HomeMy WebLinkAboutFORT COLLINS LDS TEMPLE - PDP - PDP120029 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTEcological Characterization Report
LDS Property
Larimer County, Colorado
prepared for:
Landmark Engineering Ltd.
3521 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland, Colorado 80537
&
John Stoddard
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
50 East North Temple Street, 10th Floor, Salt Lake City, UT 84150
prepared by:
Western Ecological Resource, Inc.
711 Walnut Street, Boulder, Colorado 80302
October 2012
Acknowledgement
Wildlife Sections prepared by:
Michael C. Figgs
Landscape, Resource, Ecosystem Planning Inc.
PO Box 5
Allenspark, CO 80501
Table of Contents
Section / Title Page
1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 Environmental Setting ............................................................................................................. 1
3.0 Methods ................................................................................................................................. 1
3.1 Vegetation .......................................................................................................................... 1
3.2 Wildlife .............................................................................................................................. 1
4.0 Vegetation Resources ............................................................................................................. 2
4.1 Agricultural Hayfield .......................................................................................................... 2
4.2 Ornamental Vegetation ....................................................................................................... 2
4.3 Irrigation Lateral ................................................................................................................. 2
4.4 Federally Listed & Sensitive Species .................................................................................... 3
4.4.1 Federally Listed Plants ................................................................................................. 3
4.4.2 Colorado Natural Heritage Program ............................................................................ 3
5.0 Wildlife Resources ................................................................................................................. 3
5.1 Wildlife Habitats................................................................................................................. 3
5.2 Federally Listed & Sensitive Species .................................................................................... 5
5.3 Colorado Natural Heritage Program .................................................................................... 5
6.0 Proposed Development .......................................................................................................... 6
6.1 Details ................................................................................................................................ 6
6.1.1 LDS Temple ................................................................................................................. 6
6.1.2 Single Family Lots ........................................................................................................ 6
7.0 Impacts .................................................................................................................................. 6
7.1 Vegetation ......................................................................................................................... 6
7.1.1 Agricultural Hayfield ................................................................................................... 6
7.1.2 Ornamental Vegetation ............................................................................................... 6
7.1.3 Irrigation Lateral .......................................................................................................... 6
7.1.4 Federally Listed & Sensitive Plant Species .................................................................... 7
7.2 Wildlife .............................................................................................................................. 7
8.0 Mitigation .............................................................................................................................. 7
8.1 Vegetation .......................................................................................................................... 7
8.1.1 Agricultural Hayfield ................................................................................................... 7
8.1.2 Ornamental Vegetation ............................................................................................... 7
8.1.3 Irrigation Lateral .......................................................................................................... 7
8.1.4 Federally Listed & Sensitive Plant Species .................................................................... 8
8.2 Wildlife .............................................................................................................................. 8
9.0 Figures ................................................................................................................................... 9
10.0 Tables ................................................................................................................................ 15
11.0 Photos ................................................................................................................................ 27
12.0 References ........................................................................................................................ 30
List of Figures
Number / Title Page
Figure 1. Project Location Map .................................................................................................. 10
Figure 2. Vicinity Map – Aerial Photo Base ................................................................................ 11
Figure 3. Vegetation & Habitat Type Map .................................................................................. 12
Figure 4. Location of Raptor Nest .............................................................................................. 13
Figure 5. Proposed Development Plan ....................................................................................... 14
List of Tables
Number / Title Page
Table 1. Plant Species List ......................................................................................................... 16
Table 2. Federally Listed Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Plants of Colorado ................. 18
Table 3. Federally & State Listed Threatened & Endangered Wildlife Species & State Listed
Species of Concern ..................................................................................................... 20
Table 4. Tree Replacement Matrix ............................................................................................. 21
Table 5. Dryland Seed Mix ........................................................................................................ 22
Table 6. Native Wetland Plantings ............................................................................................. 23
Table 7. Tallgrass Prairie Seed Mix ............................................................................................ 24
Table 8. Shortgrass Prairie Seed Mix ........................................................................................... 25
Table 9. Detention Pond Seed Mix ............................................................................................ 26
List of Photos
Number / Title Page
Photo 1. Agricultural Hayfield. Chinese elms in back, raised irrigation lateral to right ............... 28
Photo 2. The existing residence is surrounded by ornamental vegetation (10/18/12). ................. 28
Photo 3. Planted blue spruce and Ponderosa pine north of existing residence (10/18/12). .......... 29
Photo 4. Raised lateral irrigation ditch, looking north (10/18/12). ............................................... 29
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1.0 Introduction
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS Church) is developing plans to build a temple
on 16 acres of a ±35.5 acre parcel of land located southeast of the junction of East Trilby and
South Timberline Roads near Fort Collins in Larimer County, Colorado. Specifically, the property
is located in Section 17 of Township 6 North and Range 68 West (Figure 1). Single family
residences (20-25) would be built on the remaining 19.5 acres of the project site and the homes
would be clustered to preserve about 10 acres of open space.
Per the requirement of Fort Collins Land Use Code Division 3.4 Environmental, Natural Area,
Recreational and Cultural Resource Protection Standards, an Ecological Characterization Report
has been prepared to describe the natural habitats and features of the project site, assess the
potential impact of LDS Temple and future single family residential development on the
vegetation and wildlife resources of the property, and provide mitigation for potential impacts.
2.0 Environmental Setting
The LDS property is located in Larimer County near the City of Fort Collins (Figure 2). The
Westchase PUD occurs to the north across East Trilby Road and single family homes occur to the
west across South Timberline Road. Areas to the south and east are undeveloped agricultural
lands amid a few single family residences. The topography of the site slopes gently to the
southeast from a high of 4,923 feet to a low of 4,910. The property has no streams or ponded
water. An elevated irrigation lateral extends south and then east across the landscape. The
property has an agricultural land use history and is currently used to grow pasture grasses and
alfalfa. The hayfields are flood irrigated from the lateral. One single family residence is located
on the property east of South Timberline Road. Agricultural and residential land uses have
eliminated all of the native vegetation from the project site.
