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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBRICK STONE APARTMENTS ON HARMONY - PDP - PDP160019 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTEcological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential 271BS00168 Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO December 2015 Cardno Document Information Prepared for SEEC Enterprises, LLC Project Name Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO Project Number 271BS00168 Project Manager Russel Hamblin Date December 2, 2015 Prepared for: SEEC Enterprises, LLC 1764 Prospector Ave. Suite 4, Park City, UT, 84068 Prepared by: Cardno 1142 West 2320 South, Suite A, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84119 Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO December 2015 Cardno Table of Contents i Table of Contents 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................1-1 1.1 Project Location ................................................................................................................ 1-1 1.2 Proposed Undertaking ...................................................................................................... 1-1 2 Methods .........................................................................................................................2-1 3 Ecological Characterization ..........................................................................................3-1 3.1 Wildlife .............................................................................................................................. 3-1 3.2 Wetlands ........................................................................................................................... 3-2 3.3 Prominent Views ............................................................................................................... 3-2 3.4 Native Trees and Vegetation ............................................................................................ 3-3 3.5 Non-Native Trees and Vegetation .................................................................................... 3-3 3.6 Bank, Shoreline and High Water Mark of Perennial Water .............................................. 3-3 3.7 Sensitive and Specially Valued Species .......................................................................... 3-3 3.8 Special Habitat Features .................................................................................................. 3-5 3.9 Wildlife Migration Corridors .............................................................................................. 3-5 3.10 General Ecological Functions ........................................................................................... 3-5 3.11 Timing of Development in Relation to Ecological Character ............................................ 3-6 3.12 Mitigate Measures ............................................................................................................ 3-6 4 Impacts and Recommendations ...................................................................................4-1 5 References .....................................................................................................................5-1 Appendices Appendix A Project Figures Appendix B Project Photographs Tables Table 3-1 USFWS listed Species Documented in the Vicinity of the Project ................................... 3-4 Figures Figure A-1 -.ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey Map . ................................................................................... 1-1 Figure A-2. – Approximate Lower Floor Plan Design of Project. Map provided by SEEC .......................A-2 Figure A-3 – City of Fort Collins Parks, Natural Areas, and Waterbodies Map (City of Fort Collins 2015b). .............................................................................................................................A-3 Figure A-4 – Project Location Map and Existing Ecological Features. ......................................................A-4 Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO December 2015 Cardno This Page Intentionally Left Blank Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO December 2015 Cardno Introduction 1-1 1 Introduction This report documents the results of an Ecological Characterization Study conducted by Cardno, Inc. (Cardno) on behalf of SEEC Enterprises, LLC (SEEC) in support of the proposed Harmony Multi-Family Residential Development Project (Project). The Project would entail development of vacant parcel for construction of a 5-story multi-family residential building at 201 Harmony Road, Fort Collins, Colorado. This Ecological Characterization Study was completed by request of the City of Fort Collins Community Development and Neighborhood Services to satisfy pre-construction due diligence requirements in compliance with Article 3, Section 3.4.1 (D) (1) of the Land Use Code of the City of Fort Collins (City of Fort Collins 2015a). Section 3.4.1 requires an Ecological Characterization Study for development sites which are located in close proximity (500 feet) to significant natural and biological resources, significant natural and biological resources which have been previously identified and mapped, and significant natural and biological resources which are discovered during site evaluations and or project review process. Cardno conducted a data review and performed