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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASPEN HEIGHTS STUDENT HOUSING - FDP - FDP130010 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT (24)Ecological Characterization Study Aspen Heights Development Prepared for: The Frederickson Group, LLC 7711 Windsong Drive Windsor, CO 80550 Prepared by: Wildland Consultants, Inc. 1001 Jefferson Drive Berthoud, Colorado 80513 September 2011 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ………………………………………………………………….. 1 2.0 Vegetation and Wetlands ……………………………………………………. 1 2.1 Rare Plant Species …………………………………………………………… 2 3.0 Wildlife Description …………………………………………………………. 3 3.1 Species and Habitats …………………………………………………………. 2 3.2 Wildlife Corridors ……………………………………………………………. 3 3.3 Rare Wildlife Species ………………………………………………………… 3 4.0 Views …………………………………………………………………………. 4 5.0 Project Impacts ………………………………………………………………. 4 6.0 Conclusions, Proposed Mitigation ……………………………………………. 5 7.0 References …………………………………………………………………….. 6 Attachment A- Site Photographs, Concept Map, Site Aerial, Natural Habitats and Features Map 1 Ecological Characterization Study – Aspen Heights Development 1.0 Introduction The Aspen Heights development is located in northern Fort Collins, Colorado. The proposed residential development is located on a total of approximately 30.97 acres. 140 development pads are proposed for the site. Open space areas are proposed for walkways, greenbelts and the storm drain easement. The site is bounded on the north by Conifer Street, the south by proposed extension of Vine Drive, the east by Redwood Street, and the west by Blondel Street The development site is surrounded by open land, and existing residential and commercial development. Current land uses on the site include abandoned agricultural land/open space. A Concept Plan, Aerial Site Map, and Natural Areas and Features Map are provided in Attachment A. The Fort Collins Land Use Code (Section 3.4.1) recommends that an Ecological Characterization Study be completed for projects that are within 500 feet of any natural habitat or feature mapped on the Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map. A riparian forest area is mapped along the south edge of the site on the Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map (City of Fort Collins 2011). The Ecological Characterization study is also recommended if the site includes areas of unique plant life or wildlife habitat (City of Fort Collins, 2011). The 30.97 acre development site contains an active black-tailed prairie dog colony, this colony extends to the north, west and south and is larger than 50 acres. Prairie dog colonies greater than 50 acres are considered to be unique wildlife habitat areas. The Ecological Characterization study was completed by Mr. Eric Berg of Wildland Consultants, Inc. (WCI). Mr. Berg is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and Certified Professional Wetland Scientist. 2.0 Vegetation and Wetland Description Vegetation on the site is dominated by weedy grassland/pasture. Dominant plants include weedy species like kochia (Kochia scoparia), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serulia), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), and Canada thistle (Cirsium arvensis). Seeded species including smooth brome grass (Bromus inermis), crested wheatgrass (Agropryon cristatum) and a few other species are also present.. There are no native plant communities present on the development site. Site photos are included in Attachment A. A formal wetland delineation has not been completed on the site. NWI mapping does not show any wetlands within the development boundaries (NWI 2011). However, the field review of the site found narrow wetlands present associated with 2 unnamed drainages (See Attachment A Site Photos, Site Aerial Map). These 2 drainages join on the site and then connect downstream to the Lake Canal and Dry Creek. 2 The incised drainage channels support a narrow strip of wetland vegetation (approximately 3-5 feet wide). Dominant plants include: cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), cattail (Typha latifolia) plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides), coyote willow (Salix exigua), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and a few other species. Upland species adjacent to the channels included smooth brome, and other grasses and forbs. Wetland hydrology is evident in the channels. Flowing and standing water are present. Wetland soils are also present within channel bottoms (low chroma colors, soil mottling, high organic matter). Water sources include irrigation flows and drainage flows. The jurisdictional status (are these channels under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)) is not known. However, the drainages do meet the vegetation, soils and hydrology characteristics to be classified as wetlands. Noxious weeds present on the site include Canada thistle, and field bindweed. Canada and bindweed are located sporadically through the site. Russian olive trees are present sporadically along the drainage channels A riparian forest is mapped as a Natural Habitat and Feature along the southern edge of the site (City of Fort Collins 2011). Mapping on the Natural Habitat and Features map is not entirely accurate in this area (See Attachment A Site Aerial). A portion of this riparian zone extends onto the site along the unnamed drainage even though this area is not mapped as a Natural Habitat or Feature. The majority of the Riparian Forest as mapped along the southern site boundary does not exist to the west of the thicket of plains cottonwood trees that extend to the north along the unnamed drainage. 