3.0 Methods
3.1 Vegetation
The project site is characterized by an agricultural hayfield, ornamental vegetation around the
single residence, ornamental trees along East Trilby and South Timberline Roads and Rock Castle
Lane, and some colonizing naturalized trees along the laterals and the east property line. Aerial
photography was used to map the location of these features. A site reconnaissance was used to
describe the hayfield, the vegetation along the lateral, and the species, and to confirm the
diameter and general height of ornamental and colonizing stands of trees.
Data from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (2012), the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, and
site reconnaissance was used to determine the potential presence of federally listed and sensitive
plant species, as well as plant communities of importance.
3.2 Wildlife
A site visit was conducted on October 4, 2012, with Nancy Howard, Colorado Parks & Wildlife
(CPW) District Wildlife Manager. The project site was walked and the elevated portion of the
irrigation ditch was searched for fox and coyote dens. Projects documents were reviewed, as
were the applicable portions of the Fort Collins Land Use Code and Natural Habitats & Features
Inventory Map. Online data sources were checked, specifically including the Natural Diversity
Information Source (NDIS 2012), Colorado Natural Heritage Program (2008) and Colorado
Herptofaunal Atlas (2012).
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4.0 Vegetation Resources
The vegetation of the project site is dominated by an agricultural hayfield which is flood irrigated
from an elevated ditch lateral. Potential wetlands are present in a narrow band along either side
of the lateral. In total 37 species of plants were observed on the project site, and 65% are non-
native (Table 1). There are four species listed as Colorado noxious weeds. Figure 3 and Photos 1
through 4 illustrate the vegetation resources of the project area.
4.1 Agricultural Hayfield
The agricultural hayfield is dominated by smooth brome (Bromus inermis) with minor amounts of
alfalfa (Medicago sativa), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) and timothy grass (Phleum pratense).
The hayfield is flood irrigated during the growing season and cut and baled in the fall.
4.2 Ornamental Vegetation
Ornamental vegetation including more than 100 trees is present around the existing residence and
along the property lines (Figure 3). The most common species include blue spruce (Picea
pungens), honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), green ash (Fraxinus pensylvanica), Scotch pine
(Pinus sylvestris), Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides), and
lanceleaf cottonwood (Populus x. acuminata). There are also a few peach (Prunus persica) trees,
one Norway maple (Acer platanoides) and stands of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus ssp.
melanolasius) and lilac (Syringia vulgaris) shrubs. All of the existing trees in and adjacent to the
site were inventoried by the City of Fort Collins arborist with respect to the species, diameter at
breast height, caliper, and condition. In addition, trees were identified as to whether they could
be relocated or would have to be removed. Section 7.1 details the proposed tree replacements for
the project.
4.3 Irrigation Lateral
As illustrated by Figure 3, the project site has an irrigation lateral which extends from the Mail
Creek Ditch located to the northwest and delivers water to four water rights users. The lateral
extends approximately 1,608 linear feet across the LDS Church property. The Corps has not yet
determined the jurisdictional status of the lateral. The smooth brome and alfalfa hayfield is
irrigated from the lateral. The period of time that the lateral has irrigation water is variable each
year, but is estimated at 20 days.
The width of the lateral is variable, but in general ranges from 1-2 feet in the east-west portion and
2-3 feet in the north-south portion. Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) and Emory sedge
(Carex emoryi), both wetland plants, occur along the lateral in varying widths. In addition,
noxious weeds are abundant along the ditch including field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), as well as agricultural plants such as smooth brome, alfalfa, and
a few weedy natives such as wild asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) and showy milkweed
(Asclepias speciosa). There is also a stand of mature Siberian elm trees (Ulmus pumila) along the
ditch which likely colonized the site many decades ago. Siberian elm is a non-native invasive
species and has no resource value. Figure 3 illustrates the extent of the waters of the U.S. features.
The irrigation lateral and associated wetland vegetation have a low ecological value. More
specifically, the ditch provides some groundwater recharge when it flows, but provides no
groundwater discharge or floodwater retention/peak flood reduction functions. The wetlands
provide low value erosion protection and velocity functions. Likewise, the sediment removal and
nutrient retention/removal functions are low to non-existent due to the short duration of flow and
the lack of any ponding to enable sediment and/or nutrients to settle and be taken up by plants.
These hydrology functions do not have a local value because the lateral does not convey any
stormwater flows; only irrigation water flows in the lateral. Finally, as discussed in the wildlife
section, the irrigation lateral and narrow band of adjacent wetlands provide low wildlife habitat
values.
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4.4 Federally Listed & Sensitive Species
4.4.1 Federally Listed Plants
There are seven endangered, nine threatened, four candidate, and one proposed plants listed by
the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (2012) for the State of Colorado (Table 2). However, only the
Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis) and the Ute ladies' tresses orchid
(Spiranthes diluvialis) have a potential distribution in Larimer County. The western prairie fringed
orchid(Platanthera praeclara), a plant located downstream along the Platte River in Nebraska, is of
a concern, but only to those projects that result in water depletions in the Platte River system.
This project would not result in any water depletions.
The Colorado butterfly plant is a federally threatened, short-lived perennial herbaceous plant.