field surveys to document sensitive natural and biological resources occurring, or having the potential to occur, within or near the Project. For the purposes of this report, sensitive natural and biological resources include: wildlife and wildlife movement corridors; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jurisdictional wetlands, Waters of the U.S, naturalized stormwater or irrigation features, and boundaries of other perennial waters; prominent views; native and non-native trees and vegetation, sensitive and specially valued species including species listed as Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, or Proposed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), species listed as Threatened, Endangered, and Species of Concern by the State of Colorado, Colorado Natural Heritage Program Rare and Imperiled Animals, Plants, and Plant Communities, animals and plants of Special Concern, and species identified as in need of protection in the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Policy Plan, and avian species and nesting locations of those species protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) and Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA); habitat capable of supporting sensitive and specially valued species; and ecological functions of the existing natural resources within the Project. This report documents the findings of both the data review and the field survey conducted in November 2015. 1.1 Project Location The Project is 4.408 acres in size and located on an undeveloped parcel approximately 370 feet east of the intersection of South College Avenue and East Harmony Road (parcel #9601200004) (Appendix A Figure A-1) (Project Area Boundary). The physical address of this parcel has been described as 201 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80525. As proposed, the parcel is located in the northwest quarter of Section 1, Township 6 North, Range 69 West of the 6th P.M., City of Fort Collins, County of Larimer, State of Colorado. 1.2 Proposed Undertaking The Project will include construction of a 5-story, multi-family residential building consisting of parking on the first floor and 134 multi-family units in floors two through five (Figure A-2). . Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO December 2015 Cardno Methods 2-1 2 Methods A data review was conducted prior to completion of field work in order to gather existing information and assist in the evaluation of the likelihood of occurrence of sensitive and natural biological resources within the Project. The data review entailed an evaluation of online resources, review of agency publications, and coordination with agency staff to determine the presence or potential occurrence of sensitive natural and biological resources within the Project. This data review included: > USFWS Federally Listed and Proposed Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Species and Critical Habitat in Larimer County as identified by the USFWS Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC) Official Species List and Critical Habitat Mapper; > Review for the potential occurrence of MBTA and BGEPA protected species as identified on the IPAC Trust Resources Report; > Completion of an online Colorado Natural Heritage Program database search for the presence of statewide species and natural community tracking list for Larimer County, Colorado, Potential Conservation Areas, and Rare and Imperiled Animals, Plants, and Plant Communities, animals and plants of Special Concern; > Colorado Parks and Wildlife Threatened and Endangered List including USFWS and Colorado State Threatened, Endangered, and species of Special Concern; > Species identified as in need of protection in the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Policy Plan and City of Fort Collins Land Use Code, Natural Habitats, and Features considered sensitive by the City of Fort Collins; > Review of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soils and ecological site data to identify soils and habitats present within the vicinity capable of supporting sensitive or specially valued species (Completed November 11, 2015); > Review of the USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Wetlands Mapper for the occurrence of known or suspected U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional wetlands and waterbodies (Accessed November 11, 2015); > Review of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service National List of Hydric Soils (2014 update) to aid in the determination for the presence of wetlands; and > Review of aerial photography. A field survey within the Project Area Boundary was conducted by Cardno staff in early November, 2015 when the ground was free of snow. The survey included pedestrian transects within the entire Project Area Boundary for the purpose of identifying sensitive and specially valued species, habitat capable of supporting these species, avian roosting and nesting sites, general wildlife habitat, existing vegetation, and other natural or naturalized features which could support wildlife. Locations of sensitive and specially valued species, habitats capable of supporting these species, avian roosting and nesting locations, were photographed and recorded with a Trimble GeoXM GPS. The Project Area Boundary was also surveyed for the presence of USACE jurisdictional wetlands and Waters of the U.S. (WOUS) using identification and delineation criteria in the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (USACE 1987) and Great Plains Region Regional Supplement (USACE 2010). For the purpose of this evaluation, WOUS were identified based on the current regulatory definition, and on the presence/absence of a defined channel bottom within intermittent stream systems. Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO December 2015 Cardno Ecological Characterization 3-1 3 Ecological Characterization The Project is located on an undeveloped parcel surrounded by high density commercial and low density residential development. Water features within and around the Project Area Boundary include an impoundment of Mail Creek along the southern boundary, a stormwater ditch along the western boundary, and a paved irrigation ditch along the northern boundary. The Project Area Boundary is in a disturbed condition presently vegetated by disturbance tolerant grasses, native and non-native trees and shrubs, and undesirable forbs. Larger shrubs and trees line the Mail Creek Impoundment, stormwater ditch, and irrigation ditch. Less desirable weedy species line the northern side of the Project along Harmony Road and the stormwater ditch. As proposed the Project does not occur in or near any designated parks or Natural Areas (Figure A-3) (City of Fort Collins, 2015b). Photographs of the Project Boundary Area are included in Appendix B. 3.1 Wildlife On-site wildlife habitat and overall value was identified as low given the Project’s urbanized location and the lack of native habitats surrounding the Project. The greatest diversity of wildlife is expected to occur adjacent to the Mail Creek Impoundment and is likely to be dominated by species acclimated to the presence of humans and human development. No mammals were identified during the survey; however, some of the species expected to occur as residents include: striped skunk, raccoons, red fox, white-tailed deer, coyote, small rodents, rabbits, and a variety of avifauna. These wildlife are expected to use the Mail Creek Impoundment and immediate areas for foraging and to transition between habitats. The Project Area Boundary and surrounding areas are largely developed and would unlikely serve as a critical migration corridor or critical wintering area for less common mammals. Common upland avifauna were identified during the survey and include raven, house sparrow, dark-eyed junco, robin, house finch, pigeon, grackle, mourning dove, ring-billed gull, and magpie. A variety of upland avifauna, including raptors, are expected to occur with regularity around the Project and occupy the shrubs, trees, and grasses lining the Mail Creek Impoundment, stormwater ditch, and irrigation ditch. Species with the potential to nest in these habits would include: varieties of those species listed above, raven, jay, crow, urbanized raptor species (red-tailed hawk, Swainson’s hawk, and small falcons), woodpecker, flicker, and a number of small resident and migratory passerines. No raptor nests or other stick nests were observed in the trees during the field survey. Some ground-nesting species may nest in the low grasses dominating the parcel; however these areas appear to be routinely mowed, and managed such that many solitary or sensitive ground nesting avian species would be precluded from nesting. Waterfowl (mallard and American wigeon) were observed during the field survey in and around the Mail Creek Impoundment along the southern Project Area Boundary. These species are common urbanized waterfowl and are expected to occur as residents to these areas and other waterbodies in the region. The Mail Creek Impoundment is expected to serve as both resident habitat and migratory stopover habitat for a number of water dependent, and urbanized, avian species including: great blue heron, Canada goose, gulls, kingfisher, swifts, and swallows. Waterfowl are expected to use the impoundment for foraging and loafing and may use upland habitat around the impoundment for nesting, though the proximity to development and existing land management greatly reduces the quality of nesting habitat. It is our conclusion that this impoundment would not be considered a sensitive concentration area for migratory or nesting waterfowl or shorebirds. Furthermore, the Mail Creek Impoundment is not designated as a Park or Natural Area by the City of Fort Collins (City of Fort Collins 2015b). Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO December 2015 Cardno Ecological Characterization 3-2 3.2 Wetlands Three water conveying features occur within the Project: Mail Creek Impoundment, a stormwater ditch, and an irrigation ditch (Figure A-4). The Mail Creek Impoundment serves as a man-made impoundment of the Mail Creek drainage and continues southeast through low and high density developed areas of Fort Collins via a series of man- made ditches, diversions, and other impoundments. Portions of the Mail Creek drainage upstream of this location appear to have been significantly altered (moved or culverted) from this drainage’s natural state. Results of the data review indicate that this feature occurs as a blueline (Mail Creek) on topographic maps, is documented to support temporarily flooded palustrine forested wetlands along the bank as a result of the NWI review (USFWS 2014), and likely supports Nunn clay loam soils, a nationally recognized hydric soil (NRCS 2014). Field work identified that this feature supports seasonally, or possibly permanently, impounded water