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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSAGE CREEK - PDP - 25-98B - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 -1 5.0 REFERENCES USDA-SCS-FS. Soil Survey of Larimer County Area, Colorado. December 1980. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Ute Ladies -Tresses'. Orchid Survey Guidelines. L. Carlson, Colorado State Supervisor. November 23, 1992. 8711-112 5-1 September, IM 4.0 PROTECTION MEASURES AND MITIGATION Nine water detention ponds are proposed to be constructed within the proposed development site, of which 7 ponds would be constructed adjacent to the unnamed creek/ditch within the 100-foot- wide buffer zone. Eight water detention ponds would be constructed to detain storm water runoff received from adjacent residential areas. One water detentionrrrigation storage pond (D-2 or E-1) would be constructed for the purpose of detaining storm water runoff, storing irrigation water, and supporting wetland vegetation. The artificially created wetland would cover approximately 1.0 to 1.5 acres and mitigate the loss of 0.1 acre of riparian vegetation associated with the construction of a land bridge across the unnamed creek/ditch. Water would likely be diverted from the unnamed creek/ditch and supply water to the detention pond and existing wetland. After the water had been transmitted through the wetland/detention pond and existing wetland, the water would be returned to the unnamed creek/ditch. Wetland species would be used to revegetate the wetland/detention pond area. The water supply and revegetation success would be monitored on a regular basis. Erosion control measures would be implemented to reduce soil erosion and off -site sedimentation impacts. In addition, disturbed areas would be revegetated as soon as practicable after construction has been completed to reduce soil erosion. 8711-112 4-1 September, 19M I I 9 u 3.3 Other Natural or Attribute Areas Within the Vicinity (500 feet) of the Proposed Development Site No direct impacts to natural or attribute areas within 500 feet of the proposed development site would occur as a result of construction activities. Construction activities within the proposed development site and the establishment of a residential area would not likely preclude the use of black willow and cottonwood trees by birds or other wildlife species since 3 residences are currently present less than 80 feet from the trees. Birds using these trees have likely been conditioned to the presence of human activities and ambient noise. The unnamed creek/ditch would not be directly affected by construction activities. Wildlife using the creek/ditch west and east of the proposed development site may be temporarily displaced during construction activities. Wildlife would likely use these areas after construction as soon as species have become acclimated to human -related activities and ambient noise. . The water detention pond located adjacent to Preston Junior High School would not be directly affected by construction activities. Human -related activities and ambient noise associated with residential development may decrease the use of this pond by some waterfowl species. However, waterfowl use of this pond would likely increase over time once species have become acclimated to the surroundings. 8711-112 3-2 sepWnbw, IM I I I 3.1 3.0 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Natural Areas A 100-foot-wide natural area buffer zone has been established along the entire length of the unnamed creek/ditch to protect the natural resources present in this area. A bridge would be constructed across. the creek/ditch to connect the north and south parcels via a residential street. Construction activities associated with the bridge would result in the filling of approximately <0.1 acre of water of the U.S. Erosion' control measures would be implemented to reduce sedimentation impacts. Minor sedimentation impacts to the creek may occur during construction activities. The sedimentation impacts are expected to be short-term and not result in adverse impacts to aquatic life in the creek. No direct impacts to the palustrine emergent wetland (0.17 acre) are anticipated as a result of construction activities. The residential road connecting the north and south parcels would be located approximately 50 feet east of the wetland thereby providing a 50-foot-wide buffer zone. Water was supplied to this wetland via overland flow originating from a small, irrigation ditch approximately 100 feet south of the wetland. The irrigation ditch would be filled during construction activities thereby eliminating this water source. A water detention pond would be constructed immediately west of the wetland. The detention pond would be constructed to detain water during storm events and snowmelt. In addition, supplemental water would be diverted from the adjacent unnamed creek/ditch to the detention pond to create a wetland and conveyed through the existing wetland. After the water had been conveyed through the detention pond and wetland, the water would be returned to the unnamed creek/ditch. 3.2 Attribute Areas Within the Proposed Development Site The entire irrigated pasture would be disturbed during construction activities. Seven water detention ponds would be constructed in the pasture area to collect storm water runoff from adjacent residential development areas. Construction of the water detention ponds would increase topographic relief and may offer additional wetland habitats for use by wildlife species. The cottonwood tree located in the southeastern portion of the proposed development site would not be removed during construction activities. Raptors would not likely use the cottonwood tree after construction activities due to the close proximity of the tree to the residential development. e711-112 3-1 September, IM observed within the pond included soft -stem bulrush (Scirpus vallidus), smartweed, and foxtail barley. No wildlife species were observed within the pond during the field survey. This pond may be occasionally used by waterfowl as a foraging and resting area. 8711-112 2-4 September, 1998 areas that included highly disturbed soils supported a prevalence of weedy upland species including Canada thistle (Cirsium canadense), field bindweed, kochia (Kochia scoparia), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), and netseed lambsquarter (Chenopodium betiandien). The irrigated pasture would not be considered a natural area since the area does not include native species associated with the shortgrass or mixed -grass prairie. One cottonwood tree was observed in the southeastern portion of the site immediately adjacent to County Road 36 and a com field. This tree may be used occasionally by red-tailed hawks and other raptors as resting or hunting, -perches. 