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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLOAF N JUG - PDP - PDP180004 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTDenver • Durango • Hotchkiss • Idaho www.eroresources.com Consultants in Natural Resources and the Environment Ecological Characterization Study Northwest Corner of Interstate 25 and Highway 392 Property Larimer County, Colorado Prepared for— Wall Development Group 1121 Grant Street, Suite 2-A Denver, Colorado 80203 Prepared by— ERO Resources Corporation 1842 Clarkson Street Denver, Colorado 80218 (303) 830-1188 ERO Project #7037 November 2, 2017 Ecological Characterization Study Northwest Corner of Interstate 25 and Highway 392 Property Larimer County, Colorado ERO Project #7037 i ERO Resources Corporation Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................................ ii Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1 Project Area Location ............................................................................................................. 2 Project Area Description ........................................................................................................ 2 Wetlands and Waters of the U.S. ............................................................................................ 5 Background ...................................................................................................................................... 5 Project Area Conditions ................................................................................................................... 5 Threatened, Endangered, and Candidate Species .................................................................... 6 Potential Habitat and Possible Effects ............................................................................................. 7 Recommendations ........................................................................................................................... 7 Other Species of Concern ....................................................................................................... 7 Black-Tailed Prairie Dog ................................................................................................................... 7 Western Burrowing Owl .................................................................................................................. 8 Migratory Birds ................................................................................................................................ 9 Other Wildlife ...................................................................................................................... 10 Views .................................................................................................................................. 10 Impacts and Recommendations ............................................................................................ 11 References ........................................................................................................................... 11 Tables Table 1. Federally threatened, endangered, and candidate species potentially found in Project Area or potentially affected by projects in Project Area. ............................................. 6 Figures Figure 1. Vicinity Map ...................................................................................................................... 3 Figure 2. Site Description ................................................................................................................. 4 Appendices Appendix A Photo Log Ecological Characterization Study Northwest Corner of Interstate 25 and Highway 392 Property Larimer County, Colorado ERO Project #7037 ii ERO Resources Corporation Executive Summary Wall Development Group retained ERO Resources Corporation (ERO) to provide an ecological characterization study for a property located northwest of Interstate 25 (I-25) and north of Highway 392 in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado (project area). ERO assessed the project area for potential wetlands and waters of the U.S., potential federally listed threatened and endangered species habitat, migratory birds and active nests, and other wildlife. Below is a summary of the resources found at the project area and recommendations or future actions necessary based on the current site conditions and regulations. The natural resources and associated regulations described in this report are valid as of the date of this report and may be relied upon for the specific use for which it was prepared by ERO under contract to Wall Development Group. Because of their dynamic natures, site conditions and regulations should be reconfirmed by a qualified consultant before relying on this report for a use other than that for which it was specifically prepared. Wetlands and Other Waters of the U.S. – Two stormwater outfalls enter the eastern portion of the project area from I-25 and a third outfall enters the western portion of the project area from Southwest Frontage Road. These outfalls drain into two swales that line the eastern and western portions of the project area. No ordinary high water mark or wetland vegetation was observed within the swales. No action is necessary regarding wetlands and other waters of the U.S. Threatened and Endangered Species – The project area does not contain habitat for any federally listed species. No action is necessary regarding threatened and endangered species. Prairie Dogs – The project area contains a large active black-tailed prairie dog colony. If prairie dog removal becomes necessary, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recommends removing them in a humane