and a 0.037 acre forested and emergent fringe wetland supporting hydric vegetation including sedges (Carex sp.), canary grass (Phalaris sp.), and rushes (Juncus sp.), cottonwoods (Populus sp.) and willows (Salix sp.). This fringe wetland and the Mail Creek Impoundment would be considered jurisdictional by the USACE and would likely require permitting or consultation prior to construction if alteration or disturbance within these wetlands or the Mail Creek Impoundment were proposed. The stormwater ditch located on the west side of the Project supports the flow of stormwater, and possibly underground irrigation water flow, from commercial development north of the Project to the Mail Creek Impoundment. This 240-foot-long feature consists of cemented infrastructure and culvert from the adjacent commercial development, large erosion control debris (rip rap and large cement debris), and is confined to a steep banked depressional feature. No permanent or perennial water flows were identified and as a result of the field survey. This feature was identified as man-made, however vegetation within the stormwater ditch is comprised of volunteer shrubs and sapling trees consisting of maple (Acer sp.), willows (Salix sp.), cottonwood (Populus spp.), and minor amounts of emergent grasses in the channel. It is unlikely that this feature would be considered jurisdictional by the USACE; however alteration to this feature may have unintended consequences to this features’ function as a stormwater drainage. Consultation with the City of Fort Collins is advised prior to alteration or disturbance to this feature to ensure that Project development is completed to ensure the continued management and function of this feature. The irrigation ditch located along the northern boundary of the Project consists of a 430 foot-long by 2- foot-wide cemented ditch. This feature is culverted in several locations, is in disrepair, and does not appear to be routinely used. Over time this feature has partially filled in with sediment and presently supports rabbit brush (Chrysothamnus sp.), sapling elm (Ulmus sp.), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and plains cottonwood (Populus deltoids) and undesirable weedy species. It is our conclusion that this feature is USACE non-jurisdictional and would not require permitting prior to alternation or disturbance. Consultation with the City of Fort Collins is advised prior to alteration or disturbance to this feature to ensure that Project development is completed to ensure the continued management and function of this feature if it is still in-service. 3.3 Prominent Views The Project Area Boundary is surrounded by high-density commercial development to the north, west, and east. Areas to the south include the Mail Creek drainage and low-density residential development. The mountains to the west, surrounding commercial development, and residential development to the south can be observed from all locations in the Project. The Project would be visible from Harmony Road and would be visually similar to the surrounding commercial development. The Project may be visible from the low-density residential development south of the Mail Creek drainage, discernable from views looking north from these locations, and identical to the existing commercial businesses presently Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO December 2013 Cardno Ecological Characterization 3-3 occupying the visual landscape. Existing trees and vegetation along the north and south bank of the Mail Creek drainage may obscure views of the Project from these locations. The Project would not result in a significant change to the visual character of the landscape. 3.4 Native Trees and Vegetation There are no undisturbed native plant communities present within the Project. Riparian woodland plant communities are present within the Project along the Mail Creek Impoundment and are largely comprised of mixed native and non-native shrubs and sapling trees and dominated by willow (Salix sp.). This riparian woodland plant community is in a highly disturbed condition, is co-dominated by less desirable vegetation, and would no longer be considered either sensitive or undisturbed. As proposed no Project disturbance to the riparian vegetation surrounding the Mail Creek Impoundment is anticipated. This community would continue to persist under existing conditions. Both mature and sapling trees occur within the Project and are generally confined to thickets of vegetation along the perimeter of the Mail Creek drainage, the stormwater ditch, and irrigation ditch. One large stand-alone plains cottonwood (Populus deltoids) occurs in the northeast corner of the Project. Tree species identified during the field survey include: plains cottonwood, crack willow (Salix fragilis), peachleaf willow (Salix amygdaloides), and a number of volunteer saplings including American elm (Ulmus americana), hawthorn (Crataegus sp.), hackberry (Celtis sp.), and mountain ash (Rowan sp.). Given that the survey was completed in November, it is expected that some small leafless sapling trees may have been unidentified. As proposed, portions of the stormwater ditch, and willows lining the banks, may be subject to removal. No disturbance to the riparian thicket vegetation or trees along the Mail Creek drainage are anticipated. Other vegetation within the Project occurs as a mixed arid grassland/weedy undesirables dominated plant community and includes rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseous), prickly pear cactus (Opuntia sp.), yucca (Yucca glauca), western wheatgrass, (Pascopyrum smithii), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), kochia (Kochia scoparia), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), curlycup gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa), common mullien (Verbascum thapsus), American licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota), doc (Rumex sp.), and Russian thistle (Salsola tragus). This vegetation community occupies approximately 70 percent of the overall vegetation within the Project. 