This subspecies occurs primarily on subirrigated alluvial soils on level or slightly sloping
floodplains and drainage bottoms at elevations between 5,000-6,400 feet (USFWS, 2000). The
butterfly plant requires early- to mid-successional riparian habitat, and colonies are often found in
low depressions or along bends in wide, active, meandering stream channels a short distance
upslope of the actual channel (USFWS, 2000). The Colorado butterfly plant appears to require
shallow subsurface water, and it is not found where streams are deeply incised (Rocky Mountain
Heritage Task Force, 1987).
The Ute ladies’ tresses orchid is a federally threatened perennial herbaceous plant endemic to
moist soils in mesic or wet meadows near springs, lakes, or perennial streams (USFWS, 1995;
Jennings, 1990). In Colorado, the elevational range of known Ute ladies’ tresses orchid
populations is between 4,500 and 6,800 feet (Spackman et al., 1997). This orchid prefers sites
with permanent sub-irrigation such as floodplains where the water table is near the surface
throughout the growing season and into the late summer or early autumn (USFWS, 1995;
Jennings, 1990).
Based upon observed conditions, it was concluded that the project site does not provide
appropriate habitat for either of these plants.
4.4.2 Colorado Natural Heritage Program
A records search for the vicinity of the project site was conducted of the online Colorado Natural
Heritage Program (CNHP) database for element occurrence records (EOR's) for threatened,
endangered and sensitive plant species and communities (Colorado Natural Heritage Program
2008 and 2012). This database was also checked for the presence of sites of biodiversity
significance, known as Potential Conservation Areas (PCA's), on or near the project site. No EORs
or PCAs occur on or adjacent to the project site. Nearby EOR's for plants include sweet flag
(Acorus calamus, G4/SH), American currant (Ribes americanum, G5/S2), bell's twinpod (Physaria
bellii, G2/G2/S2S3), and dwarf milkweed (Asclepias uncials ssp. uncialis, G3G4/S2). Nearby
natural communities tracked by the CNHP include broadleaf/narrowleaf cattail marsh (Typha
latifolia/angustifolia) ranked as G5S4 and saltgrass saline prairie (Distichlis spicata) ranked as
G5/S3. None of these plants and plant communities or any other tracked by the CNHP occur on
the project site.
5.0 Wildlife Resources
5.1 Wildlife Habitats
The project site is used for irrigated hayfield, vegetated primarily with alfalfa and smooth brome,
with some tree plantings, and one residence. Accordingly, no native habitat is present. The
irrigation ditch and the raised ditch embankment are vegetated mostly with smooth brome, thus
resembling the adjacent hayfield from a habitat perspective. There are no permanent water bodies
or ponds, and no wetlands of significance. The following special habitat features are addressed
herein, per the Fort Collins Land Use Code.
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1. Raptor habitat. No stick nests were observed on the project site. However, a large stick nest
was observed off of the project site in a large plains cottonwood on the west side of South
Timberline Road, approximately 50 yards south of East Trilby Road (Figure 4). Since the stick
nest is relatively large, it is presumed that it was built by red-tailed hawks. However, the nest
could also be used by great horned owls or Swainson's hawks. It is assumed that the project
site is part of the hunting area used by whatever hawks or owls use the nest site.
Bald eagle habitat is located to the east of the project site at Fossil Creek Reservoir and to the
south along Fossil Creek. None of the mapped habitats for this species, including winter
concentration area, winter forage, communal roost and summer forage, are found on the
project site (NDIS 2012).
2. Concentration areas for nesting and migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. There are no
permanent water features or significant wetlands on the project site, and therefore no
concentration areas for waterfowl or shorebirds are present.
3. Migratory songbird concentration areas. Migratory songbirds are expected to make use of the
project site in spring and fall, utilizing primarily the trees scattered throughout the area. There
is no exceptional migratory habitat present, such as riparian woodland with extensive
wetlands that would attract concentrations of migrants. The areas with trees tend to lack
structural diversity, such as a well-developed shrub understory and a wide range of tree age
classes.
4. Key nesting areas for grassland birds. There is no native prairie on the project site, and
therefore no key nesting areas for grassland birds are present.
5. Fox and coyote dens. The embankment for the elevated portion of the irrigation ditch is the
most likely area for dens on the project site, as the rest of the site has flat topography and
much of the flat area is irrigated. This embankment was searched and no dens were found.
6. Mule Deer Concentration Area. According to NDIS (2012) the project site is not within a
mapped concentration area or migration corridor. The project site also lacks the appropriate
habitat, such as an abundance of cover and browse.
7. Prairie dog colonies. No prairie dogs were observed on the project site. Irrigated hayfield is
not conducive to the establishment of prairie dog colonies.
8. Concentration areas for rare, migrant, or resident butterflies. Concentration areas for rare
butterflies are typically determined by the presence of the suitable host plants within habitats
that are within the range of the specific butterfly species of concern. No rare butterflies are
expected on the project site, since there are no native vegetation communities on the project
site, no non-native stands of vegetation with a native grass/forb component, and no significant
wetlands with a native grass/forb component.
9. Areas of high terrestrial or aquatic insect diversity. Since there are no native stands of
vegetation, or significant wetlands, no area of high insect diversity is expected on the project
site.
10. Irrigation ditches that serve as wildlife corridors. There is little vegetation along the irrigation
ditches except the grass smooth brome. There are few trees and shrubs along the ditches that
would provide cover, and cover is a key element of a movement corridor. In addition, much
of the east/west irrigation ditch is elevated above the adjacent fields, and therefore is highly
exposed.
5
5.2 Federally Listed & Sensitive Species
Table 3 lists the federal and state listed endangered and threatened species, and State of Colorado
listed "Species of Special Concern" (CDOW 2012) that are potentially found on the project site.
Bald eagle habitat is located to the east of the project site at Fossil Creek Reservoir and to the
south along Fossil Creek. None of the mapped habitats for this species, including winter
concentration area, winter forage, communal roost and summer forage, are found on the project
site (NDIS 2012).
