HomeMy WebLinkAboutLDS TEMPLE (OF FORT COLLINS) - FDP - FDP130029 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTNatural Habitat Buffer Zones
Mitigation & Monitoring Plan
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, Utah 84150
prepared by:
Western Ecological Resource, Inc.
711 Walnut Street, Boulder, Colorado 80302
July 2013
Table of Contents
Section / Title Page
1.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 Environmental Setting ............................................................................................................ 1
3.0 Southwest Natural Habitat ..................................................................................................... 1
3.1 Habitat Types to Create ...................................................................................................... 1
3.2 Site Characteristics .............................................................................................................. 1
3.3 Wetland ............................................................................................................................. 2
3.3.1 Landform & Soils.......................................................................................................... 2
3.3.2 Hydrology .................................................................................................................... 2
3.3.3 Vegetation ................................................................................................................... 2
3.4 Tallgrass Prairie .................................................................................................................. 2
3.4.1 Landform & Soils.......................................................................................................... 2
3.4.2 Hydrology .................................................................................................................... 2
3.4.3 Vegetation ................................................................................................................... 2
3.5 Shortgrass Prairie ................................................................................................................ 2
3.5.1 Landform, Soils & Nutrients ......................................................................................... 2
3.4.2 Hydrology .................................................................................................................... 3
3.4.3 Vegetation ................................................................................................................... 3
4.0 Northeast Natural Habitat ...................................................................................................... 3
4.1 Natural Habitats to Create ................................................................................................... 3
4.2 Site Characteristics .............................................................................................................. 3
4.3 Wetland ............................................................................................................................. 3
4.3.1 Landform & Soils.......................................................................................................... 3
4.3.2 Hydrology .................................................................................................................... 3
4.3.3 Vegetation ................................................................................................................... 3
4.4 Tallgrass Prairie .................................................................................................................. 4
4.4.1 Landform & Soils.......................................................................................................... 4
4.4.2 Hydrology .................................................................................................................... 4
4.4.3 Vegetation ................................................................................................................... 4
4.5 Shortgrass Prairie ................................................................................................................ 4
4.5.1 Landform & Soils.......................................................................................................... 4
4.5.2 Hydrology .................................................................................................................... 4
4.5.3 Vegetation ................................................................................................................... 4
5.0 Maintenance & Monitoring Plan ............................................................................................. 5
5.1 Success Criteria .................................................................................................................. 5
5.2 Maintenance Activities ........................................................................................................ 5
5.2.1 Tree, Shrub & Herbaceous Plantings............................................................................. 6
5.2.2 Vegetation Cover & Composition ................................................................................. 6
5.2.3 Weeds ......................................................................................................................... 6
5.2.4 Erosion......................................................................................................................... 6
5.2.5 Human or Animal Use ................................................................................................. 6
5.3 Monitoring Activities .......................................................................................................... 6
5.3.1 Trees, Shrubs & Herbaceous Plantings .......................................................................... 6
5.3.2 Vegetation Cover & Composition ................................................................................. 6
5.3.3 Weeds ......................................................................................................................... 7
5.3.4 Erosion......................................................................................................................... 7
5.3.5 Human or Animal Use ................................................................................................. 7
5.4 As-Built Assessment Report ................................................................................................. 7
5.5 Annual Reports ................................................................................................................... 7
Table of Contents (continued)
Section / Title Page
6.0 Figures ................................................................................................................................... 8
7.0 Tables .................................................................................................................................. 13
8.0 References .......................................................................................................................... 18
List of Figures
Number / Title Page
Figure 1. Project Location Map .................................................................................................... 9
Figure 2. Vicinity Map ............................................................................................................... 10
Figure 3. Southwest Natural Habitat .......................................................................................... 11
Figure 4. Northeast Natural Habitat ........................................................................................... 12
List of Tables
Number / Title Page
Table 1. Native Tree & Shrub Plantings ..................................................................................... 14
Table 2. Wetland Planting, Southwest & Northeast Natural Habitats .......................................... 15
Table 3. Tallgrass Prairie Seed Mix ............................................................................................ 16
Table 4. Shortgrass Prairie Seed Mix .......................................................................................... 17
1
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.