3.5 Non-Native Trees and Vegetation Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) saplings occur in the Project. One stand-alone Russian olive occurs along the northeast corner of the Project Area Boundary along Harmony Road; saplings of both this species and Siberian elm occur throughout the vegetated thickets along the Mail Creek drainage, stormwater ditch, and irrigation ditch. 3.6 Bank, Shoreline and High Water Mark of Perennial Water The Mail Creek drainage is the only perennial feature within the Project with a bank, shoreline and high water mark, though this feature is highly modified from its original condition. The high water mark and fringe wetlands of this feature were documented during the field surveys and illustrated in Figure A-4 and photographs in Appendix B. As proposed no alteration or impacts to the bank, shoreline, or high water mark of the Mail Creek drainage or riparian vegetation within 50 feet of this feature are anticipated. 3.7 Sensitive and Specially Valued Species Results of the data review identified the following USFWS listed species as potentially occurring within the vicinity of the Project (USFWS 2015b) and each listed in Table 3-1. Of these species none are expected to occur within the Project due to the lack of suitable habitat or the Project’s location outside the known Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO December 2015 Cardno Ecological Characterization 3-4 range of several of the species listed below. No designated USFWS critical habitat occurs in or near the Project (USFWS 2015a). Table 3-1 USFWS listed Species Documented in the Vicinity of the Project Species USFWS Status Likelihood of Occurring Bird Least tern (Sterna antillarum) Endangered Unlikely – No suitable sandy shoreline habitat. Could occur as a rare visitor. Mexican Spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) Threatened Unlikely – No suitable closed canopy forest habitat. Could occur as a rare visitor. Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) Threatened Unlikely – No suitable sandy shoreline habitat. Could occur as a rare visitor. Whooping crane (Grus americana) Endangered Unlikely – No suitable mudflat or agricultural habitat. Could occur as a rare visitor. Fish Greenback Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki stomias) Threatened None – No suitable habitat. Mail Creek Impoundment is isolated from upstream and downstream water by man-made structures. Pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) Endangered None – No suitable habitat. Mail Creek Impoundment is isolated from upstream and downstream water by man-made structures. Plant Colorado Butterfly plant (Gauraneomexicana var. coloradensis) Threatened None- Suitable wetland fringe habitat occurs along Mail Creek drainage; however, Project is outside this species’ known range. North Park phacelia (Phacelia formosula) Endangered None – No suitable high elevation Coalmont Formation habitat. Project is outside this species known range. Ute ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) Threatened None- Suitable wetland fringe habitat occurs along Mail Creek drainage; however this species is not known to occur in this drainage. Project is outside this species’ known range. Western Prairie Fringed Orchid (Platanthera praeclara) Threatened None – No suitable moist prairie grassland habitat. Project is outside this species known range. Invertebrate Arapahoe Snowfly (Capnia arapahoe) Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO December 2013 Cardno Ecological Characterization 3-5 Table 3-1 USFWS listed Species Documented in the Vicinity of the Project Species USFWS Status Likelihood of Occurring Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) Threatened None – Suitable wetland fringe occurs along the Mail Creek Impoundment. Project is outside this species known range and Mail Creek Impoundment riparian corridor is severed from known locations of this species to the west. 3.8 Special Habitat Features Special habitat features within the Project included those wetland, riparian vegetation, and aquatic resources associated with the Mail Creek drainage. These areas around the Mail Creek drainage, while highly impaired and modified, may serve as important breeding, nesting, foraging, migration, shelter, or provide benefits for other important life-cycle events for a number of urban wildlife species. All other habitats within the Project are highly modified and disturbed. 3.9 Wildlife Migration Corridors The Project is located in developed areas of Fort Collins and surrounded by commercial and residential development. It is highly unlikely that the parcel serves as a migration corridor for sensitive, unique, or solitary wildlife. The Mail Creek drainage may provide minimal migratory benefit to resident urban wildlife and may provide temporary stopover habitat for migrating birds. As proposed no alteration or disturbance to the Mail Creek drainage would occur and this feature would continue to function in its present condition. 