HomeMy WebLinkAboutRIGDEN FARM - OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PLAN - 56-98B - CORRESPONDENCE - CITY STAFF (5);Troy Jones-Rigden Farm O.D.P. Page 1
From:
Karen Manci
To:
Tom Shoemaker
Date:
4/13/99 3:14PM
Subject:
Rigden Farm O.D.P.
Tom:
I visited the Rigden Farm site this morning and also talked to Troy Jones of Current Planning this
afternoon regarding Sally Craig's concerns. Sally seems mostly concerned about a large linear
northwest -southeast grouping of trees, which actually is shown to be preserved on the plan. They are
Siberian elm, an exotic pest species of Fort Collins, and were not included in our natural areas inventory
as a natural area feature. In fact, we typically recommend removal of all Siberian elms and Russian
olives on sites to be developed to reduce the seed source in Fort Collins. They do not appear to contain
any raptor nests. The structure of these elms is not conducive to large raptor perch sites, although they
could occasionally be used by raptors as a hunting day perch site.
Farther south of these Siberian elms are several very large plains cottonwoods that appear to be slated for
removal (for lots/streets). Natural Resources considers these native trees as much more valuable wildlife
habitat than Siberian elm. However, there are only a few trees and do not occupy 1/4 acre, which is what
we set the lower size of a natural feature at when we did our original mapping and so were not included on
our natural areas inventory map. Typically, Tim Buchanan makes every effort to see that old, large plains
cottonwoods are preserved during the development review process due to their high value for wildlife and
unique structure --appreciated by the Citizens of Fort Collins. These particular cottonwoods do not appear
to have any raptor nests, but are most certainly used by raptors as hunting perch sites. Most likely,
red-tailed hawks and Swainson's hawks rather than eagles and ferruginous hawks use these trees for
hunting perches because nearby prey sources are smaller (mice and voles, vs. prairie dogs), but it would
not surprise me to see an occasional bald eagle or ferruginous hawk in those trees during the winter.
However, I have no reports that they are used by these species.
As far as Sally's concern's about developing on the valley wall. There is a lot of development on that
"ridge" directly to the south already. So, apparently, we haven't been trying to protect this feature as a
"natural feature" in the past, although I do remember talking about that goal during the Poudre River LOS
Study years ago. Sally is particularly concerned about cut -and -fill on the valley wall area. I told Troy that
we do get concerned about cutting into rock outcrops, fossil beds, and stands of native plants that you find
in the ridges of the foothills and Fossil Creek and we do designate these as natural features, but this ridge
is different --it is dominated by exotic pasture grass with few (if any, on this site) outcrops. if I miss spoke
here, please let Troy know that we do consider this a natural feature per our Land Use Regs.
--Karen.
CC: Kim Kreimeyer, Troy Jones