Ferruginous hawks inhabit the eastern plains of Colorado in open, arid grasslands. This species
often hunts in prairie dog towns during the winter months (Andrews and Righter 1992, Kingery
1998). There is a low probability of occurrence on the project site, with occasional individuals
possible hunting on the project site for brief periods in winter. The project site does not have
breeding habitat for this species.
The yellow-billed cuckoo inhabits dense riparian woodlands. This species nests in shrubs and
trees within the riparian canopy, and is known to nest in the Front Range area (Andrews and
Righter 1992, Kingery 1998). There is a low probability of occurrence on the project site as there
is no appropriate riparian woodland habitat, and the tree stands that are present do not have well
developed shrub understories.
The project site is within the overall range of Preble's meadow jumping mouse (NDIS 2012). The
mouse inhabits riparian shrublands on the plains and lower foothills (Fitzgerald et al. 1994). The
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service did not identify the project site to be within the species critical
habitat (USFWS 2012). The project site does not have the appropriate riparian habitat required by
this species.
Black-tailed prairie dogs form large colonies on the shortgrass prairie and agricultural land on the
plains of Larimer County, but there are no colonies on the project site. Prairie dogs are not
expected in areas such as the project site with flood irrigation.
The swift fox inhabits and breeds on vast expanses of shortgrass prairie, including eastern Larimer
County (Fitzgerald et al. 1994, NDIS 2012). In the past, Colorado populations have been greatly
reduced by hunting, trapping, and poisoning. Due to the absence of natural prairie habitat on the
project site and in the neighborhood, there is a very low probability of occurrence on the project
site.
The common garter snake is generally restricted to aquatic, wetland, and riparian habitat and is
seldom found away from water (Hammerson 1999). It remains common within portions of its
range and declining in other areas due in part to loss of habitat in the Front Range Urban Corridor.
The Colorado Herptofaunal Atlas (2012) has records in the Fossil Creek Reservoir area. The
probability of this species occurring on the project site is low as the appropriate aquatic, wetland
and riparian habitat is not present.
5.3 Colorado Natural Heritage Program
A records search for the vicinity of the project site was conducted of the online Colorado Natural
Heritage Program (CNHP) data base for element occurrence records (EOR's) for threatened,
endangered and sensitive wildlife species (Colorado Natural Heritage Program 2008 and 2012).
This data base was also checked for the presence of sites of biodiversity significance, known as
Potential Conservation Areas (PCA's), on or near the project site. Nearby EOR's included
documentation for the bald eagle and black-tailed prairie dog. Fossil Creek Reservoir east of the
project site is included in the South Platte River PCA. This PCA includes most of the South Platte
River in northeastern Colorado and associated large reservoirs. The PCA is justified primarily by
multiple occurrences of the bald eagle, and secondarily on waterfowl and shorebird populations.
6
As discussed above, the project site does not include habitat for the bald eagle, waterfowl, or
shorebirds.
6.0 Proposed Development
6.1 Details
6.1.1 LDS Temple
As illustrated by Figure 5, the temple would be built on the northwest corner of the property on
approximately 16 acres of land recently annexed by the City of Fort Collins. The LDS Temple
would be approximately 30,000 ft2 in size with a 100 foot tall steeple. The temple would be
accessed by Majestic Road with would arch from South Timberline Road to East Trilby Road. The
temple would be surrounded by several plazas and a fountain, and have approximately 280
parking spaces to the south. There would also be an associated residence for the temple
president. Stormwater from the development would be either directed east into a bioswale or to
the south into a stormwater quality detention pond.
Associated with the temple construction, South Timberline Road would also be improved to
include a vertical curb and bike lane. This would result in additional disturbance of non-native
grassland as well as two native plains cottonwood trees (Populus deltoides). As discussed in more
detail in Section 7.2, one of these trees contains a raptor nest.
6.1.2 Single Family Lots
The remaining 19.5 acres of land would be developed consistent with estate residential zoning.
Approximately 20-25 single family residences would be built and the homes would be clustered
to preserve at least 50% of the area, or approximately 10 acres of open space. Prior to
development, however, the site would be regraded to provide positive drainage for the LDS
temple development and seeded with an erosion control seed mix.
7.0 Impacts
7.1 Vegetation
7.1.1 Agricultural Hayfield
These developments would eliminate all of the agricultural hayfield and the site would no longer
be used for agricultural purposes.
7.1.2 Ornamental Vegetation
The ornamental trees would be relocated to the extent feasible, however any planted shrubs or
perennial flower beds would be removed. As shown in Table 4, a total of 48 trees would be
relocated and another 56 would be removed.
7.1.3 Irrigation Lateral
Development of the project site would require the relocation of the irrigation lateral. As
illustrated by Figure 5, a 27 inch pipe would convey the water east to the northeast property
boundary and then south to the diversion box on the east property boundary. The relocation and
piping of the lateral would result in an impact of 17,775 ft2 to potential waters of the U.S. features,
including the ditch channel and adjacent hydrophytes.
7
7.1.4 Federally Listed & Sensitive Plant Species
There would be no impacts to federally listed or sensitive plant species/communities because
none occur on the project site.
7.2 Wildlife
The only wildlife feature of note is the large raptor nest located to the west of the project site
across South Timberline Road (Figure 4). The nest is due west of the proposed temple site and is
proposed to be removed for improvements to South Timberline Road. Recommended actions are
1) visit the site in mid-February in order to determine if the site is being used by red-tailed hawks
or great horned owls, and 2) visit the nest site again during the last week of April to determine if
Swainson's hawks are present. If the nest site is active, then 3) a consultation should take place
with CPW and City staff in order to determine the appropriate temporary buffer based upon site
specific details.