3.10 General Ecological Functions Overall ecological function of this parcel has been greatly diminished from it native state and is presently surrounded by development and routinely mowed to prevent vegetative overgrowth. In its present condition, this parcel is comprised of disturbed grassland habitats, sapling tree and shrub thickets along water features, a small number of large trees, a small wetland fringe, and ponded water. Each of these habitats provide a rage of resources capable of supporting, breeding, foraging, and shelter for a number of small to medium sized resident mammals and a large diversity of birds acclimated to the presence of humans. It is our conclusion that the Mail Creek drainage, its water, vegetation, and link to downstream riparian corridors is the single most valuable ecological asset to this parcel; however, no alteration or disturbance to this feature is proposed as part of Project construction. Loss of disturbed grassland habitats as a result of this Project is not expected to result in a threat to any one species’ existence or decline in the regions overall ecological function as this type of habitat is abundant in the general vicinity. The Mail Creek Impoundment, its riparian shoreline vegetation, and fringe wetlands offer what appear to be controlled surface water (irrigation) distribution to downstream users. While the natural hydrologic function of the Mail Creek drainage has been removed entirely, the shoreline vegetation and fringe wetlands still serve to dissipate energy, filter sediments, and stabilize the shoreline during large precipitation events. The Stormwater ditch offers minimal ecological function; however, this feature does support willows and other woody vegetation along the bank. This vegetation supports bank stability, dissipates the energy of stormwater flowing into the Mail Creek Drainage, and offers very limited mechanical and chemical filtration capacity for stormwater entering the Mail Creek Drainage. Portions of this feature may be culverted and as a result shrubs and sapling trees would be removed. Considerations for dissipating Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO December 2015 Cardno Ecological Characterization 3-6 energy of stormwater flows into the Mail Creek drainage should be considered in the Project design phase. 3.11 Timing of Development in Relation to Ecological Character Construction and any proposed tree removal could be timed in the late summer or early fall to prevent impacts to wildlife during periods when construction may negatively affect breeding activities, nesting activities, brood rearing, or juvenile wildlife. Specifically, protection or avoidance of avian nests is recommended as nesting birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which grants federal statutory protection to most active avian nests. If construction or tree removal is timed to occur during the active avian breeding and nesting period, measures should be taken to identify and avoid active avian nests until the young have fledged. If construction or removal of trees is initiated prior to March 1 or postponed until after avian nesting is completed (generally August) potential impacts to nesting bird species would be greatly reduced. No work within the Mail Creek drainage is proposed therefore no timing restrictions are recommended. Construction activities will take place upslope of the Mail Creek drainage. As a precaution construction could be timed during periods when precipitation is expected to be low (late summer through winter), thereby reducing the likelihood of sediment and stormwater runoff from entering the Mail Creek drainage. If an uncontrolled sediment release were to enter the Mail Creek drainage it could result in a violation of section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Timing of construction within the stormwater ditch or alteration of the ditch could be completed when the chance of large stormwater runoff is lowered (late summer through winter) to reduce the likelihood of uncontrolled sediment and stormwater releases into the Mail Creek drainage. Construction or alteration within the ditch during times of peak precipitation may destabilize the existing channel and flush sediment or construction debris into the Mail Creek Impoundment. If an uncontrolled sediment release were to enter the Mail Creek Impoundment it could result in a violation of section 404 of the Clean Water Act. 3.12 Mitigate Measures Construction and any potential tree removal within the late summer and early fall is recommended as impacts to nesting bird species and potential violations to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are reduced or eliminated. If construction were to begin during active avian nesting season, a pre-construction nesting bird survey should be completed to identify active nests. All active nests should be avoided and buffered using Buffer Zone Standards identified by the City of Fort Collins (Avian nest Buffer Zone Standards range from 300 to 2,640 feet depending upon the species) (City of Fort Collins, 2015a). Given the Project is so small, nesting buffers may be prohibitive to construction altogether if active avian nests were identified within or near the Project. Portions of the stormwater ditch will be altered and culverted