This project would require the relocation of an irrigation lateral which would impact 17,775
square feet (ft²) of the lateral and adjacent wetlands. This lateral is not regulated by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, but is regulated by the City of Fort Collins. The City requires mitigation of
impacts to the lateral and its adjacent wetlands. Mitigation for this impact includes the creation of
two Natural Habitat Buffer Zones on the LDS Property. They include the Southwest Natural
Habitat, which will have a detention pond with wetlands and a tallgrass prairie surrounded by a
shortgrass prairie with shrubs and trees, and the Northeast Habitat, which will have a wetland
pond, a detention pond with a tallgrass prairie, and a surrounding shortgrass prairie with shrubs
and trees. Each Natural Habitat is discussed below in Sections 3.0 and 4.0.
Please note, details on tree and shrub plantings in the Natural Habitats will be provided by the
landscape contractor. Table 1 identifies trees and shrubs appropriate for the Natural Habitats as
well as the number to plant.
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 Southwest Natural Habitat
3.1 Habitat Types to Create
This 0.86 acre Natural Habitat will have a 2,616 ft² wetland and a 2,451 ft² tallgrass prairie in the
bottom of the detention pond, and a surrounding 0.74 acre native prairie with shrubs and trees.
3.2 Site Characteristics
As described in the Soil Survey of the Larimer County Area, Colorado (Moreland, 1980), the
Southwest Natural Habitat site is characterized by the Fort Collins loam, a deep, well-drained soil
that formed in alluvium. A representative profile of this soil has five inches of light gray loam over
a 19 inch thick subsoil consisting of brown and pale brown loam. The top 12 inches of this soil
will be stripped, stockpiled and used for the Natural Habitats.
The native prairie vegetation of the site has been replaced by an agricultural grassland dominated
by smooth brome (Bromus inermis), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata),
and timothy (Phleum pretense).
2
3.3 Wetland
3.3.1 Landform & Soils
The wetland will be created in the northeast half of the detention pond. The entire wetland will
be underlain with a Bentomat clay liner. The bottom of the wetland will be at an elevation of
4,907.5 feet and be flat. It will have 12 inches of topsoil and a concrete weir at an elevation of
4,908 feet.
3.3.2 Hydrology
Water for wetland development will be provided by stormwater runoff from the developed LDS
property to the north. Approximately 4.13 acres of landscape will drain to the wetland. The 2, 10
and 100 year storm events will generate flows of 5.28, 9.05, and 20.44 cubic feet per second (cfs),
respectively. Following precipitation events, the stormwater flows will saturate the 12 inch depth
of topsoil, pond water to a depth of six inches, and then flow over the weir to the tallgrass prairie
habitat. The 2 year storm event will generate enough stormwater runoff to fill the pond in about
three minutes. Between storm events, the standing water may evaporate but the soils will likely
remain moist, depending on the time between storm events.
3.3.3 Vegetation
The bottom of the wetland will be planted with 1,200 of the live plants of Table 2. The planting
would include three grasses, five rushes, one sedge, and four forbs, all common to the wetlands in
the plains of eastern Colorado. The plants will be set out on 18 inch centers.
3.4 Tallgrass Prairie
3.4.1 Landform & Soils
The 2,450 ft² tallgrass prairie will be created in the southwestern portion of the detention pond
and will be underlain by bentomat and have 12 inches of topsoil. This habitat would have a 4:1
slope from the weir to the outlet structure.
3.4.2 Hydrology
Water for the tallgrass prairie will be provided by stormwater runoff. Stormwater will fill the pond
to an elevation of 4,908.2 feet and this water will drain in 40 hours. The soils of the pond will
likely remain moist between storm events.
3.4.3 Vegetation
The tallgrass prairie will be seeded with the seed mix of Table 3. This seed mix includes nine
grasses, one rush, one sedge, and five forbs, all common to wetlands and tallgrass prairies of
eastern Colorado.
3.5 Shortgrass Prairie
3.5.1 Landform, Soils & Nutrients
The landform of the 0.74 acre shortgrass prairie will slope to the detention pond and rise to an
elevation of 4,916 feet to create a small hill northwest of the detention pond. Following grading
and establishment of the final topography, 12 inches of topsoil would be spread uniformly over
the prairie habitat and cultivated to create conditions appropriate for plant growth.
Prior to the application of the topsoil to the prairie habitat, a soil scientist will collect soil samples
and submit them for standard agronomic testing to determine any fertilizer recommendations. A
granular form of fertilizer would be used and uniformly broadcast over the soils of the prairie
habitat. In addition, granular mycorrhizae would be applied at the rate of 20 pounds per acre.