There would be no impacts to local wildlife species. The single family lots portion of the project
site is well beyond all recommended buffers for the raptor nest located to the west of the project
site. The only recommended action is to conduct a raptor nest clearance survey in advance of site
clearing work, such as overlot grading or major utility construction, if this work is scheduled to
take place between February 15 and July 15.
8.0 Mitigation
8.1 Vegetation
8.1.1 Agricultural Hayfield
Following the overlot grading, the hayfield will be seeded with the dryland seed mix of Table 5.
This seed mix will stabilize the site, prevent erosion, and protect adjacent properties from
siltation.
8.1.2 Ornamental Vegetation
As shown in Table 4, a total of 180 trees would be planted to replace the 56 trees removed and
48 relocated.
8.1.3 Irrigation Lateral
Impacts to the low value functions of the irrigation lateral will be mitigated in the bioswale and
surrounding area (±60,000 ft²), and in the detention pond area (±15,000 ft²) (Figure 5). The
bioswale, to be located on the northeast corning of the project site, would have three small basins
which will pond water from the temple area to the west. Storm events and the sprinkle irrigation
system for the landscaping will generate a small flow of water which will be ponded to a
maximum depth of about 12 inches. The water level of the ponds will likely vary between storm
events. The bioswale will have three native habitats characterized by a high diversity of native
plants common to prairie ecosystems in eastern Colorado. The bottom of the swale will be a
wetland, the moist soil habitat around the swale would be dominated by a tallgrass prairie, and a
shortgrass prairie will surround the tallgrass prairie.
The wetland will be will be seeded and/or planted with the native wetland grasses, sedges, rushes
and forbs of Table 6. The trees and shrubs of Table 6 would be planted around the wetland and
in the upland habitats surrounding the wetland. The tallgrass prairie on the saturated soils habitat
surrounding the wetland will be seeded and/or planted with the six tall grass species of Table 7.
The drier upland habitat surround the tall grass prairie will be seeded with the short grass prairie
seed mix of Table 8. This seed mix is characterized by seven grasses and 8 attractive flowering
forbs.
8
The detention pond, to be located south of the parking lot, will be seeded with the seed mix of
Table 9. This seed mix includes both wetland and upland species because the stormwater runoff
will not be ponded and thus the soils will be alternately both wet and dry. The area northwest of
the detention pond will be seeded to the short grass prairie seed mix of Table 8.
These native plant communities will have high value hydrology, water quality and wildlife
functions that will replace the low value functions of the irrigation lateral. Specifically, with
regard to hydrology functions they will recharge the groundwater table, control erosion, retain
stormwater flows, and reduce flood peak flows. Major water quality functions include sediment
removal and nutrient retention and removal. The native habitats will be composed of native
species and they will have structural diversity and seasonal water. These attributes will provide
food, water, and cover for birds and small mammals.
8.1.4 Federally Listed & Sensitive Plant Species
No federally listed or sensitive plant species/communities would be impacted, therefore, no
mitigation is required.
8.2 Wildlife
The only recommended actions are to conduct a raptor nest clearance survey in advance of site
clearing work, such as overlot grading or major utility construction, if this work is scheduled to
take place between February 15 and July 15. Regarding the existing raptor nest off the project
site, recommended actions are 1) visit the site in mid-February in order to determine if the site is
being used by red-tailed hawks or great horned owls, and 2) visit the nest site again during the last
week of April to determine if Swainson's hawks are present. If the nest site is active, then 3) a
consultation should take place with CPW and City staff in order to determine the appropriate
temporary buffer based upon site specific details.
9
9.0 Figures
105°1'0"W
105°1'0"W
105°2'0"W
105°2'0"W
105°3'0"W
105°3'0"W
105°4'0"W
105°4'0"W
40°31'0"N
40°31'0"N
40°30'0"N
40°30'0"N
40°29'0"N
40°29'0"N
40°28'0"N
40°28'0"N
±
Scale000 1:40,
"Property Figure 1. LDS Project Church Location Map
BASE: USGS 7.5' Loveland, Colorado Quadrangle
COLORADO
Map Location
10
105°0'0"W
105°0'0"W
105°1'0"W
105°1'0"W
105°2'0"W
105°2'0"W
105°3'0"W
105°3'0"W
105°4'0"W
105°4'0"W
105°5'0"W
105°5'0"W
40°32'0"N
40°32'0"N
40°31'0"N
40°31'0"N
40°30'0"N
40°30'0"N
40°29'0"N
40°29'0"N
40°28'0"N
40°28'0"N
40°27'0"N
40°27'0"N
Scale ±1:60,000
Figure LDS Church 2. Vicinity Property Map
Background: Bing Maps Aerial
Legend
LDS Property Boundary
11
Hayfield
Existing Residence
OrnamentalWetlands Trees Potential
Potential Wetlands
Figure 3. LDS Vegetation Church Type Property Map
Legend
LDS Property Boundary
Irrigation Lateral
Habitat Types
Potential Wetlands
Hayfield
Ornamental Trees
Existing Residence
Wetland/Irrigation Irrigation Lateral = Lateral 2,914 sf Area