resulting in a minor loss of small willows and a potential reduction in energy dissipation and filtering capacity. Consultation with the City of Fort Collins is advised prior to alteration or disturbance to this feature to ensure that Project development is completed to ensure the continued management and function of this feature. Considerations for dissipating energy of stormwater flows into the Mail Creek drainage should be considered in the Project design phase. Consultation with the City of Fort Collins is advised prior to alteration or disturbance of the irrigation ditch on the north side of the Project Area Boundary. While this feature appears to be out of service, consultation would ensure that Project development is completed such that the continued management and function of this feature can persist if necessary. Construction within the Project Area Boundary could take place in the late summer through the winter to reduce the likelihood of large precipitation events which could result in sediment and stormwater releases Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO December 2013 Cardno Ecological Characterization 3-7 into the Mail Creek drainage and fringe wetlands. In an effort to reduce or eliminate these types of impacts silt fencing could be installed along the boundary between the construction areas and Mail Creek drainage thereby reducing the likelihood of a violation to section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Naturalized drainages and the associated riparian vegetation, such as the Mail Creek drainage and riparian habitat should be buffered by a minimum of 50 feet as required by the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code (City of Fort Collins 2015a). This buffer is depicted in Figure A 4. If this buffer is determined to be unsuitable for Project development, consultation with the City of Fort Collins is advised to identify a more compatible buffer and to identify appropriate mitigation measures to offset anticipated impacts to the riparian vegetation. If tree removal is likely, a landscaping plan, or vegetation mitigation plan, should be developed in coordination with the City of Fort Collins. The plan should include identification of regionally approved or native species of trees and shrubs which could be planted to offset vegetation impacts and mirror the existing vegetation and habitat in the adjacent areas. This may include planting of native trees similar to those presently occupying the parcel including crack or peachleaf willow and plains cottonwood, shrubs including rabbitbrush and native yucca, and other approved ornamentals which provide benefits to both wildlife and the visual aesthetic. If a vegetation mitigation plan is identified as necessary, Cardno recommends that replanting efforts be focused to improve the margins of the Mail Creek drainage with willow and cottonwood where riparian vegetation does not presently occur. By doing, so targeted replanting in these areas will maximize the effectiveness and value of Project mitigation actions by offsetting impacts to vegetation removal through addition of ecologically valuable vegetative species and improvement of the overall ecological function of the riparian corridor by providing additional bank stabilization and armoring, energy dissipation, chemical and physical filtration, enhancement of wildlife habitat, and overall improved visual aesthetic where it does not presently exist. Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO December 2015 Cardno Impacts and Recommendations 4-1 4 Impacts and Recommendations The Project entails construction of up to 4.4 acres of a vacant parcel located in a commercially and residentially developed area of Fort Collins, Colorado. As proposed, the greatest amount of ground disturbance will occur within a disturbed grassland plant community which has been subject to routine moving and vegetation management activities. No construction is proposed for the areas around the Mail Creek drainage, which has been identified as providing the greatest value of ecological character within the parcel. If all mitigation measures are followed as detailed above the Project will result no impacts to significant ecological resources and the Project would meet the standards to preserve the existing ecological character, function, and wildlife use present on the parcel today. Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Ft. Collins, CO December 2015 Cardno References 5-1 5 References Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 2015. Colorado Threatened and Endangered List. Available at http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/SOC-ThreatenedEndangeredList.aspx. Accessed November 11, 2015. Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP). 2015. CNHP Conservation Status Handbook (Tracking List), Statewide species and natural community tracking list for Larimer County, Colorado (September 2014 update). Available online at: http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/download/list.asp. Accessed November 11, 2015. City of Fort Collins. 2007. Fort Collins Natural Areas Program, Wildlife Management Guidelines. Fort Collins Colorado. Available online at: http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/plans-policies.php City of Fort Collins. 2015a. City of Fort Collins Land Use Code (November 25, 2015 update). Available online at: https://www.municode.com/library/co/fort_collins/codes/land_use?nodeId=18006 City of Fort Collins. 