HomeMy WebLinkAboutEAST RIDGE PDP - MODIFICATION OF STANDARD - 33-98C - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTn
preclude any possible disturbance to the tree's root systems. In addition, because potential raptor
nesting habitat is provided by these trees, the trees should be surveyed 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 Section 3.4.1 of the Fort Collins Land Use Code, should be maintained
during the breeding, nesting, and nestling rearing period.
The wetland on the property is greater than one-third acre in size, but does not receive significant
waterfowl and shorebird use because of current cattle use, poor wetland perimeter habitat conditions, and
surrounding agricultural land uses. The City of Fort Collins buffer zone standard for this type of wetland
feature is 100 feet. It is recommended that this buffer standard be applied from the designated high water
line since wetland perimeter zones outside of the high water line have been severely degraded by cattle
use. The best mitigation measure that could be applied to this wetland would be the removal of livestock
from the area. Once cattle are removed, the existing wetland will be considerably enhanced by the
eventual natural recovery of existing wetland vegetation as long as water regimes in the wetland are
maintained. Additional supplemental plantings of appropriate herbaceous and woody vegetation species
around the pond perimeter could also significantly enhance habitat diversity and quality in the wetland.
However, it is uncertain what future effect the loss of agricultural irrigation runoff and residential
development will have on water regimes in the pond. Future mitigation planning for the pond wetlands
should be dependent on water regimes projected for the wetland after project development.
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season, irrigation runoff, and natural precipitation events. The pond was completely dry during the early
March 1999 wetland survey.
(f) There was no evidence of the presence of specially valued species within or near the East Ridge
property. The wetland depression on the property has been too heavily trampled by cattle to provide
suitable habitat conditions for Preble's meadow jumping mouse. In addition, the wetland is not connected
to any other areas of potential habitat by movement corridors suitable for Preble's meadow jumping
mouse.
Suitable habitat conditions are also not present for the Ute ladies' -tresses orchid.in wetlands around the
perimeter of the wetland depression. 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, Asclepias, Calamagrostis, Solidago, etc. genera) occurring in
relatively open and not overly dense, overgrown, or over grazed areas. Sites consisting of dense stands
of reed canarygrass, cattails, and bulrush or heavily trampled areas supporting primarily weedy species do
not provide suitable habitat conditions for the orchid. .
(g) Because of past cultivation of row cropland and alfalfa/grass hayfield over the most of the property,
there are no special habitat features present except for the wetland depression pond and the large plains
cottonwoods, peach -leaf willows, and lanceleaf cottonwoods along the southern and western property
boundaries.
(h) The only potential wildlife movement corridor on or within 500 feet of the project area is Lake Canal.
The value of this feature as a wildlife movement corridor is limited however, by the proximity of existing
commercial development and the interruption of the canal by major road crossings along its length. The
Lake Canal is separated from the East Ridge property by existing commercial and residential
developments.
5.0 WILDLIFE MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The large native trees along the western property boundaries and at the southwest property corner as well
as the wetland depression are the only wildlife habitat features of value on the property. Wildlife mitigation
measures proposed for the property are those that would protect the wetland area and the native trees
And possible future wildlife use of the trees and wetland. Since the trees are adjacent to existing
commercial and residential developments as well as roadways, no specific wildlife buffer is proposed. The
City of Fort Collins buffer zone standard for farmstead windbreaks is 25 feet. It is also recommended, a 30-
foot construction buffer (surface disturbance and underground utilities) be maintained from these trees to
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Because of the proximity of commercial/residential developments and existing roadways, 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 such as large stick nests or whitewash was noted in any of the trees
on or near the property. Nesting use of the larger trees by raptors other than possibly great horned owl or
American kestrel is unlikely. The suitability of these trees for raptor nesting and perching will be further
reduced by development of the East Ridge property. Songbird species observed in the trees were
northern flicker, common grackle, starling, and black -billed magpie.
4.0 ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION STUDY 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 6) 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 wetlands on the property are located in association with the
depression in the south central portion of the property. The characteristics of this wetland are described
in Section 3.0. The only other wetland within 500 feet of the property is a wet meadow site to the
southwest of the southwest property corner (see Figure 2).
(c) The eastern portions of the property currently provides partial views of the Front Range mountains to
the west. Views of the Front Range from the western half of the property are blocked by trees and
existing development.
