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Home My WebLink AboutHOMESTEAD AT CLARENDON HILLS - PDP190007 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTMap Number: 5 Photo Direction: IX Sw 10/23/2018 10.55 Looking southwest along Langdale Drive and a portion of the southern property boundary. m V7* , • ' �, i�Fl+l i y � a,NLS••a' a. 7� art). �. / � ong the 1 1 1 1 i 61 _'S l h� 4 �' � • ._ n ... f r e.s -•ram '� i ! _ ` __ � �r lop ow Map Number: 2 ;# r. Photo Direction: South Looking south towards Clarendon Hills Drive. Mapes, Number: 2 Photo Direction: West Looking west at the Front Range; the cottonwood trees at center occur on the property near the southwestern property corner. a Map Number: 2 w�eo F Photo 14 Direction: North 1 1 210-46 Looking north across the irrigation ditch, towards Front Range Community College from a high point near the center of the property. Map Number: Photo Direction: East Looking east towards an adjoining neighborhood. 12 tf - LL LS411' a oo Y Y t' la " ?x iS a 4 ti. w'•Ya : ' .r �-fir '+br _. � .� y� � • Y,-,l.- . e.. .. Appendix B: Site Photos H W W h w 0 J W 1n H O 1n Disturbed Wetland Area Map ., - 5054 / top o _ ORANGE ILIA UE �30� _ FLAGGING -, -5087 TOP OF IXTCR 509P FLAGGING BLUE ORANGE t i ? FLAGGING �!_ _ \ _ �. 5080-— OISTLIRRED AREA =2 BW SF / / / -� �8F-` Kf LA➢�d CL_ARENDON HILLS DRIVE 50 , 80 0 80 rA ! ( IN FEET) 1 INCH = 80 FEET APRIL B. 2019 ■� NORTHERN P�gnlol� ENGINEERING � HOMESTEAD AT CLARNEDON HILLS FORT COLLINS, CO 9 Z 4 WESTBURY DR PYRENEES DR Natural Features and Habitats Map N /41, HINS04LE DR 8 4 Homestead at Clarendon Natural Features Map Clarendon at Homestead Boundary Southern Wetland Boundary wetland Buffer (50 ft. ) Roads Photo Point f-AL, O 200 QOO ftData Sources: Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting NAIP2017 Projeetiou: UTM Zone t3N, NAD 83 BLVI'. VOL NTAIN 7hc inj'wnzutwn on this map is not to be cunstmedor uw.d us a'IegaI dLa-ription.' Pur<rl houndur&N ure befiet.+rd to he uccurutc, but uvivraay is not guuruntred. Map by Red Beard Science Homestead at Clarendon Ecological Characterization Study Appendix A: Project Maps Homestead at Clarendon Ecological Characterization Study 3.0 Conclusions and Recommendations The team at Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting believes that no significant ecological resources will be adversely impacted by development because the proposed site plan will maintain mature trees and a wetland buffer along the irrigation ditch. References City of Fort Collins Floodplain Maps and Documents. http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/what-we- do/stormwater/flooding/floodnlain-maps-documents Colorado Parks and Wildlife Recommended Buffer Zones and Seasonal Restrictions for Raptors. http:Hcnw.state.co.us/Documents/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithW ildlife/RaptorBufferGuid elines2008.pdf National Wetland Inventory Mapper. Accessed on November 5, 2018. htti)://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mai)per.html Recommended Buffer Zones and Seasonal Restrictions for Colorado Raptors (https://cpw. state. co. us/Documents/ W it dlifeS peci es/LivingW ithW ildlife/RaptorB ufferGu idelines2008.Rdf). Wildlife Management Guidelines, City of Fort Collins. http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/pdf/wildlife-mana eg ment-guidelines.pdf C'. Homestead at Clarendon Ecological Characterization Study 2.10 General Ecological Functions The majority of the property is an open, mowed field. An irrigation ditch extends along the northern property boundary which supports a narrow riparian corridor comprised of herbaceous vegetation, shrubs and a few mature cottonwood trees. A small area near the western boundary is landscaped with ornamental grasses and shrubs. General ecological functions include water conveyance, groundwater recharge and wildlife habitat. Flowing water can be found in the irrigation ditch during the growing season; trees and the open field may accommodate forage, escape and thermal cover needs for small mammals. Mature trees provide vertical structure, thermal cover, nesting, roosting and forage habitat for a variety of avian species. Ecological function is limited by the property's location and local habitat fragmentation. 2.11 Timing of Development in Relation to Ecological Character The primary concern for the timing of development is protection of migratory birds. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, it is unlawful for anyone to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter or offer for sale, purchase or barter, any migratory bird or the parts, nests or eggs. Avoid removing trees between April 1 and August 15. 