3
3.4.2 Hydrology
A belowground irrigation system will be used to facilitate seed germination and survival of trees
and shrubs in the prairie. The system will have sprinkler heads designed to irrigate the entire
seeded prairie, as well as drip irrigation on a separate zone for trees and shrubs. It is likely that
the system would be used for two years to initiate plant growth. The system would then be
abandoned, and aboveground parts would be removed, however buried pipes would remain in
place. Installation of the belowground portion of the irrigation system should occur prior to
seeding and the planting of trees and shrubs.
3.4.3 Vegetation
The prairie seed mix of Table 4 would be broadcast at the rate of 27 1/8 pounds per acre of pure
live seed and raked into the soil. This seed mix is characterized by seven native grasses and eight
native forbs common to the prairie of eastern Colorado.
Following seeding, the prairie would be hydromulched and tackified. This work should be
completed after the trees and shrubs have been planted to minimize foot traffic on top of the
hydromulch layer. The hydromulch will be applied per manufacturers specifications with a 100%
wood mat-fiber mulch applied at the rate of 2,000 pounds per acre. Startak 600 by Chemstar is to
be applied in accordance with manufacturer’s directions at the rate of 100 pounds per ton of
mulch.
4.0 Northeast Natural Habitat
4.1 Natural Habitats to Create
The 1.3 acre Northeast Natural Habitat will have a 4,599 ft² wetland in a pond, a 14,589 ft²
tallgrass prairie in the bottom of the detention pond, and 0.88 acres of a native prairie with shrubs
and trees.
4.2 Site Characteristics
The existing condition of this site is similar to that described for the Southwest Natural Habitat in
Section 2.2, i.e. it has the same soils and agricultural vegetation. Approximately 12 inches of
topsoil would be stripped, stockpiled and used for the Natural Habitats.
4.3 Wetland
4.3.1 Landform & Soils
A 4,599 ft² wetland will be created in the bottom of a pond. The pond will be at an elevation of
4,906 feet and have a bentomat liner with 12 inches of topsoil. A concrete weir at an elevation
of 4,906.5 ft² will result in the ponding of six inches of water.
4.3.2 Hydrology
Water for wetland development will be provided by stormwater runoff from the developed LDS
property to the west. Approximately 4.97 acres of landscape will drain to the wetland. The 2, 10
and 100 year storm events will generate flows of 4.82, 8.28, and 21.25 cfs, respectively.
Following precipitation events, the stormwater flows will saturate the 12 inch depth of topsoil,
pond water to a depth of six inches, and then flow over the weir. The 2 year storm flow would fill
the wetland pond in 16 minutes. Between storm events, the standing water will evaporate but the
soils will likely remain moist, depending on the time between storm events.
4.3.3 Vegetation
The 4,559 4,599 ft² wetland will be planted with 2,000 live plants of Table 2 on 18 inch centers.
This planting is characterized by three grasses, five rushes, one sedge, and four forbs.
4
4.4 Tallgrass Prairie
4.4.1 Landform & Soils
A tallgrass prairie would be created in the bottom of the detention pond, which would have a
bentomat clay liner. The detention pond would have a concrete weir at an elevation of 4,904 feet
and an overflow structure resulting in the ponding of water to a depth of one foot for 40 hours.
The bottom of the pond, the extent of the 4,904 foot contour, would have 12 inches of topsoil.
4.4.2 Hydrology
Water for wetland development will be provided by stormwater runoff from two drainage areas on
the LDS property to the west. Approximately 18.12 acres of landscape will drain to the wetland.
The 2, 10 and 100 year storm events will generate flows of 21.21, 35.71, and 93.15 cfs,
respectively. Following precipitation events, the stormwater will saturate the 12 inch depth of
topsoil, impound water to an elevation of 4,904.05 feet and a depth of 12 inches, and then flow
across the weir. The impounded water would entirely drain over a 40 hour period.
4.4.3 Vegetation
The tallgrass prairie will be seeded with the seed mix of Table 3.
4.5 Shortgrass Prairie
4.5.1 Landform & Soils
The shortgrass prairie will surround the detention pond and the wetland swale. Following grading
and establishment of the final topography, 12 inches of topsoil would be spread uniformly over
the prairie habitat and cultivated to create conditions appropriate for plant growth.