(d) As described under Section 3.0, the only significant native trees or other sites of native vegetation are
large plains cottonwoods, lanceleaf cottonwoods, and peach -leaf willows along the southern and western
property boundaries. All the remaining trees on the property are non-native. Stands of mature plains
cottonwoods also exist within 500 feet of the northern and western property boundary as well as.the
southwest property corner. The native and non-native .trees adjacent to and along the property
boundaries 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 commercial/residential developments and
existing roadways. However, because potential nesting habitat is present, trees on or near the property
should be surveyed prior to any. construction activities near these trees.
(e) There are no natural drainages that exist within or near the property boundaries. The wetland on the
property is fed, at least in part, by irrigation and natural rainfall sheet flow runoff. The high water line of the
wetland pond is shown on Figure 2. The extent of inundation of this pond is highly variable depending on
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a
Other species potentially present in wetland and. aquatic habitats include tiger salamander, Woodhouse's
toad, chorus frog, northern leopard frog, bullfrog; wandering garter snake, red -winged blackbird, common
yellowthroat, and song sparrow.
Farmstead and Trees
The farmstead areas in the northwest property comer are comprised primarily of buildings, livestock
corrals, dirt roadways, and disturbed weedy sites. A number of mature, planted windbreak trees also grow
in association with the farmstead'sites. The locations of existing tree stands are depicted on Figure 2.
Trees at the northern -most farmstead site consist primarily of mature Chinese elms (Ulmus pumila). Mature
and sapling Chinese elms also are the dominant trees at the north end of the larger farmstead area,
although four large peachleaf willows (Saliz amygdaloides) and a small box elder (Acer negundo) grow in
this area as well. The mature Chinese elms range in size from 1 to 3 feet dbh and 50 to 60 feet tall. The
four peachleaf willows are multi-trunked and range in 'size from 2 to-3 feet dbh and 40 to 50 feet tall. The
remaining mature trees on the property are plains cottonwood and lanceleaf cottonwood (Populus
acuminata) trees along the main driveway and along the west and south edge of the larger farmstead site.
These stands consist of 40 plus cottonwood trees ranging in size from 2 to 6 feet dbh and 50 to 60 feet
tall.
The cottonwood and peachleaf willow trees are native to the region while Chinese elm and box elder trees
are not. Several of the larger cottonwood trees are partially decadent with dead larger limbs exhibiting .
excavated woodpecker cavities. Herbaceous species growing in the farmstead areas are comprised
primarily of smooth brome and annual weeds including kochia, field bindweed, netseed lambsquarters,
Canada thistle, prostrate knotweed, puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris), and common mallow (Malva
neglecta).
Other mature trees growing within 500 feet of the East Ridge property are present in association with
farmsteads and residences along the north and west sides of the East Ridge property as well as at the
southwest property corner. The majority of these trees are large cottonwood trees, but there are also
ornamental and windbreak trees such as ponderosa pine, locust, and Rocky Mountain juniper. Portions of
the Lake Canal within 500 feet of the southwest property corner also supports a linear stand of trees
composed. primarily by large cottonwoods. Trees along the Lake Canal are designated as riparian forest by
City of Fort Natural Resources Mapping. The Lake Canal trees are separated from the East Ridge property
by existing commercial and residential developments. City of Fort Natural Resources Mapping also
indicates a patch of riparian forest on the west side of the wetland depression in the south central portion
of the East Ridge property. This mapping is in error. There is no riparian forest on the west side of this
wetland.
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cropland is of limited foraging value for most waterfowl species, however. Raptors potentially hunting over
row croplands include American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, northern harrier, and Swainson's hawk.
The only wetland on the property is located in association with a depressional area in the south central
portion of the property. This wetland area is restricted to the Aquepts loamy soil map unit discussed
previously. The wetland supported in this area is comparatively diverse in terms of both the soil moisture
regimes and vegetation communities present. Vegetation communities range from dense cattail stands
intermixed with bulrush (Schoenoplectus lacustris) in areas of saturated soils and standing water to mixed
reed canarygrass (Phalaris arvndinaceae) and three -square (Scirpus americanus) communities supported
by soils more intermittently saturated through time. The hydrology supporting this wetland appears to be
based on irrigation runoff, although a shallow depth to water table may also be a contributing factor to the
central portion of this wetland. At the time of the August 30, 2000 survey, there were small areas of open
water intermixed with the stands of cattails (see Photo 3).