2.1 Rare Plant Species The wetland zones along the unnamed drainages provide marginal potential habitat for the Ute ladies’ tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis) and Colorado butterfly plant (Guara neomexicana). The orchid has been documented in areas with seasonally wet soils and wet meadows near springs, lakes, or perennial streams and their associated flood plains below 6,500 feet above sea level in the South Platte River Drainage (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1992). The Colorado butterfly plant typically grows on sub-irrigated alluvial soils in floodplains and drainage bottoms and in depressions along slow-moving streams (Fertig 2000, O’Kane 1988). Because these drainages are manmade, and vegetation along the drainages has been controlled (by mowing or herbicides) in the past it is unlikely that either rare plant species is present. In addition, there are no known populations of these plants located nearby within the City of Fort Collins. WCI ecologists did not observe either species on the site during an early September field reconnaissance. 3 3.0 Wildlife Description 3.1 Species and Habitat The project area provides habitat to wildlife species adapted to pasture/grasslands, and urban areas. Wildlife species likely to use the area periodically include: red fox, coyote, raccoon, striped skunk; mule deer, a variety of small mammals (deer mouse, meadow vole, house mouse, prairie dog, cottontail rabbit); a variety of birds (meadow lark, mourning dove, American robin, common grackle, common flicker, yellow warbler, house finch, English sparrow, black-billed magpie, starling, American kestrel, great horned owl, great blue heron, and many others); a few reptiles (western terrestrial garter snake, gopher snake) and amphibians (leopard frog, tiger salamander, plains spadefoot toad) (Andrews and Righter 1994, Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife 2011, Fitzgerald et al. 1998, Hammerson 1999). The site does not include any mapped key or important wildlife habitats (Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife 2011). Wildlife species or signs of species observed on the site during a summer 2011 field reconnaissance included: English sparrow, yellow warbler, common flicker, black- capped chickadee, starling, magpie, mourning dove, great blue heron, American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, great-horned owl, deer mouse, meadow vole, raccoon, striped skunk, cottontail rabbit, black-tailed prairie dog, red fox, and coyote. The development site supports a large active black-tailed prairie dog colony. This colony extends to the west, north and south off of the development site and is greater than 50 acres in size. The prairie dog colony provides a potential nesting area for burrowing owls (no burrowing owls were observed during the September 2011 field reconnaissance). The prairie dog colony also provides foraging habitat to a variety of raptors (red-tailed hawks, Swainson’s hawks and great horned owls have been observed on the site). There are no known raptor nests on the development site or adjacent areas. No raptor nests were observed during the field reconnaissance. Raptors have been observed foraging, and roosting on the site. There are no great blue heron rookeries or other important waterbird or waterfowl use areas on the site. Great blue herons may forage occasionally along the unnamed drainages. 3.2 Wildlife Corridors The unnamed drainages provide a narrow and limited wildlife movement corridor through the site to the Lake Canal and Dry Creek. Raccoons, skunks and other urban adapted species use these drainages to move through the site. 3.3 Rare Wildlife Species The site provides poor potential habitat to Federally Listed Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei). The nearest quality potential habitat is present along the Cache la Poudre River approximately 0.4 miles south and west of the site. Preferred 4 habitat for the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse includes thick shrubby riparian habitat along area streams and rivers (Armstrong et al. 1997). The nearest occupied habitat for the Preble’s mouse is along the Cache la Poudre River upstream of LaPorte. This area is approximately 10 miles west of the proposed project area. Numerous trapping efforts have resulted in no Preble’s captures in better habitat along the Cache la Poudre River, adjacent tributaries and canals (including nearby Dry Creek) downstream of LaPorte. Because of past negative trapping efforts along the Cache la Poudre River in Fort Collins and in adjacent areas there is little likelihood that the rare mouse is present along the unnamed drainages in the project area. Bald eagles (delisted but protected by the Bald Eagle Protection Act) may be present foraging in the prairie dog colony during the winter periods. The area is mapped as part of overall bald eagle winter range (Colorado Division of Wildlife 2011). Bald eagle winter concentration areas are mapped along the Cache la Poudre River approximately 5 miles downstream from the project. There are no nests or bald eagle winter roost sites on or near the proposed development. As noted previously the prairie dog colony on the site provides potential nesting habitat to the burrowing owl. No burrowing owls were observed on the site during a September 2011 field reconnaissance. 4.0 Views The area surrounding the site is already heavily developed with commercial and residential properties bordering the north, east and south sides of the development. The proposed development will be visible from surrounding roads. Offsite views towards the mountains from Conifer will altered by project construction. 