2015b. FCMaps. Available online at: http://www.fcgov.com/gis/mobile-links.php United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual” Technical Report Y-87-1, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. USACE. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Great Plain Region (Version 2.0). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center. Vicksburg, MS.\ United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2014. National List of Hydric Soils. Available at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/use/hydric/. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2015. Web Soil Survey. Available at http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm United States Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2014. National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Mapper. Available online at http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper. USFWS. 2015a. Critical Habitat Online Portal. Available at: http://ecos.fws.gov/crithab/. USFWS 2015b. Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC) USFWS Listed Species occurring within vicinity of Project. Available online at http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/. Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential APPENDIX A PROJECT FIGURES Appendix A Ecological Characterization Study Project Figures Harmony Multi-Family Residential December 2015 Cardno A-1 Figure A-1 - .ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey Map. Map Provided by SEEC. Appendix A Ecological Characterization Study Project Figures Harmony Multi-Family Residential December 2015 Cardno A-2 Figure A-2. - Approximate Lower Floor Plan Design of Project. Map provided by SEEC Appendix A Ecological Characterization Study Project Figures Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Fort Collins, Colorado December 2015 Cardno A-3 Figure A-3 – City of Fort Collins Parks, Natural Areas, and Waterbodies Map (City of Fort Collins 2015b). Appendix A Ecological Characterization Study Project Figures Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Fort Collins, Colorado December 2015 Cardno A-4 Figure A-4 – Project Location Map and Existing Ecological Features. Ecological Characterization Study Harmony Multi-Family Residential APPENDIX B PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHS Appendix B Ecological Characterization Study Project Photographs Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Fort Collins, Colorado December 2015 Cardno B-1 Photo of Project looking east along Harmony Road. Photo taken from northwest corner of Project Area Boundary. Photo depicts disturbed grassland habitat, large plains cottonwood, and Russian olive along Harmony Road. Photo of Project looking northwest toward Harmony Road. Photo taken from southeast corner of Project Area Boundary. Photo depicts disturbed grassland habitat, Mail Creek drainage riparian habitat pictured left, and existing commercial development in the background. Appendix B Ecological Characterization Study Project Photographs Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Fort Collins, Colorado December 2015 Cardno B-2 Photo of Project looking west at large plains cottonwood and Russian olive along the northern Project Area Boundary. Photo taken from the eastern boundary looking west. Photo depicts disturbed grassland habitat, Harmony Road, and Mail Creek drainage riparian habitat to the left. Photo of Project looking south toward riparian habitat of the Mail Creek drainage. Photo taken from center of northern Project Area Boundary. Photo depicts riparian habitat and residential development south of Project. Appendix B Ecological Characterization Study Project Photographs Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Fort Collins, Colorado December 2015 Cardno B-3 Photo looking west at Mail Creek drainage near southeast corner of Project Area Boundary. Photo looking southeast at Mail Creek drainage near the southwest corner of the Project Area Boundary. Appendix B Ecological Characterization Study Project Photographs Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Fort Collins, Colorado December 2015 Cardno B-4 Photo of Mail Creek Impoundment looking west. Photo depicts riparian vegetation and residential development picture left. Photo of disturbed grassland habitat and Mail Creek Impoundment looking southeast from Project. Photo depicts residential development south of Project. Appendix B Ecological Characterization Study Project Photographs Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Fort Collins, Colorado December 2015 Cardno B-5 Photo looking south at Stormwater ditch along western boundary of Project. Photo of Stormwater flow channel and steep bank supporting willow growth. Appendix B Ecological Characterization Study Project Photographs Harmony Multi-Family Residential, Fort Collins, Colorado December 2015 Cardno B-6 Photo of location where Stormwater ditch meets Mail Creek Impoundment. Photo of Irrigation ditch looking east along Harmony Road Candidate None – No suitable undisturbed stream habitat. Project is outside this species known range. Mammal Black-Footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) Endangered, Experimental Non-Essential None- No prairie dogs occur in the Project. Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) Threatened Unlikely – No suitable high elevation coniferous forest habitat. Could occur as a rare visitor.