Prior to the application of the topsoil to the prairie habitat, a soil scientist will collect soil samples
and submit them for standard agronomic testing to determine any fertilizer recommendations. A
granular form of fertilizer would be used and uniformly broadcast over the soils of the prairie
habitat. In addition, granular mycorrhizae would be applied at the rate of 20 pounds per acre.
4.5.2 Hydrology
A belowground irrigation system will be used to facilitate seed germination and survival of trees
and shrubs in the prairie. The system will have sprinkler heads designed to irrigate the entire
seeded area, as well as drip irrigation on a separate zone for trees and shrubs. The system would
be used for two years to initiate plant growth. The system would then be abandoned, and
aboveground parts would be removed, however buried pipes would remain in place. Installation
of the belowground portion of the irrigation system should occur prior to seeding.
4.5.3 Vegetation
The prairie seed mix of Table 4 would be broadcast and raked into the soil. This seed mix is
characterized by seven native grasses and eight native forbs common to the prairie of eastern
Colorado.
Following seeding, the prairie would be hydromulched and tackified. This work should be
completed after the trees and shrubs have been planted to minimize foot traffic on top of the
hydromulch layer. The hydromulch will be applied per manufacturers specifications with a 100%
wood mat-fiber mulch applied at the rate of 2,000 pounds per acre. Startak 600 by Chemstar is to
be applied in accordance with manufacturer’s directions at the rate of 100 pounds per ton of
mulch.
5
5.0 Maintenance & Monitoring Plan
5.1 Success Criteria
Success criteria have been developed for the Natural Habitats in order to measure the progress of
Natural Habitat establishment and to determine when they are successful and established. The
Natural Habitats will be considered successful when:
Shortgrass Prairie
It is dominated by plants of the shortgrass prairie seed mix or desirable native colonizers.
It has a plant species diversity of 10 plants native to the shortgrass prairie of eastern
Colorado.
It has an absolute vegetation cover of 30% after three seasons of growth.
It is self-perpetuating.
The absolute cover of noxious weeds is less than 5% and there are no areas of noxious
weeds greater than 100 ft².
Tallgrass Prairie
It is dominated by plants of the tallgrass prairie (detention pond) seed mix or desirable
native colonizers.
It has a plant species diversity of 10 plants native to the tallgrass prairie of eastern
Colorado.
It has an absolute vegetation cover of 30% after three seasons of growth.
It is self-perpetuating.
The absolute cover of noxious weeds is less than 5%.
Wetland
It is dominated by plants of the herbaceous wetland plantings, wetland and tallgrass
prairie seed mixes, and/or desirable native colonizers.
It has a plant species diversity of 10 plants native to wetlands and tallgrass prairies of
eastern Colorado.
It has an absolute vegetation cover of 50% after three seasons of growth.
It is self-perpetuating.
The absolute cover of noxious weeds is less than 5%.
Woody Plantings
90% of the 18 trees and the 200 shrubs are alive one year following termination of the
drip irrigation system.
Natural Habitat
0.86 acres has been created at the Southwest Natural Habitat.
1.32 acres has been created at the Northeast Natural Habitat.
5.2 Maintenance Activities
At regular intervals during the growing season, an ecologist will visit the two Natural Habitats to
assess the success of the woody and herbaceous plantings and seed mixes, and note any problems
with the hydrology, weeds, erosion, or human or animal use.
6
5.2.1 Tree, Shrub & Herbaceous Plantings
We will verify that the irrigation system is working and providing adequate water to the shrubs
and trees. If adjustments need to be made to the irrigation system or the frequency of watering
needs to be modified, we will notify the landscape contractor that changes need to be made. We
will also evaluate the health of the shrubs and trees. Specifically, we will determine if the shrubs
and trees are alive and producing an annual growth, and if the foliage is healthy. We will also
evaluate the success of the herbaceous nursery stock planted in the wetlands to determine the
survival rate and the potential need for additional planting.
5.2.2 Vegetation Cover & Composition
We will review the seeded area to determine if the plants of the seed mix are germinating,
producing a uniform cover, maturing, and producing seed. We will identify any areas with
inadequate seed germination and cover, and reseed where necessary.
5.2.3 Weeds
We will identify any populations of introduced plants including Colorado noxious weeds and
other undesirable plants within the seeded areas. We will identify the species present and
implement appropriate control procedures. Control procedures may include hand pulling or
eradication with hand tools, mowing, or the use of herbicides.
5.2.4 Erosion
Wind and water erosion have the potential to alter the landform of the Natural Habitats.