manner before any earthwork or construction takes place. Burrowing Owls – Burrowing owls could be impacted by the project if work would occur within the CPW-recommended 150-foot buffer of any prairie dog burrows (Colorado Division of Wildlife 2008). If work would occur within the recommended buffer of any burrow during the breeding season (March through October), a burrowing owl survey should be conducted. If owls are present in the project area, activities should be restricted within 150 feet of nest burrows until the owls have migrated from the site, which can be determined through monitoring. Migratory Birds – No active or inactive nests were observed during the 2017 site visit. The Denver Field Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2009) and Colorado Department of Transportation (2011) have identified the primary nesting season for migratory birds in eastern Colorado as occurring between April 1 and mid to late August. However, some birds, such as the red-tailed hawk and great horned owl, can nest as early as February or March. Because of variability in various bird species’ breeding seasons, ERO recommends a nest survey be conducted within one week prior to construction to determine if any active nests are present in the project area so they can be avoided. If active nests are found, any work that would destroy the nests could not be conducted until the birds have vacated the nests. Other Wildlife – The project area provides habitat for a variety of wildlife including mule deer, white- tailed deer, coyote, fox, and raccoon. Swede Lake and the Fossil Creek Natural Area are directly west of Ecological Characterization Study Northwest Corner of Interstate 25 and Highway 392 Property Larimer County, Colorado ERO Project #7037 iii ERO Resources Corporation the project area, and wildlife may occasionally forage within the project area due to the proximity of these natural habitat features. The prairie dog colony within the project area provides prey for raptors and other wildlife, and it is likely raptors forage in this area due to proximity to Swede Lake and Fossil Creek Reservoir. However, because the project area is surrounded by I-25, Highway 392, and the Southwest Frontage Road, and due to the lack of vegetation structure within the project area, it is unlikely the project area provides significant habitat for wildlife. Any wildlife using the project area have likely become adapted to human disturbance due to the proximity of Highway 392 and I-25. Views – The area surrounding the project area is partially developed, with some commercial buildings to the southeast. The mountains to the west can be easily seen from almost any vantage point within the project area. Swede Lake, just west of the project area, is visible from most locations in the project area as well, but due to topographic relief, is currently not visible from the southwestern portion of the project area. I-25 is located east of the project area and is partially visible from the western portion of the project area. ERO Project #7037 1 ERO Resources Corporation Ecological Characterization Study Northwest Corner of Interstate 25 and Highway 392 Property Larimer County, Colorado November 2, 2017 Introduction Wall Development Group retained ERO Resources Corporation (ERO) to provide an Ecological Characterization Study (ECS) for a property located northwest of Interstate 25 (I-25) and north of Highway 392 in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado (project area). On October 31, 2017, Anica Sunshine with ERO visited the project area to review potential natural resources (2017 site visit). During this assessment, activities included a review of potential wetlands, identification of potential federally listed threatened and endangered species habitat, and identification of other natural resources that might affect development of the project area. This ECS provides information on existing site conditions and resources, as well as current regulatory requirements related to those resources. ERO assumes the landowner or project proponent is responsible for obtaining all federal, state, and local permits for construction of the project. Section 3.4.1 of the Fort Collins Land Use Code requires an ECS for development sites that contain, or are located within 500 feet of, an area or feature identified as a natural habitat or feature of the City of Fort Collins Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map or that are discovered during site evaluations associated with the development review process. As required under Article 3, this ECS describes the following: (a) the wildlife use of the area showing the species of wildlife using the area, the times or seasons that the area is used by those species, and the “value” (meaning feeding, watering, cover, nesting, roosting, and perching) that the area provides for such wildlife species; (b) the boundary of wetlands in the area and a description of the ecological functions and characteristics provided by those wetlands; (c) any prominent views from or across the site; (d) the pattern, species, and location of any significant native trees and other native site vegetation; (e) the bank, shoreline, and high water mark of any perennial stream or body of water on the site; (f) areas inhabited by or frequently used by Sensitive and Specially Valued Species; (g) special habitat features; (h) wildlife movement corridors; (i) the general ecological functions provided by the site and its features; Ecological Characterization Study Northwest Corner of Interstate 25 and Highway 392 Property Larimer County, Colorado ERO Project #7037 2 ERO Resources Corporation (j) any issues regarding the timing of development-related activities stemming from the