Wetlands TOTAL = 17,= 14,775 861 sf (sf 0.408 ac)
1 inch = 167 feet
±
Date: October 2012
Scale 1:2,000
Honey Locust
Siberian Elms
Scotch Pine
Scotch Pine
Scotch Ponderosa Pine Pine &
Blue Spruce
Green Ash
Rock Castle Lane
East Trilby Road
South Timberline Road
12
^_
FOSSIL CREEK WETLANDS NATURAL AREA
FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR
FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR
Figure City 4. Natural Location Areas of Raptor and Habitats Nest &
Legend LDS Church Property
LDS Property Boundary
^_ Large raptor nest
City of Ft. Collins Natural Areas
Natural Habitats
1 inch = 500 feet
±
Date: October 2012
Scale 1:6,000
13
14
15
10.0 Tables
16
Table 1. Plant Species List
TABLE 1
Plant Species List
LDS Property
Page 1 of 2
Scientific Name Common Name Family Origin*
Trees
Acer platanoides Norway maple Aceraceae I
Fraxinus pensylvanica Green Ash Oleaceae I
Gleditsia triacanthos Honey locust Fabaceae N
Picea pungens Blue spruce Pinaceae N
Pinus ponderosa Ponderosa pine Pinaceae N
Pinus sylvestris Scots pine Pinaceae I
Populus deltoides Plains cottonwood Salicaceae N
Populus x acuminata Smoothbark cottonwood Salicaceae N
Prunus persica Peach Rosaceae I
Ulmus pumila Chinese elm Ulmaceae I
Shrubs
Caragana arborescens Peatree Fabaceae I
Prunus americana Wild plum Rosaceae N
Rhus trilobata Skunk brush Anacardiaceae N
Rosa woodsii Wood rose Rosaceae N
Rubus idaeus spp. melanolasius Red raspberry Rosaceae N
Syringia vulgaris Common lilac Oleaceae I
Perennial Graminoids
Bromus inermis Smooth brome Poaceae I
Carex emoryi Emory sedge Cyperaceae N
Dactylis glomerata Orchardgrass Poaceae I
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass Poaceae N
Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canarygrass Poaceae I
Phleum pratense Timothy Poaceae I
Perennial Forbs
Asclepias speciosa Showy milkweed Asclepiadaceae N
Asparagus officinalis Asparagus Liliaceae I
Cirsium arvense (Breea) Canada thistle Asteraceae I+
Convolvulus arvensis Field bindweed Convolvulaceae I+
Linaria vulgaris Yellow Toadflax Scrophulariaceae I+
Medicago sativa Alfalfa Fabaceae I
Plantago lanceolata English plantain Plantaginaceae I
Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Asteraceae I
Tithymalus esula (Euphorbia esula var. esula) Leafy spurge Euphorbiaceae I+
Annual/Biennial Forbs
Bassia sieversiana (Kochia scoparia) Kochia Chenopodiaceae I
Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce Asteraceae I
17
TABLE 1
Plant Species List
LDS Property
Page 2 of 2
Scientific Name Common Name Family Origin*
Physalis virginiana Virginia ground-cherry Solanaceae N
Sisymbrium altissimum Tumble mustard Brassicaceae I
Tragopogon dubius Salsify Asteraceae I
Annual Graminoids
Setaria viridis Green foxtail Poaceae I
Plants observed during site reconnaissance in October 2012.
* N = Native, I = Introduced, I+ = Colorado Noxious Weed
18
Table 2. Federally Listed Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Plants of Colorado
TABLE 2
Federally Listed Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Plants of Colorado
Page 1 of 2
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status
Colorado
Distribution
Habitat
Astragalus humillimus Mancos milkvetch Endangered Montezuma Rock ledges in pinyon-juniper woodland, 5,500-
5,850 ft.
Astragalus microcymbus Skiff milkvetch Candidate Gunnison, Saguache Open, park-like landscapes in sagebrush shrubland on
rocky or cobbly, moderate to steep slopes of hills and
draws, 7,600-8,400 ft.
Astragalus osterhoutii Osterhout milkvetch Endangered Grand Seleniferous clay soils in big sagebrush shrubland,
7,400-7,900 ft.
Astragalus schmolliae Schmoll milkvetch Candidate Montezuma Mature pinyon-juniper woodlands, 6,800 - 7,000 ft.
Astragalus tortipes Sleeping Ute milk-vetch Candidate Montezuma Desert scrub -Mancos shale, 5,400-5,700 ft.
Eriogonum pelinophilum Clayloving wild buckwheat Endangered Delta, Montrose Mancos shale badlands in saltbrush shrubland, 5,200 -
6,400 ft.
Eutrema penlandii Penland alpine fen mustard Threatened Park, Summit Moist calcareous alpine habitats, 12,300 - 13,100 ft.
Gaura neomexicana
ssp. coloradensis
Colorado butterfly plant Threatened Boulder, Broomfield,
Douglas, Jefferson,
Larimer, Weld
Sub-irrigated, alluvial soils of drainage bottoms, 5,800-
6,200 ft.
Ipomopsis polyantha Pagosa skyrocket Endangered Archuleta Pagosa-Winifred soils derived fom Mancos shale,
6,800-7,200 ft.
Lesquerella congesta Dudley bluffs bladderpod Threatened Rio Blanco Barren, white shale outcrops of the Green River and
Uinta Formations, 6,000-6,700 ft.
Pediocactus knowltonii Knowlton cactus Endangered La Plata Alluvial deposits in pinyon-juniper and big sagebrush,
6,400 ft.
Penstemon grahamii Graham beardtongue Proposed
Threatened
Rio Blanco Calcareous soils derived from oil shale barrens of the
Green River Formation. Sparsely vegetated pinyon-
juniper and desert shrub communities, 4,690-6,760 ft.
Penstemon debilis Parachute beardtongue Threatened Garfield
Oil shale outcrops, on south-facing, steep white shale
talus on the Mahogany Zone of the Parachute Creek
Member of the Green River Formation, 8,000-9,000 ft.
Penstemon penlandii Penland beardtongue Endangered Grand Barrens -Troublesome Formation, 7,500 -7,700 ft.