Therefore, we will identify any eroded areas and use hand tools to restore all areas of erosion.
Eroded areas will be reseed and/or planted where necessary.
5.2.5 Human or Animal Use
We will determine if human or animal uses impact the Natural Habitats. If impacts are occurring,
we will provide recommendations for procedures to eliminate or mitigate the impacts. Procedures
to eliminate impacts may include signage to keep pedestrians out of the Natural Habitats, and
temporary fencing or animal retardants to eliminate shrub browsing by deer.
5.3 Monitoring Activities
We will quantitatively and qualitatively monitor the Natural Habitats each growing season,
following seeding and planting, for three years following seeding and planting.
5.3.1 Trees, Shrubs & Herbaceous Plantings
At the end of each growing season, we will determine the number of living and healthy trees and
shrubs per species. If the tree and shrub survival rate is less than 90%, additional plantings will be
added.
5.3.2 Vegetation Cover & Composition
Vegetation cover in the prairie habitats will be annually quantified using a point-intercept method
(Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg, 1974) along permanent 25 meter long transects in each habitat.
Specifically, two transects will be located in each of the three habitat types. At each half meter
interval of the transect, one point will be recorded on each side of the transect, perpendicular to
and 0.50 meters from the transect. Thus, one hundred points will be sampled at one half meter
intervals along each 25 meter long transect.
A tripod mounted ocular sighting instrument, with fine cross hairs for point definition and a
magnification lens, will be used to collect the vegetation cover data. The sighting instrument has
an adjustable mirror to allow sampling of overstory vegetation. At each sample point, the tripod
with the attached ocular sighting instrument will be centered, and the adjustable arm will be
oriented perpendicular to the transect, first on the right and then on the left. If overstory
7
vegetation is present, the sighting device will be directed upward to record any overstory
vegetation and then directed downward to record any vegetation in potential shrub and
herbaceous canopies. Vegetation along the vertical profiles will be recorded as first or second hits
depending on the structural diversity of the Natural Habitats. If vegetation is not present along the
vertical profile, soil, rock, or litter will be recorded. All vegetation hits will be recorded by
species. For each vegetation cover transect, the percent absolute cover of vegetation, rock, soil, or
litter will be calculated using only first hit data. The relative cover of each plant species will be
calculated using both first and second hit data.
Data on tree and shrub density will be collected by identifying and listing all trees and shrubs
present in a four meter wide by 25 meter long quadrat centered along the cover transect. Tree
and shrub density will be calculated by counting the total number of trees and shrubs present in
each 100m² (4 meter by 25 meter) quadrat.
We will also prepare a list of all plants growing in the Natural Habitats, identify their likely source,
including commercial seed mix, plantings, soil seed bank, or invader from the surrounding area.
We will also indicate if the plants are native or introduced.
5.3.3 Weeds
We will monitor the success of the weed eradication procedures on populations of weeds within
the Natural Habitats.
5.3.4 Erosion
We will monitor the success of repairs to any eroded areas.
5.3.5 Human or Animal Use
We will monitor the success of procedures designed to eliminate human and animal impacts to
the Natural Habitats. If the recommended procedures are ineffective, alternative procedures will
be developed.
5.4 As-Built Assessment Report
Following earthwork, planting and seeding, an As-Built Assessment Report will be prepared and
submitted to the City of Fort Collins. The Report will document the landforms created, all aspects
of the Natural Habitats including the volume of topsoil salvaged and used in the Natural Habitats,
fertilizer type used and application rate, seed mix and seeding methods, mulch and tackifiers,
erosion control blankets, and tree and shrub planting.
5.5 Annual Reports
An Annual Monitoring Report will be prepared to document the monitoring and maintenance
activities conducted during the growing season and evaluate the progress of the Natural Habitats
in meeting the success criteria.