ecological character of the area; and (k) any measures needed to mitigate the projected adverse impacts of the development project on natural habitats and features. Project Area Location The project area is in Section 15, Township 6 North, Range 68 West of the 6th Principal Meridian in Larimer County, Colorado (Figure 1 and Figure 2). The UTM coordinates of the approximate center of the project area are NAD 83 500562mE, 4481082mN, Zone 13 North. The longitude/latitude of the project area is 104.993364°W/40.480423°N. The elevation of the project area is approximately 4,870 feet above sea level. Photos are included in Appendix A and photo points are shown on Figure 2. Project Area Description The project area is bounded by Southwest Frontage Road on the north and west, Highway 392 on the south, and I-25 on the east. The project area consists of undeveloped land, with upland vegetation, as well as a large active black-tailed prairie dog colony (Figure 2; Photo 1). The upland vegetation is a mixture of native and nonnative species dominated by field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), kochia (Bassia prostrata), Russian thistle (Salsola kali), and black medick (Medicago lupulina). Rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa), plains cottonwood trees (Populus deltoides), and lanceleaf cottonwood trees (Populus acuminate) line the boundary of the project area at the base of the hillslopes (Photo 2). Project Area Prepared for: Wall Development Group File: 7037 Figure 1.mxd (WH) ± October 30, 2017 Figure 1 Vicinity Map I-25 and Hwy 392 Property Portions of this document include intellectual property of ESRI and its licensors and are used herein under license. Copyright © 2017 ESRI and its licensors. All rights reserved. 0 500 1,000 Feet Location Path: P:\7000 Projects\7037 I-25 and Hwy 392 Property\Maps\7037 Figure 1.mxd Section 15, T6N, R68W; 6th PM UTM NAD 83: Zone 13N; 500562mE, 4481082mN Longitude 104.993364°W, Latitude 40.480423°N USGS Windsor, CO Quadrangle Larimer County, Colorado a a a a Swede Lake P2 P3 P4 P1 Prepared for: Wall Development Group File: 7037 Figure 2.mxd (WH) ± November 1, 2017 Figure 2 Site Description I-25 and Hwy 392 Property 0 150 300 feet Active Prairie Dog Colony Parcel Boundary a Photo Point Image Source: USDA NAIP, 2015 Path: P:\7000 Projects\7037 I-25 and Hwy 392 Property\Maps\7037 Figure 2.mxd Ecological Characterization Study Northwest Corner of Interstate 25 and Highway 392 Property Larimer County, Colorado ERO Project #7037 5 ERO Resources Corporation Wetlands and Waters of the U.S. Background The Clean Water Act (CWA) protects the physical, biological, and chemical quality of waters of the U.S. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) Regulatory Program administers and enforces Section 404 of the CWA. Under Section 404, a Corps permit is required for the discharge of dredged or fill material into wetlands and other waters of the U.S. The Corps defines waters of the U.S. as “all navigable waters and their tributaries, all interstate waters and their tributaries, all wetlands adjacent to these waters, and all impoundments of these waters.” On May 31, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court concluded that approved jurisdictional determinations are judicially reviewable under the Administrative Procedure Act and, therefore, can be appealed in court. The Corps has recommended that requests for both approved and preliminary jurisdictional determinations be done using new guidance outlined in Regulatory Guidance Letter (RGL) 16-01 and that the form in Appendix 1 of the RGL be completed (Corps 2016). The Corps has indicated that jurisdictional determinations associated with a Section 404 CWA Permit request will preside over standalone jurisdictional determination requests. While ERO may provide its opinion on the likely jurisdictional status of wetlands and waters, the Corps makes the final determination. Project Area Conditions Streams and Open Water Prior to the 2017 site visit, ERO reviewed U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle topographic maps, the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD), and aerial photography to identify mapped streams and areas of open water that could indicate wetlands or waters of the U.S. The USGS Windsor, Colorado topographic quadrangle and NHD do not show any drainages occurring within the project area. ERO did not identify any streams, open water, or ordinary high water mark (OHWM) within the project area during the 2017 site visit. Wetlands Prior to the 2017 site visit, ERO reviewed the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) for potential wetlands. The NWI did not identify any wetlands within the project area. The 2017 site visit confirmed that no wetland vegetation is present in the project area, with the entire project area dominated by upland species. Three stormwater outfalls—two along the I-25 ramp and one along Southwest Frontage Road—drain into swales that line the eastern and western portions of the project area (Photo 3). ERO did not observe any OHWM or wetland vegetation within these swales. Recommendations During the 2017 site visit, no potential waters of the U.S., including wetlands, were observed within the project area. No further action is necessary regarding wetlands and other potential waters of the U.S. Ecological Characterization Study Northwest Corner of Interstate 25 and Highway 392 Property Larimer County, Colorado ERO Project #7037 6 ERO Resources Corporation Threatened, Endangered, and Candidate Species During the 2017 site visit, ERO assessed the project area for potential habitat for threatened, endangered, and candidate species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Federally