19
TABLE 2
Federally Listed Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Plants of Colorado
Page 2 of 2
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status
Colorado
Distribution
Habitat
Penstemon scariosus
albifluvis
White River beardtongue Candidate Rio Blanco Mixed desert shrub, pinyon-juniper, in shales of Green
River Formation, 5,000-7,200 ft.
Phacelia formosula North Park phacelia Endangered Jackson, Larimer Barrens-sandstone outcrops Coalmont Formation,
8,000-8,500 ft.
Phacelia submutica DeBeque phacelia Threatened Garfield, Mesa Sparsely vegetated steep slopes in clay of Wasatch
Formation, 4,700-6,200 ft.
Physaria obcordata Dudley Bluffs twinpod Threatened Rio Blanco Barrens -Green River Formation, 5,900 -7,500 ft.
Sclerocactus glaucus Colorado hookless cactus Threatened Delta, Garfield,
Mesa, Montrose
Desert shrub, 4,500-6,000 ft.
Sclerocactus mesae-verdae Mesa Verde cactus Threatened Montezuma Shale or adobe clay badlands, 4,000-5,000 ft.
Spiranthes diluvialis Ute ladies' tresses orchid Threatened Adams, Arapahoe,
Boulder, Broomfield,
Denver, Douglas,
Eagle, ElPaso,
Garfield, Jefferson,
Larimer, Moffat,
Morgan, Pitkin, Weld
Sub-irrigated, alluvial soils along streams, 4,500-
6,800 ft.
Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website. www. fws.gov. List current as of October 26, 2012.
20
Table 3. Federally & State Listed Threatened & Endangered Wildlife Species & State Listed Species of Concern
TABLE 3
Federally & State Listed Endangered & Threatened Wildlife Species
& State Listed Species of Concern
Common Name Scientific Name Status*
Birds
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus SC
Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis SC
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus SC
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia ST
Mammals
Preble’s Meadow Jumping
Mouse
Zapus hudsonius preblei FT/ST
Black-tailed Prairie Dog Cynomys ludovicianus SC
Swift Fox Vulpes velox SC
Reptiles
Common garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis SC
*Status Codes:
FE = Federally Endangered
FT = Federally Threatened
SE = State Endangered
ST = State Threatened
SC = State Special Concern (not a statutory category)
21
Table 4. Tree Replacement Matrix
TABLE 4
Tree Replacement Matrix
LDS Property
Scientific Name
Common Name
No. Removed
No. Relocated
Mitigation
Requirement
Fraxinus pensylvanica Green ash 17 0 41
Gleditsia triacanthos Honey locust 2 1 6
Pinus sylvestris Scotch pine 4 2 9
Pinus ponderosa Ponderosa pine 1 6 14.5
Picea pungens Blue spruce 8 39 95.5
Prunus persica Peach 5 0 5
Acer platanoides Norway maple 1 0 3
Ulmus pumila Chinese elm 14 0 None
Populus deltoides Plains
cottonwood
3 0 5
Populus x. acuminata Lance leaf
cottonwood
1 0 3
Total 56 Removed 48 Relocated 180
Mitigation
Trees
Required
Table derived from Existing Tree Analysis & Matrix (Landmark Engineering Oct. 2012)
22
Table 5. Dryland Seed Mix
TABLE 5
Dryland Seed Mix
LDS Church Property
Scientific Name
Common Name
Variety
Seeding Rate
PLS lbs./acre*
Elymus trachycaulus Slender wheatgrass San Luis 1
Pascopyrum smithii Western wheatgrass Arriba 1
Psathyrostachys juncea Russian wildrye Vindall 3
Thinoppyrum intermedium Intermediate wheatgrass Greenar 2.5
Thinopyrum intermedium
ssp. barbulatum
Pubescent wheatgrass Manska 2.5
Total 10
* Drill seed rate. Double application for broadcast methods.
23
Table 6. Native Wetland Plantings
TABLE 6
Native Wetland Plantings
LDS Church Property
Scientific Name
Common Name
Wetland
Status*
Trees
Populus deltoides Plains cottonwood FAC
Salix amygdaloides Peachleaf willow FACW
Shrubs
Prunus Americana American plum FACU
Prunus virginiana
ssp. melanocarpa
Chokecherry FACU
Rhus triobata Skunkbrush sumac NI
Ribes aureum Golden currant FACU
Rosa woodsii Woods rose FACU
Grasses
Beckmannia syzigachne Sloughgrass OBL
Glyceria grandis American mannagrass OBL
Poa palustris Fowl bluegrass FACW
Sedges & Rushes
Carex nebrascensis Nebraska sedge OBL
Eleocharis palustris Creeping spikerush OBL
Juncus torreyi Torrey’s rush FACW
Scirpus acutus Hardstem bulrush OBL
Scirpus pungens Threesquare bulrush OBL
Scirpus paludosus Alkali bulrush OBL
Forbs
Acorus calamus Sweetflag OBL
Asclepias incorata Swamp milkweed OBL
Helianthus nuttallii Marsh sunflower FAC
Helenium autumnale Sneezeweed FACW
Iris missouriensis Rocky Mountain iris FACW
Ranunculus macounii Macoun's buttercup OBL
Sagittaria latifolia Arrowhead OBL
Sparganium eurycarpum Burreed OBL
*Wetland Status (2012 Great Plains List)
OBL = Obligate Wetland
FACW = Facultative Wetland
FAC = Facultative
FACU = Facultative Upland
UPL = Obligate Upland
NI = No Indicator (insufficient information)
24
Table 7. Tallgrass Prairie Seed Mix
TABLE 7
Tallgrass Prairie Seed Mix
LDS Church Property
Scientific Name
Common Name
Seeding Rate
PLS lbs./acre*
Grasses
Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem 4
Bouteloua curtipendula Sideoats grama 2
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass 1
Sorghastrum nutans Indiangrass 3
Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluestem 3
Spartina pectinata Prairie cordgrass 2
Total Grasses 15
* Drill seed rate. Double application for broadcast methods.
