area roj ct L A I NAL E + 5)rakes %fillin mitt -D&ke Rbadi,.W J j IIt :It N N Al FIGURE 1 L Street _1C Pinnacle Project Area Location 'Ira Scale: 1 2,000' mp sour Map Source: USGS 7 1/2' Quadrangle - Fort Collins, CO % L tt : 1E 2 ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION STUDY REPORT FOR THE PINNACLE DEVELOPMENT PARCEL 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND LOCATION This report documents the evaluation of habitat conditions on the proposed Pinnacle 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. The proposed 6.9-acre development site is located in Fort Collins, Latimer County, Colorado in the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 24 (T. 7 N. R. 69 W.). The property boundaries are defined by Prospect Avenue on the north, Spring Creek and the Spring Creek Bike Trail to the south, and existing residences and a fenced livestock pasture to the -east and west. The location of the property and property boundaries are shown on Figure 1. 2.0 METHODOLOGY Cedar Creek completed a field survey of the Pinnacle Project Area on June 1, 2000. Feld surveys of the property were conducted to characterize existing wildlife habitats, as well as to identify any unique or sensitive natural resource features. Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly SCS) soils mapping (Soil Survey of Latimer 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. In this regard sufficient habitat information was recorded during the field survey to prepare a Preble's meadow jumping mouse report to satisfy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reporting requirements regarding this species. 3.0 HABITAT CONDITIONS AND WILDLIFE USE According to the Soil Conservation Service's (SCS) Soil Survey of Latimer County Area, Colorado the predominant soils in the project area are Satanta loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes and Nunn clay loam, wet, 1 to 3 percent slopes. Satanta loam is on terraces and uplands and occupies the northern portion of the project area. Nunn day loam, wet is on low terraces and alluvial fans commonly adjacent to drainageways. 1 I 1 ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION STUDY REPORT FOR THE PINNACLE DEVELOPMENT PARCEL j! Prepared ., by Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. Fort Collins, Colorado Prepared for Anchor Development Company Fort Collins, Colorado June 19, 2000