threatened and endangered species are protected under the ESA. Adverse effects on a federally listed species or its habitat require consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under Section 7 or 10 of the ESA. The Service lists several threatened and endangered species with potential habitat in Larimer County, or that would be potentially affected by projects in Larimer County (Table 1). Table 1. Federally threatened, endangered, and candidate species potentially found in Larimer County or potentially affected by projects in Larimer County. Common Name Scientific Name Status* Habitat Habitat Present Mammals Canada lynx Lynx Canadensis T Dense boreal forests with high density of snowshoe hares No habitat North American wolverine Gulo gulo luscus PT Cold conditions with deep persistent snow cover No habitat Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Preble’s) Zapus hudsonius preblei T Shrub riparian and wet meadows No habitat Birds Interior least tern** Sterna antillarum athalassos E Sandy/pebble beaches on lakes, reservoirs, and rivers No habitat, no depletions anticipated Mexican spotted owl Strix occidentalis lucida T Old-growth or mature forests, uneven aged stands with high canopy closure, high tree density No habitat Piping plover** Charadrius melodus T Sandy lakeshore beaches and river sandbars No habitat, no depletions anticipated Whooping crane** Grus americana E Mudflats around reservoirs and in agricultural areas No habitat, no depletions anticipated Fish Greenback cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki stomias T Cold, clear foothill and mountain waters of Arkansas and South Platte Rivers No habitat, no depletions anticipated Pallid sturgeon** Scaphirhynchus albus E Large, turbid, free-flowing rivers with a strong current and gravel or sandy substrate No habitat, no depletions anticipated Insects Arapahoe snowfly Arsapnia arapahoe C Streams with steep slopes, Ecological Characterization Study Northwest Corner of Interstate 25 and Highway 392 Property Larimer County, Colorado ERO Project #7037 7 ERO Resources Corporation Common Name Scientific Name Status* Habitat Habitat Present Plants Colorado butterfly plant (CBP) Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis T Subirrigated alluvial soils on level floodplains and drainage bottoms between 5,000 and 6,400 feet in elevation No habitat North Park phacelia Phacelia formosula E Eroded soil outcrops of barren exposures of the Coalmont Formation between 8,000 and 8,300 feet in elevation No habitat Ute ladies’-tresses orchid (ULTO) Spiranthes diluvialis T Moist to wet alluvial meadows, floodplains of perennial streams, and around springs and lakes below 6,500 feet in elevation No habitat Western prairie fringed orchid** Platanthera praeclara T Mesic and wet prairies, sedge meadows No habitat, no depletions anticipated *T = Federally Threatened Species; E = Federally Endangered Species; PT = Proposed Threatened; C = Candidate Species. **Water depletions in the South Platte River may affect the species and/or critical habitat in downstream reaches in other counties or states. Source: Service 2017. Potential Habitat and Possible Effects The project area does not contain any suitable habitat for the Canada lynx, North American wolverine, Mexican spotted owl, greenback cutthroat trout, Arapahoe snowfly, or North Park phacelia. The interior least tern, piping plover, whooping crane, pallid sturgeon, and western prairie fringed orchid are species that are affected by continued or ongoing depletions to the Platte River system. Based on ERO’s current knowledge of the project, no depletions to the Platte River system would occur and no action is necessary. Habitat for Preble’s, CBP, and ULTO is not present in the project area. The project area lacks the wetland or riparian habitat to support these species. Additionally, in Larimer County, potential habitat for ULTO is only associated with perennial streams, which are not present in the project area. Recommendations No potential habitat for federally listed threatened or endangered species occurs in the project area and no further action is necessary. Other Species of Concern Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Species Background and Regulatory Guidance The black-tailed prairie dog is a Colorado species of special concern (Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) 2017). Black-tailed prairie dogs are important components of the short and mesic grasslands systems. Threats to this species include habitat loss and degradation, habitat fragmentation, disease (sylvatic plague), and lethal control activities. Typically, areas occupied by prairie dogs have greater cover and Ecological Characterization Study Northwest Corner of Interstate 25 and Highway 392 Property Larimer County, Colorado ERO Project #7037 8 ERO Resources Corporation abundance of perennial grasses and annual forbs compared with unoccupied sites (Whicker and Detling 1988; Witmer et al. 2002). Although prairie dogs are no longer in line for protected status under the ESA, CPW recommends attempting to remove or exterminate prairie dogs prior to bulldozing an active prairie dog town for humane reasons. Currently, Larimer County does not have any regulations or policies pertaining to prairie dogs. Potential Habitat and Possible Effects A large prairie dog colony of 35 to 40 burrows (more than 1 acre in size) was observed throughout the project area within the mixed upland vegetation (Figure 2; Photo 4). Although prairie dogs are not protected under the ESA, CPW recommends attempting to remove or exterminate prairie dogs prior to bulldozing an active prairie dog town for humane reasons. Currently, Larimer County does not have any regulations or policies