25
Table 8. Shortgrass Prairie Seed Mix
TABLE 8
Shortgrass Prairie Seed Mix
LDS Church Property
Scientific Name
Common Name
Seeding Rate
PLS lbs./acre*
Grasses
Aristida purpurea Red threeawn 2
Buchloe dactyloides Buffalograss 4
Chondrosum gracile Blue grama 3
Elymus elymoides Squirreltail 1
Pascopyrum smithii Western wheatgrass 3½
Poa secunda Sandberg bluegrass ½
Stipa comata Needle and thread 2½
Total Grasses 16½
Forbs
Artemisia frigida Fringed sage 1/16
Erysimum asperum Plains wallflower 1/16
Gaillardia aristata Blanket flower 1/4
Ipomopsis aggregate Scarlet gilia 1/4
Liatris punctata Gayfeather 1/4
Ratibida columnifera Prairie coneflower 1/4
Rudbeckia hirta Gloriosa daisy 1/16
Sphaeralcea coccinea Scarlet globemallow 1/16
Total Forbs 1 1/4
Grand Total 17 3/4
* Drill seed rate. Double application for broadcast methods.
26
Table 9. Detention Pond Seed Mix
TABLE 9
Detention Pond Seed Mix
LDS Church Property
Scientific Name
Common Name
Seeding Rate
PLS lbs./acre
Grasses
Glyceria striata Fowl mannagrass 3
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass 2
Pascopyrum smithii Western wheatgrass 3
Poa palustris Fowl bluegrass ¼
Puccinellia airoides Nuttall alkaligrass ¼
Spartina pectinata Prairie cordgrass 3
Sporobolous airoides Alkali sacaton ½
Total Grasses 12
Sedges & Rushes
Carex lanuginosa Wooly sedge 2
Carex praegracilis Clustered field sedge ¾
Eleocharis palustris Creeping spikerush 1
Scirpus paludosus Alkali bulrush 2
Scirpus pungens Threesquare bulrush 2
Total Sedges & Rushes 7 3/4
Forbs
Asclepias incarnata Swamp milkweed 1
Helenium autumnale Sneezeweed ¼
Helianthus nuttallii Marsh sunflower 1
Polygonum pensylvanica Giant smartweed 2
Solidago canadensis Canada goldenrod 1/8
Total Forbs 4 3/8
GRAND TOTAL 24 1/8
* Drill seed rate. Double application for broadcast methods.
27
11.0 Photos
28
Photo 1. Agricultural Hayfield. Chinese elms in back, raised irrigation lateral to right (10/18/12).
Photo 2. The existing residence is surrounded by ornamental vegetation (10/18/12).
29
Photo 3. Planted blue spruce and Ponderosa pine north of existing residence (10/18/12).
Photo 4. Raised lateral irrigation ditch, looking north (10/18/12).
30
12.0 References
Andrews, Robert and Robert Righter. 1992. Colorado Birds. A Reference to Their Distribution and
Habitat. Denver Museum of Natural History.
Colorado Division of Wildlife. 2012. Colorado Listing of Endangered, Threatened, and Wildlife
Species of Concern [Online]. Available:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/SpeciesOfConcern/ThreatenedEndangeredList/Pages/Li
stOfThreatenedAndEndangeredSpecies.aspx [Last accessed October 15, 2012].
Colorado Herpetofaunal Atlas. 2012. [Online]. Available:
http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/herpatlas/coherpatlasD/viewer.htm [Last accessed October 15,
2012]. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S.A.
Colorado Natural Heritage Program. 2012. Biodiversity Tracking and Conservation System. Colorado
State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S.A. Tracked Vascular Plant Species. [Online].
Available: http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/tracking/vascular.html [Last accessed March 28,
2012].
Colorado Natural Heritage Program. 2008. State-wide Potential Conservation Areas and State-wide
Elements by Quad (August 2008), Arc View Shapefiles. [Online]. Available:
http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/gis.html [Last accessed March 28, 2012].
Fitzgerald, James P, and Carron A. Meaney and David M. Armstrong. 1994. Mammals of Colorado.
Denver Museum of Natural History and University Press of Colorado.
Hammerson, Geoffrey A. 1999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado. Second Edition. University
Press of Colorado and Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Jennings, William F. 1990. Final Report. Species studied: Spiranthes diluvialis, Sisyrinchium
pallidum. Report for the Nature Conservancy under the Colorado Natural History Small Grants
Program. The Nature Conservancy, Boulder, Colorado.
Kingery, Hugh E. (Ed.). 1998. Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership.
Natural Diversity Information Source (NDIS). 2012. Colorado Division of Wildlife. Wildlife Species
Page [Online]. Available: http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/wildlife.asp [Last accessed October 15,
2012].
Rocky Mountain Heritage Task Force. 1987. Field inventory and demographic studies of the Colorado
butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis) in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming.
The Nature Conservancy, Denver.
Spackman, S., et al. 1997. Colorado Rare Plant Field Guide. Prepared for the Bureau of Land
Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by the Colorado
Natural Heritage Program.
US Fish & Wildlife Service. 2012. Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse Critical Habitat. [Online].
Available: http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/mammals/preble/CRITICAL
HABITAT/CRITICALHABITATindex.htm[Last accessed October 15, 2012].
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2000. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants: Threatened
status for the Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis) from southeastern
Wyoming, Northcentral Colorado, and extreme western Nebraska, Final Rule.
31
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1995. Ute Ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) recovery plan. U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, Colorado.