Wetland/upland transition zones are somewhat narrow with species such as three -square, broad -leaf
plantain (P/antago major), yellow (oxtail (Setaria glauca), and Canada thistle mixed with planted upland
grass and forb species around the perimeter of the wetland depression. The only woody species
supported in the wetland area are a few (6) small (5 to 7 feet tall) Russian olives (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
scattered around the perimeter and three small (1 to 3 inch dbh, diameter at breast height) plains
cottonwoods (Populus sargenth) and a patch of coyote willow (Salix exigua) at the north end of the
wetland. The patch of coyote willow has been heavily browsed by cattle and remaining leaves were
present primarily at heights above the reach of cattle (see Photo 4).. Cattle use of the perimeter of wetland
has had considerable impact on the drier portions of the wetland transition zone. Much of the "pond
perimeter has been heavily trampled by cattle, and portions of this area were either nearly bare of
vegetation cover or supported mostly weedy species such as horseweed and Canada thistle (see Photo
3).
Wetland and aquatic habitats are valuable habitats in that they typically support a greater diversity of plants
and animals than that found in adjacent dryland habitats. In addition, many wildlife species from adjacent
habitats rely on wetland habitats for obtaining food, cover, and water on a regular or intermittent basis.
Wetlands and associated open water habitats.also provide foraging, resting, and breeding habitat for
waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds. The overall value of the East Ridge wetland has been reduced
considerably by shoreline trampling and foraging impacts by cattle as well as by surrounding cultivated and
pasture habitats. The only species observed using open water and peripheral portions of the wetland
during the August 2000 survey were killdeer and mallard.
ri
Photo 3. View of Open Water and Dense Cattail Stand in Depression Wetland. (Heavily
grazed and trampled grassland pasture perimeter zone is shown in foreground_)
Photo 4. View of North End of Wetland Area Showing Patch of Heavily Browsed Coyote
Willow. (Trees in background are outside but adjacent to the southern property boundary
near the southwest property corner. Immediate foreground is grassland pasture.)
FA
Grassland Pasture
This habitat area is irrigated and used for grazing livestock. Cattle were actively grazing the area at the time
of the field survey. It supports relatively close -cropped and more sparse vegetation cover (compared to
hayfield habitat) because of livestock grazing pressure. Total vegetation cover was estimated to be 25 to
60 percent, and height of vegetation was generally less than 1 inch. Vegetation supported in this habitat
consists primarily of non-native pasture grasses such as smooth brome, tall fescue, and wheatgrasses as
well as weedy species including field bindweed, kochia (Kochia scoparia), common dandelion, prostrate
knotweed (Polygonum aviculare), netseed lambsquarters (Chenopodium berlandien), redroot pigweed
(Amaranthus retroflexus), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), and green (oxtail (Setaria viridis). Scattered,
dense patches of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), and horseweed
(Conyza canadensis) are also present, especially around the upland edges of the wetland in the south
central portion of the property. Representative views of grassland pasture are provided in Photos 2 and 3.
Grassland pasture also creates relatively poor wildlife habitat because of the lack of woody species cover,
low vegetation species diversity, and the predominance of non-native grass and annual weedy species.
The value of grassland pasture habitat is further limited by livestock grazing that reduces available cover
and increases the development of weedy forbs. Non-native grass and weedy forb dominated areas
generally provide habitat for a few small mammals such as deer mouse, prairie vole, and northern pocket
gopher and open grassland associated bird species like western meadowlark. homed lark, and western
kingbird. Open -country raptors including red-tailed hawk, Swainson's hawk, northern harrier, and great
horned owl as well as mammalian predators like coyote, striped skunk, and red fox may also hunt in these
habitat areas on occasion.
Row Cropland
Row cropland occupies a strip of land in the mid -eastern portion of the property. At the time of the survey
row cropland was planted in corn. The cropland borders and rows between the corn also support stands
of field bindweed, common sunflower (Helianthus annuus), and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galfi).
Row cropland has limited value as wildlife habitat, especially when it is not near areas of natural habitat,
since vegetation cover and food sources are present primarily on a short-term basis due to seasonal
harvesting and cultivation. Vegetation cover is generally lacking from fall through early spring. Deer
mouse, western harvest mouse, prairie vole, and ground squirrels are the only species likely to establish
resident populations in row cropland and the weedy edge areas. Songbirds such as western meadowlark,
Brewer's blackbird, American crow, common grackle, and homed lark will also occasionally use cropland
habitats. Species such as raccoon, striped skunk, ring-necked pheasant, mourning dove, and Canada
goose will occasionally move into croplands to seek prey or feed on leftover grain. Dryland or unflooded
A
IX#7� IrY}�+� �lrlt l�►_rrr.,.1��aYr. ��_ -�- _- ,..