2.12 Mitigation Measures Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting recommends the following mitigation: • Retain all native trees and shrubs. • If tree removal is necessary, include the following note on the tree mitigation plan and/or landscape plan, as appropriate: "NO TREES SHALL BE REMOVED DURING THE SONGBIRD NESTING SEASON (FEBRUARY 1 TO JULY 31) WITHOUT FIRST HAVING A PROFESSIONAL ECOLOGIST OR WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST COMPLETE A NESTING SURVEY TO IDENTIFY ANY ACTIVE NESTS EXISTING ON THE PROJECT SITE. THE SURVEY SHALL BE SENT TO THE CITY ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER. IF ACTIVE NESTS ARE FOUND, THE CITY WILL COORDINATE WITH RELEVANT STATE AND FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES TO DETERMINE WHETHER ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON TREE REMOVAL AND CONSTRUCTION APPLY." • Re -seed disturbed soils and landscape with native xeric cool- and warm -season grasses and fortis to reduce water consumption and create pollinator habitat. • Manage noxious species that proliferate as a result of site disturbance with mechanical, cultural or chemical means. • Maintain a 50 foot buffer on the wetland per City Land Use Code 3.4.1(E) or pursue mitigation as required by the City of Fort Collins. (Army Corps of Engineers compliance is required if disturbance to the wetland is proposed.) 5 Homestead at Clarendon Ecological Characterization Study 2.5 Non-native Trees and Vegetation Non-native trees are not abundant. Observed species include Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila). Non- native forb species include prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), kochia (Kochia scoparia) and common mallow (Malva neglecta). Several species on the Colorado Noxious Weeds list were identified on the property and include Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and houndstongue (Cynoglossum offcinale). Noxious species were most abundant in or near wetland areas. Smooth brome (Bromus inermis), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and kochia are most abundant within the mowed areas of the property. 2.6 Bank, Shoreline and High Water Mark of Perennial Water According to the City of Fort Collins Floodplain Maps and Documents (https:Hgisweb.fcgov.com/HTML5 Viewer/Index.html?Viewer=FCMaps&LaverTheme=Floodt)l ains, accessed on November 5, 2018), the property is located on FEMA Map Panel 08069C 1000F. The property does not occur within a floodplain designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the City of Fort Collins. A top -of -bank feature is defined by the extent of riparian vegetation, which is the same as the wetland delineation line. 2.7 Sensitive and Specially Valued Species The property does not have potential habitat for Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei). The property has no potential habitat (weltands, floodplains) for Ute lady's tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis) or Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp. Coloradensis). There are no known occurrences of these three species on or near the property. No old or active prairie dog colonies are located on the property. No raptors or stick nests were observed on the property. 2.8 Special Habitat Features Special habitat features include the approximately 750-foot reach of the riparian/wetland area and numerous mature cottonwood trees located along the ditch. Benefit to most wildlife would mostly be transitory habitat to all but smaller wildlife species and cavity -nesting birds. The City of Fort Collins Natural Habitats and Features database did not indicate any features on or near the property. 2.9 Wildlife Migration Corridors The property is not connected to any significant wildlife migration corridors. 4 Homestead at Clarendon Ecological Characterization Study Wetland vegetation was demonstrated with the Dominance Test. Dominant hydrophytic species include reed canarygrass (Phlaris arundinaceae), three square (Schenoplectus pugens) and Nebraska sedge (Carex nebrascensis). Hydric soils were demonstrated via Depleted Matrix (173) and hydrology was demonstrated by Saturation (A3). The transition to upland status was marked by a shift in dominance to smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and other upland species. Wetland data forms are available upon request. The total wetland area is 10,084 square feet. This figure is comprised of the unvegetated irrigation ditch channel which is 2,982 square feet (considered a Water of the United States by the Army Corps of Engineers) and the vegetated banks on either side of the ditch which are 7,102 square feet. Wetland disturbances are proposed for the western end of the ditch totaling 2,830 square feet as indicated on the Disturbed Wetland Area Map in Appendix A. We believe that the wetlands will not be considered jurisdictional by the Army Corps of Engineers because the ditch terminates in uplands not far from the project site. (It should be noted that only the Corps can determine jurisdiction. A wetland delineation report is currently being prepared for submission to the Corps for jurisdictional determination.) The 50 foot wetland buffer is measured from the wetland boundary. The wetlands are not identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). The approximate location of the southern boundary of this wetland is indicated on the Natural Features Map provided in Appendix A. 2.3 Prominent Views The property occupies the foreground when traveling along Clarendon Hills Drive or Langdale Drive and frames mid -ground views of the Front Range, including Horsetooth Rock when looking to the north and west. Other surrounding views are primarily of residential neighborhoods, the Front Range Community College campus and small tracts of undeveloped land. 2.4 Native Trees and Vegetation Trees, shrubs and wetland vegetation are comprised predominantly of native species. Native trees include plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides), peachleaf willow (Salix amygdaloides), dogwood (Cornus sp.), choke cherry (Prunus virginiana), common juniper (Juniperus communis), apple (Malus sp.) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosae). Native shrubs include cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa), yucca (Yucca glauca) and raspberry (Rubus sp.) Native forb species include milkweed (Asclepias sp.), asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), ragweed (Ambrosia sp.), beggars tick (Bidens frondosa) and curly doc (Rumex crispus). Native grasses were not abundant. Observed species include blue gramma (Bouteloua gracilis), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), three square (Schoenoplectus pungens), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) and Nebraska sedge (Carex nebrascensis). 3 Homestead at Clarendon Ecological Characterization Study 1.0 Project Background The development proposal will entail the construction of eight residential lots situated east of South Shields Street and south of the Front Range Community College campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. Site conditions are illustrated in a preliminary lot plan prepared by TB Group in November of 2018 (here incorporated by reference). The property is surrounded by neighborhood roadways to the south and west, South Shields to the west and Front Range Community College to the north. The property may be the original site for the Henry and Caroline Franz log cabin, which dates from 1882. The cabin is now located at Heritage Courtyard in Fort Collins. 2.0 Ecological Characterization The elements of the Ecological Characterization Study are summarized in this section in the order listed in Section 3.4.1 (D) (1) of the Land Use Code. Site maps are provided in Appendix A; site photos are provided in Appendix B. Photo points are indicated on the Natural Features and Habitats Map in Appendix A. 2.1 Wildlife Due to the property's suburban location and human disturbance level, wildlife value is moderate. The property consists primarily of an open field (recently mowed at time of the site visit), an irrigation ditch that extends from southwest to northeast along the northern property boundary and numerous mature trees that are clustered near the northwestern property comer and along the irrigation ditch. Most wildlife use is expected to be transitional as animals travel to other small, isolated open tracts in the neighborhood. Seasonal and/or year-round use can be expected by a number of avifauna including American robin (Turdus migratorius), northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), mourning dove (Zenaidura macroura), western kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis), magpie (Pica pica), crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and raven (Corvus corax). Raptors would probably utilize the site primarily for hunting rodents and small birds. Numerous nest cavities were observed in mature cottonwood trees but stick nests were not observed. Mammals such as mice, voles, fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) and raccoon (Procyon lotor) could utilize the property year round. 2.2 Wetlands A narrow wetland occurs on each side of the irrigation ditch. The wetland on the southern side of the ditch was delineated with orange pin flags in accordance with the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Great Plains Region (Version 2.0). There was no water in the irrigation ditch at the time of sampling. 2 NlUUN lAIN April 9, 2019 Ken Mitchell 1021 Nightingale Drive Fort Collins, CO. 80525 RE: Homestead at Clarendon Ecological Characterization Study Mr. Mitchell: This report is submitted to satisfy the requirements of Section 3.4.1 (D) (1) of the Land Use Code of the City of Fort Collins regarding the preparation of an Ecological Characterization Study (ECS). This report is required by the City of Fort Collins Community Development and Neighborhood Services Department due to the presence of wetlands along an irrigation ditch near the northern property boundary of your project, Homestead at Clarendon. The site was visited by Matt Tobler with Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting on October 24, 2018. A wetland that is associated with an irrigation ditch occurs near the northern property boundary. The wetland was sampled in accordance with Army Corps of Engineer's methodologies and approximate boundaries are indicated on the attached project map. Please note that the wetland boundary should be surveyed and incorporated into subsequent versions of the site plan. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Sincerely, Matt Toler Natural Resource Specialist, Certified Ecologist Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting, LLC 937 Mallard Drive, Ft. Collins, CO 80521 * (970) 224-0851 * www.bluemountainl.net