pertaining to prairie dogs. The city of Fort Collins has a prairie dog policy for City Natural Areas, but no policy for private lands. Recommendations If prairie dogs must be removed for any proposed activities, two options typically exist: relocation and extermination. Currently, relocation to other parts of Colorado is not an option due to limited resources for new populations and CPW requires permits to move prairie dogs. Private companies can be hired to relocate prairie dogs, although relocation sites are difficult to secure. If extermination of prairie dogs is the only option, several independent companies provide treatments for prairie dog control. Prior to any work that would disturb a colony between March 1 and October 31, colonies should be surveyed for western burrowing owls. Western Burrowing Owl Species Background and Regulatory Guidance The western burrowing owl (burrowing owl) is a small migrant owl listed by the state of Colorado as a threatened species and is federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Primary threats to the burrowing owl include habitat loss and fragmentation, anthropogenic sources of mortality such as vehicular collisions, and loss of wintering grounds, largely in Mexico (McDonald et al. 2004). In general, burrowing owls are found in grasslands with vegetation less than 4 inches high and a relatively large proportion of bare ground (Gillihan and Hutchings 2000). In Colorado, burrowing owls are usually associated with black-tailed prairie dog colonies (Kingery 1998; Andrews and Righter 1992). More than 70 percent of sightings reported by Colorado Breeding Bird Atlasers were in prairie dog colonies (Kingery 1998). Burrowing owls usually arrive on their breeding grounds around mid-March to early April and remain until September (Haug and Oliphant 1990). Burrowing owls are present in Colorado between March 15 and October 31, with breeding from mid-April to early/mid-August (Andrews and Righter 1992; Kingery 1998). CPW suggests conducting burrowing owl clearance surveys in prairie dog towns that are subject to poisoning and/or construction projects during the period from March 15 through October 31 Ecological Characterization Study Northwest Corner of Interstate 25 and Highway 392 Property Larimer County, Colorado ERO Project #7037 9 ERO Resources Corporation (Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) 2008). CPW has a recommended buffer of 150 feet surrounding active burrowing owl nests (CDOW 2008). Potential Habitat and Possible Effects The prairie dog burrows within the project area are potential habitat for burrowing owls. Inadvertent killing of burrowing owls could occur during prairie dog poisoning, construction, or earthmoving projects during the breeding period. CPW has a recommended buffer of 150 feet surrounding active burrowing owl nests (CDOW 2008). Burrowing owls could be impacted by the project if work would occur within CPW’s recommended 150-foot buffer of any burrows. Recommendations To avoid potential impacts on burrowing owls, site activities should occur between November 1 and March 14. If site activities would occur within a 150-foot buffer surrounding any burrow within or adjacent to the project area, a burrowing owl survey should be conducted during the breeding season (March through October). If owls are present, activities should be restricted until the owls have migrated from the site, which can be determined through monitoring. Migratory Birds Background Migratory birds, as well as their eggs and nests, are protected under the MBTA. While destruction of a nest by itself is not prohibited under the MBTA, nest destruction that results in the unpermitted take of migratory birds or their eggs is illegal (Service 2003). The regulatory definition of a take means to pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect; or attempt to pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect (50 Code of Federal Regulations 10.12). Under the MBTA, the Service may issue nest depredation permits, which allow a permittee to remove an active nest. The Service, however, issues few permits and only under specific circumstances, usually related to human health and safety. Obtaining a nest depredation permit is unlikely and involves a process that may take a significant amount of time. In addition, CPW has recommended buffers for nesting raptors, depending on the species (generally ⅓ or ¼ mile) (CDOW 2008). The best way to comply with the MBTA is to remove vegetation outside of the active breeding season, which typically falls between March and August, depending on the species. Public awareness of the MBTA has grown in recent years, and most MBTA enforcement actions are the result of a concerned member of the community reporting noncompliance. Potential Habitat and Possible Effects No active or inactive raptor or other migratory bird nests were observed in or near the project area during the 2017 site visit; however, the cottonwood trees along the inner perimeter of the project area provide potential habitat for cavity-nesting birds as well as large raptors. The breeding season for most birds in Colorado is March through August, with the exception of a few species that begin breeding in February, such as great horned owls. Ecological Characterization Study Northwest Corner of Interstate 25 and Highway 392 Property Larimer County, Colorado ERO Project #7037 10 ERO Resources Corporation Recommendations Vegetation removal should occur outside of the breeding season (typically September through February). Both the Denver Field Office of the Service (2009) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (2011) have identified the primary nesting season for migratory birds in eastern Colorado as occurring between