8
6.0 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,
Figure 1. Project Location Map
"Property LDS Church
BASE: USGS 7.5' Loveland, Colorado Quadrangle
COLORADO
Map Location
9
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 2. Vicinity Map
LDS Church Property
Background: Bing Maps Aerial
Legend
LDS Property Boundary
10
11
12
13
7.0 Tables
14
Table 1. Native Tree & Shrub Plantings
TABLE 1
Native Tree & Shrub Plantings
Natural Habitats
LDS Church Property
Scientific Name Common Name __Number to Plant___
Southwest Northeast
Trees
Populus deltoides Plains cottonwood 3 6
Salix amygdaloides Peachleaf willow 3 6
Total Trees 6 12
Shrubs
Prunus Americana American plum 15 25
Prunus virginiana
ssp. melanocarpa
Chokecherry 15 25
Rhus triobata Skunkbrush sumac 15 25
Ribes aureum Golden currant 15 25
Rosa woodsii Woods rose 15 25
Total Shrubs 75 125
GRAND TOTAL 81 137
15
Table 2. Wetland Planting, Southwest & Northeast Natural Habitats
TABLE 2
Wetland Planting
Southwest and Northeast Natural Habitats
LDS Church Property
Scientific Name
Common Name
Wetland
Status* ___Number to Plant___
Southwest Northeast
Grasses, Sedges & Rushes
Beckmannia syzigachne Sloughgrass OBL 50 100
Carex nebrascensis Nebraska sedge OBL 100 200
Eleocharis palustris Creeping spikerush OBL 200 300
Glyceria grandis American mannagrass OBL 100 100
Juncus torreyi Torrey’s rush FACW 100 200
Poa palustris Fowl bluegrass FACW 100 200
Scirpus acutus Hardstem bulrush OBL 100 200
Scirpus pungens Threesquare bulrush OBL 200 300
Scirpus paludosus Alkali bulrush OBL 100 150
Total Grasses, Sedges & Rushes 1,050 1,750
Forbs
Asclepias incorata Swamp milkweed OBL 25 50
Helianthus nuttallii Marsh sunflower FAC 25 50
Iris missouriensis Rocky Mountain iris FACW 50 100
Sparganium eurycarpum Burreed OBL 50 50
Total Forbs 150 250
GRAND TOTAL 1,200 2,000
*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)
16
Table 3. Tallgrass Prairie Seed Mix
TABLE 3
Tallgrass Prairie Seed Mix
Natural Habitats
LDS Church Property
Scientific Name
Common Name
Seeding Rate
PLS lbs./acre
Grasses, Sedges & Rushes
Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem 2
Carex praegracilis Clustered field sedge ¼
Glyceria striata Fowl mannagrass ¼
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass 3
Pascopyrum smithii Western wheatgrass 4
Poa palustris Fowl bluegrass ¼
Puccinellia airoides Nuttall alkaligrass ¼
Scirpus paludosus Alkali bulrush 1½
Sorgastrum nutans Indian grass 3
Spartina pectinata Prairie cordgrass 4
Sporobolous airoides Alkali sacaton ¼
Total Grasses, Sedges & Rushes 18¾
Forbs
Asclepias incarnata Swamp milkweed ½
Helenium autumnale Sneezeweed ¼
Helianthus nuttallii Marsh sunflower 1
Polygonum pensylvanica Giant smartweed 2
Solidago canadensis Canada goldenrod 1/8
Total Forbs 3 7/8
GRAND TOTAL 22 5/8
* Broadcast seeding rate. Halve application rate for drill method.
17
Table 4. Shortgrass Prairie Seed Mix
TABLE 4
Shortgrass Prairie Seed Mix
Natural Habitats
LDS Church Property
Scientific Name
Common Name
Seeding Rate
PLS lbs./acre*
Grasses
Aristida purpurea Red threeawn 2
Buchloe dactyloides Buffalograss 8
Chondrosum gracile Blue grama 3
Elymus elymoides Squirreltail 2
Pascopyrum smithii Western wheatgrass 6
Poa secunda Sandberg bluegrass ½
Stipa comata Needle and thread 4
Total Grasses 25½
Forbs
Artemisia frigida Fringed sage 1/16
Erysimum asperum Plains wallflower 1/8
Gaillardia aristata Blanket flower ¼
Ipomopsis aggregate Scarlet gilia ¼
Liatris punctata Gayfeather ½
Ratibida columnifera Prairie coneflower ¼
Rudbeckia hirta Gloriosa daisy 1/16
Sphaeralcea coccinea Scarlet globemallow 1/8
Total Forbs 1 5/8
GRAND TOTAL 27 1/8
* Broadcast seeding rate. Halve application rate for drill method.
18
8.0 References
Moreland, Donald C. 1980. Soil Survey of the Larimer County Area, Colorado. USDA Soil
Conservation Service and Forest Service in cooperation with Colorado Agricultural Experiment
Station. December 1980.
Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg. 1974. Aims and Methods of Vegetation Ecology. John Wiley & Sons,
Inc. New York.