2.3 Other Natural or Attribute Areas Within the Vicinity (500 feet) of the Proposed Development Site A stand of black willow trees, which extends approximately 200 feet along County Road 9, was observed during the field surveys. The willows were established along an irrigation ditch immediately east of County Road 9 and' 3 rural residences. Based on the review of the Natural Areas Inventory Map for the City of Fort Collins and the Urban Growth Area (UGA), the stand of willows has been identified as an urban plains forest, which is classified as a natural area. No raptor nests were observed in the trees. These trees may be used occasionally as foraging perches for raptors. In addition, 3 small cottonwood trees were observed south of the rural residences and immediately west of County Road 9. The cottonwood trees showed signs of physiological stress (e.g., sloughing bark, dead branches, and few viable branches). A dead cottonwood tree is located immediately adjacent to the extreme northwestern comer of the proposed development site. No raptor nests were observed in the trees. These trees may be used occasionally as foraging perches for raptors. The unnamed creek/ditch, which enters the western portion and exits the eastern portion of the proposed development site, has been designated as a greenway by the City of Fort Collins. The creek channel is approximately 3 feet wide and water depth ranges from 1 to 2 feet. Plant species established along the creek bank include similar species as those identified along the creek within the proposed development site. Several small cottonwood tree saplings were observed along the creek. The creek likely supports similar wildlife species as those listed for the creek within the proposed development site. A water detention pond (0.6 acre) associated with Preston Junior High School is located approximately 60 feet from the northern boundary of the proposed development site. Surface water was present within the pond at depths ranging from 6 to 18 inches. `Netland vegetation 8711-112 2-3 seownw. 19M has been grazed for approximately 30 years. Three additional areas within the vicinity of the wetland and creek supported similar wetland species. However, these areas were classified as uplands since hydric soil indicators were not observed within the soil samples. Wildlife species that likely utilize these areas include raccoon, red fox, striped skunk, small rodents, and a variety of songbirds. Killdeer were the only birds that were observed during the field survey. The unnamed creek/ditch extends 0.6 mile across the site and is considered a perennial creek. Water flows in an easterly direction. The creek receives surface water via other drainages and subsurface water from adjacent irrigated cropland and pasture. The width of the deeply incised channel ranges from 6 to 10 feet and water depth ranges from 1 to 3 feet. The height of the creek banks varied from 5 to 8 feet and have been degraded in localized areas as a result of livestock trampling and other disturbances. The creek supports a variety of riparian/wetland plants including watercress (Nasturtium officinale), smartweed (Polygonum sp.), curly dock, (oxtail barley, speedwell (Veronica sp.), prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), rabbit's -foot grass (Polypogon monspeliensis), American three -square (Scripus americans), creeping spikerush (Eleocharis palustris), redtop (Agrostis alba), and sedges (Carex spp.). The upper portions of the creek banks primarily supported upland species including field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), green foxtail (Setaria g/auca), thickspike wheatgrass (Agropyron dasystachyum), and saltgrass (Dist/chlis stricta). Wildlife species that likely utilize this riparian habitat include raccoon, muskrat, red fox, striped skunk, small rodents, and a variety of songbirds. No fish were observed in the creek during the field survey. A survey was conducted for the Ute ladies' -tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis) within the wetland and riparian area along the creek. The survey was conducted by Jon Alstad, a certified orchid surveyor with ENSR, on August 28, 1998. Survey criteria used followed that identified in the November 1992 letter from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) outlining survey requirements (USFWS 1992). The orchid survey report has been included in Attachment D and will be submitted to the USFWS. Surveys were conducted during the identified blooming period for the orchid. The creek was considered fair habitat since the creek channel was deeply incised and the banks have been degraded from livestock trampling. The wetland also was considered fair habitat since the area has been heavily trampled and grazed by livestock and contained heavy clay soils.. These areas were thoroughly surveyed for orchids; however, no individuals were observed. 2.2 Attribute Areas Within the Proposed Development Site The irrigated pasture primarily supported upland species including Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), slender wheatgrass (Agropyron trachycaulum), smooth brome (Bromus inermis), red fescue (Festuca pratensis), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and field bindweed. Localized 8711-112 2-2 _ . - Sep*ftw, IM 2.0 SITE INVENTORY A biological evaluation of the proposed development site was conducted on July 29, 1998, and August 28, 1998, by Jon Alstad, a biologist with ENSR. Natural areas, attribute areas, and cultivated cropland were observed within the proposed development site. Natural areas include natural features (e.g., wetlands, riparian areas, important wildlilfe habitats) that are important or unique wildlife or plant habitats. Attribute areas is a general term that will be used in this document to describe landscape features that are not classified as natural areas but offer some natural qualities (i.e., not cultivated). Photographs of natural areas, attribute areas, and cultivated cropland observed within the proposed development site and project vicinity have been included in Attachment A. The natural and attribute areas observed within the proposed development site and general vicinity have been illustrated on a map for review (see Attachment B). 