5.0 Project Impacts Project construction would result in the conversion of approximately 30.97 acres of weedy grassland/pasture land to urban uses. Wetlands and Riparian Zones- Project construction would result in the alteration or diversion of one of the drainage channels in the northwest corner of the site. The other channel would remain within a storm drain easement. Prior to any work in the drainage channels the ACOE would be consulted regarding jurisdictional status. If needed a formal wetland delineation would be completed, and appropriate permits would be obtained from the ACOE. Wildlife- 5 Project construction would result in the removal of the prairie dog colony on the site. Removal methods will by approved methods as set forth in Chapter 4 of the City Code. Removal methods will also meet Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife Requirements. Removal will be completed by a licensed and approved contractor. If the removal is scheduled for the period of burrowing owl activity (March 15 to October 31) a burrowing owl survey will be completed immediately prior to prairie dog control. If burrowing owls are present the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife would be consulted and control efforts would be delayed. Removal of the prairie dog colony would remove a raptor foraging area within the City. Project construction would alter the unnamed drainages and associated wetlands on the site. The limited value wildlife movement corridor along these drainages would be removed. Rare Species- Past negative trapping along the Cache la Poudre River and adjacent tributaries in Fort Collins indicates that the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse is not present within the City. Therefore, trapping for the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse is not recommended for the site. Impacts are not expected to occur to the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse with project construction. No impacts to the Ute ladies’ tresses orchid and Colorado butterfly plant are expected to occur with project construction. The drainages provide marginal potential habitat for these species. No nearby locations for these species are present. 6.0 Conclusion, Proposed Mitigation Project construction would result in the conversion of approximately 30.97 acres of weedy grassland/pasture to urban uses. A large black-tailed prairie dog colony will be removed on site. The developer proposes the following general mitigation measures for the project. These will be refined for later submittals:  Prairie dog removal will by approved methods as set forth in Chapter 4 of the City Code. Removal methods will also meet Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife Requirements. Removal will be completed by a licensed and approved contractor.  If the prairie dog control/removal is scheduled for the period of burrowing owl activity (March 15 to October 31) a burrowing owl survey will be completed immediately prior to prairie dog control. This survey will be completed according to Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife guidelines. If burrowing owls are 6 present the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife would be consulted and control efforts would be delayed.  The ACOE will be consulted to determine if the drainages on the site are jurisdictional. Appropriate permits will be obtained if needed from the ACOE. If needed wetland mitigation will be completed according to ACOE requirements. 7.0 References Andrews, R. and R. Righter. 1992. Colorado Birds. Museum of Natural History, Denver, CO. 442pp. Armstrong, D.M., M.E. Bakeman, N.W. Clippinger, A. Deans, M. Marguiles, C.A. Meaney, C. Miller, M. O’Shea-Stone, T.R. Ryon, and M. Sanders. 1987. Report on Habitat Findings of the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse. Presented to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Colorado Division of Wildlife. City of Fort Collins. 2011. City of Fort Collins Natural Habitats & Features Inventory Map. GIS Data City of Fort Collins. 2011. City Code Section 3.4.1. Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. 2011. NDIS GIS Data. Fertig, W. 2000. Status Review of the Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis). Report prepared for the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department by the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, Laramie, WY. Fitzgerald, J.P., C.A. Meaney, D.M. Armstrong. 1994. Mammals of Colorado. Denver Museum of Natural History and University Press of Colorado. 467pp. Hammerson, G.A. 1999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado. Colorado Division of Wildlife. Denver, CO. 130pp. NationalWetland Inventory Mapping. 2011. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NWI GIS Data. O’Kane, S.L. 1988. Colorado’s rare flora. Great Basin Naturalist 48(4):434-484. Spackman, S., B. Jennings, J. Coles, C. Dawson, M. Minton, A. Kratz, and C. Spurries. 1997. Colorado Rare Plant Field Guide. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. 7 Attachment A Site Photographs, Concept Map, Site Aerial, Natural Habitats and Features Map Photo 1. View to the south from Conifer, unnamed drainage 1. Photo 2. View along drainage 1 from near west side of site to the east 8 Photo 3. View to west, location where 2 drainages join Photo 4. View to south from Conifer, unnamed drainage 2 9 Photo 5. View from NW site corner to east along Conifer Photo 6. View to east across center of site from west boundary 10 Photo 7. View to east from SW site corner Photo 8. View to north across center of site from future Vine Street 11 Photo 9. View from NE site corner (Conifer/Redwood) to south Photo 10. View to west across site from SE corner