Photo 1. View of Recently Mowed Alfalfa/Grass Hayfield. (Trees in far background are
north of East Vine Drive.)
Photo 2. View of Main Farmstead Area and Associated Large Windbreak Trees.
(Grassland pasture habitat is in foreground.)
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they can contain hydric inclusions. Aquepts loamy is the only hydric soil on the property. Aquepts loamy
is a poorly drained soil in depressional areas in uplands. This soil unit is located in association with the
pond and wetland area identified in the south central portion of the property. This was the only area on
the property that exhibited any evidence of hydric soils, wetland vegetation, or hydrologic features
characteristic of wetland conditions.
The majority of the property has been cultivated, and existing land uses within the property consist of
farmstead, grassland pasture, alfalfa/grass hayfield, and row cropland (see Figure 2). There are no natural
defined drainages on the property, but small feeder ditches are present as irrigation features. Surface
water flow across the property occurs as sheet flow in primarily in a southerly direction over cultivated land
and into the wetland depression at the south end of the property.
The following sections summarize the characteristics of habitats existing on the property and wildlife use
of the area.
Alfalfa/Grass Hayfield
As indicated on Figure 2, alfalfa/grass hayfield occupies the majority of the property. Cultivation practices
on the site have resulted in the removal of native vegetation and establishment of agricultural crops as well
as the invasion of plants consisting primarily of non-native, weedy grass and forb species in fallow sites
and around the perimeter of the fields. Dominant vegetation species supported within hayfields on the
property are alfalfa (Medicago saliva), smooth brome (Bromus inermis), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea),
wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.), common dandelion (Taraxacurn officinale), and field bindweed
(Convolvulus arvensis). All of the grasses recorded in mowed hayfield areas were weedy or non-native,
cultivated pasture species. Total vegetation cover was estimated to be 60 to 75 percent after mowing,
and height of vegetation was 6 inches or less as a result of recent mowing. A representative view of
recently mowed alfalfa/grass hayfield is provided in Photo 1.
Habitat value and wildlife use of hayfields is limited by seasonal removal of vegetation cover resulting from
mowing operations. Mice, voles, pocket gopher, and ground squirrel are the only species likely to
establish resident populations in hayfield and the weedy edge areas. Songbirds such as western
meadowlark, Brewer's blackbird, and horned lark will also occasionally use hayfield habitats. No evidence
of prairie dogs or prairie dog burrows was noted within alfalfa/grass hayfield on the property. Open -
country raptors including red-tailed hawk, Swainson's hawk, northern harrier, and great horned owl as well
as mammalian predators like coyote, striped skunk, and red fox may also sporadically hunt in these habitat
areas.
4
T-71
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LEGEND
- East Ridge Property Boundary
- Habitat Boundary
- Pond High Water Line
Scale: 1' = -512'
f
FIGURE 2
Habitat Mapping
for the
East Ridge Property
3
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FIGURE 1
' East Ridge Property Location
Scale: 1"=2,000'
Map Source: USGS 7 1/2' Quadrangle -
Forl Collins, CO
2
ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION STUDY REPORT
FOR THE
EAST RIDGE PROPERTY
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND LOCATION
This report documents the evaluation of habitat conditions on the proposed East Ridge 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 160-acre development site is located in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado in the Northeast
1/4 of Section 8 (T. 7 N. R. 68 W.). The property boundaries are defined by County Road 9E on the west,
East Vine Drive on the north, row cropland on the east, and commercial property on the south. The
location of the property boundaries are shown on Figure 1. Adjacent land uses consist entirely of
cultivated land, farmsteads, and commercial or residential developments (see Figure 2).
2.0 METHODOLOGY
Cedar Creek initially completed a wetland survey for the property in early March 1999.- An additional field
survey of the East Ridge property was completed on August 30, 2000. This field survey was completed
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 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
According to the Soil Conservation Service's (SCS) Soil Survey of Larimer County Area, Colorado the
predominant soils on the property are Fort Collins loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes; Kim loam, 1 to 3 percent
slopes; Nunn clay loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes; Stoneham loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes; and Aquepts
loamy. All but Aquepts loamy are deep, well -drained soils. Runoff is slow to medium and the hazard of
wind and water erosion is slight to moderate. None of these soil mapping units are classified as hydric, but
1
a
ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION' STUDY REPORT
FOR THE
EAST RIDGE PROPERTY
Prepared
by
Cedar Creek Associates, Inc.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Prepared
for
Tri Trend Construction and Development
Timnath, Colorado
September 2, 2000