2.1 Natural Areas One jurisdictional wetland and water of the U.S. (i.e., creek/ditch) was identified within the proposed development site. A wetland delineation report was prepared and has been provided in Attachment C. This report will be filed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) with the 404 permit application. The final wetland and water of the U.S. boundaries will be determined by the COE. One, palustrine emergent wetland ( 0.11 acre) occurs in the irrigated pasture immediately south of unnamed creek/ditch. Water is supplied .to this artificially created wetland via a small irrigation ditch located along a fenceline, which is the southern boundary of the pasture. Overland flows of water originate from the man-made irrigation ditch and continue down 2 to 3 percent slopes to the unnamed creek/ditch. The pasture is irrigated throughout the growing season, which has resulted in the establishment of wetland vegetation in a swale adjacent to the creek. No surface water was observed within the wetland. Wetland vegetation in the palustrine emergent wetland is dominated by (oxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), bamyard-grass (Echinochloa crus-galls), and curly dock (Rumex crispus). Hydrologic indicators present in these wetlands include saturated soils and drainage patterns in wetlands. Indicators of hydric soils that were observed included low chroma colors and mottling. Soils in the area were identified as Nunn clay loams that are generally clayey and have low permeability, often resulting in the accumulation of surface water (USDA-SCS 1980). This wetland is classified as a poor quality wetland since it supports a low floristic diversity and has been subjected to moderate to heavy grazing pressure by domestic livestock. According to the tenant, the pasture a711-112 2-1 1 sevmme«.19M 372 33 Trail Park I I 1 It my. f 4M 6 — — — — — — — — SO E \.900 ;.raw ke 8 91 C� Source: USGS 7 112 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, Fort Collins, Colorado 0 1/2 Mile N SCALE Proposed Development Site Figure 1-1 Site Location Map Ruff Development Property Larimer County, Colorado 1 Q ENR 0 1.0 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE The site proposed for development by the James Company is known as the Ruff property. The site is an approximately 160-acre area located northwest of the intersection of County Roads 9 and 36 in Larimer County, Colorado (see Figure 1-1). The property is located in the SE% of Section 5, Township 6 North, Range 68 West (T6N, R68W), at approximately 400 30' 45" North latitude and 1050 01' 30" longitude; the property is also located within an Urban Growth Area immediately adjacent to the city limits for the City of Fort Collins. The James Company is proposing to construct a housing development at the site including residential streets and infrastructure. The site is located approximately 1.2 miles north/northwest of the Fossil Creek Resource Management Area as defined in the Fossil Creek Reservoir Area - Land Use Framework Plan (Plan). According to the Plan, the southernmost portion of the site (i.e., south of the unnamed creek/ditch), has been identified by the City of Fort Collins as a low density mixed -use neighborhood area. In addition, the unnamed creek/ditch has been identified as a greenway in the Plan. A greenway is an area that should be maintained as an open space to allow the free' movement of wildlife or humans within the creek or drainage corridor. Currently, the site generally consists of cultivated cropland (i.e., corn and alfalfa fields) and irrigated pasture. The property is bordered on the north by residential development and Preston Junior High School; on the west by residential development, cultivated cropland, and rural residences; on the south by County Road 36; and on the east by County Road 9 and rural residences. 8711-112 1 _1 September. 1998 f� / s. LIST OF FIGURES 1-1 Site Location.....................................................................................................................1-2 8711-112 September. 1998 I EMN ICONTENTS 1 1.0 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE.....................................................................................1-1 2.0 SITE INVENTORY.................................................................................................................2-1 2.1 Natural Areas................................:................................................................................ 2-1 2.2 Attribute Areas Within the Proposed Development Site ................................................ 2-2 2.3 Other Natural or Attribute Areas Within the Vicinity (500 feet) of the Proposed DevelopmentSite.......................................................................................................... 2-3 3.0 POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT.................................................3-1 3.1 Natural Areas................................................................................................................. 3-1 3.2 Attribute Areas Within the Proposed Development Site ................................................ 3-1 3.3 Other Natural or Attribute Areas Within the Vicinity (500 feet) of the Proposed DevelopmentSite.......................................................................................................... 3-2 4.0 PROTECTION MEASURES AND MITIGATION..................................................................4-1 5.0 REFERENCES...................................................................................................................:..5-1 ATTACHMENT A - PHOTOGRAPHS OF NATURAL AREAS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTE AREAS WITHIN THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE ATTACHMENT B - MAPS ILLUSTRATING NATURAL AREAS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTE AREAS WITHIN THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE ATTACHMENT C - WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT ATTACHMENT D - UTE LADIES' -TRESSES ORCHID REPORT 9711-112 September, 1993 8711-112-400 RUFF PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT NATURAL AREAS REPORT Prepared for JAMES COMPANY Boulder, Colorado Prepared by ENSR Fort Collins, Colorado September 1998 EPL.Vo JAM ES COMPANY Boulder, Colorado Ruff Property Development Project — Natural Areas Report ENSR September 1998 Document Number 8711-112