April 1 and mid to late August. However, a few species, such as great horned owls and red-tailed hawks, can nest as early as February or March. Because of variability in various bird species’ breeding seasons, ERO recommends a nest survey be conducted within one week prior to construction to determine if any active nests are present in the project area so they can be avoided. Nest removal may occur during the nonbreeding season to discourage future nesting and avoid violations of the MBTA. No permit or approval is necessary for removing nests during the nonbreeding season; however, nests must be destroyed and may not be collected under MBTA regulations. If the construction schedule does not allow vegetation removal outside of the breeding season, a nest survey should be conducted within one week prior to vegetation removal to determine if the nest is active and by which species. If active nests are found, any work that would destroy the nests could not be conducted until the birds have vacated the nests. Other Wildlife The project area is within the overall range of mule deer and white-tailed deer, as well as the winter range of mule deer. Swede Lake and the Fossil Creek Natural Area are directly west of the project area, and wildlife may occasionally forage within the project area due to the proximity of these natural habitat features. The prairie dog colony within the project area provides prey for raptors and other wildlife, and it is likely raptors forage in this area due to proximity to Swede Lake and Fossil Creek Reservoir. However, because the project area is surrounded by I-25, Highway 392, and the Southwest Frontage Road, and due to the lack of vegetation structure within the project area, it is unlikely the project area provides significant wildlife habitat. In addition, the project area was recently disturbed (within the last five years) for improvements to I-25 and Southwest Frontage Road. Any wildlife using the project area have likely become adapted to human disturbance. As with any human development, wildlife species sensitive to human disturbance are likely to decline in abundance or abandon the area, while other wildlife species adapted to development are likely to increase in abundance. Species likely to decline include some raptors and possibly coyotes. Species likely to increase include red fox, raccoon, and house mouse. Overall, surrounding and continuing development contributes to a decline in the number and diversity of wildlife species nearby and to a change in species composition to favor species that adapt better to human disturbance. Views The area surrounding the project area is largely undeveloped, with some commercial buildings to the southeast. The project area is visible from surrounding roads. The mountains to the west can be easily seen from almost any vantage point within the project area. Swede Lake and the Fossil Creek Natural Ecological Characterization Study Northwest Corner of Interstate 25 and Highway 392 Property Larimer County, Colorado ERO Project #7037 11 ERO Resources Corporation Area, located west of the project area, are visible from most locations in the project area, but due to topographic relief and vegetation, these areas are currently not visible from the southwestern portion of the project area. Impacts and Recommendations Wall Development Group proposes to develop the project area for commercial use. Section 3.4.1 of the Fort Collins Land Use Code calls for buffers of various widths around natural habitats and special features. The project area is within 500 feet of the Fossil Creek Natural Area and contains an active prairie dog colony larger than 1 acre, which would be considered a special habitat feature. However, the project area provides little ecological function due to the separation from the Fossil Creek Natural Area by the Southwest Frontage Road, which abuts I-25 and Highway 392, and little vegetation structure within the project area. Due to the proximity of the Fossil Creek Natural Area to the project area, ERO recommends constructing a visual screen of some type along the northern and western portions of the project area. The screen could consist of a combination of fencing, vegetation, and topographic relief. The purpose of the screening is to decrease the likelihood of human disturbance and light or noise pollution from cars and buildings. Exterior lighting should be kept as low to the ground as possible and should be configured to minimize light spill into the Fossil Creek Natural Area. With a visual screening, the ecological character and functions of the Fossil Creek Natural Area are expected to be the same following construction of the project. Although the project would impact an active prairie dog colony, it is unlikely to have a significant effect due to the presence of an active colony immediately to the west within the Fossil Creek Natural Area. Any wildlife use of the project area would likely decrease or would be entirely eliminated. If vegetation- or land-clearing activities occur during the nesting season for migratory birds, migratory birds or their nests or eggs could potentially be disturbed. ERO recommends that vegetation removal occur outside of the active breeding season, which is typically between March and August, depending on the species. If vegetation removal must occur during the nesting season, the project area should be surveyed for active nests by a qualified and experienced biologist. References Andrews, R.A. and R. Righter. 1992. Colorado Birds. Denver Museum of Natural History, Denver, CO. Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). 2011. Work Sheet: 240pmbcdotb dated 02-03-11. https://www.codot.gov/programs/environmental/wildlife/guidelines/Birdspeccontractorsbio.pdf/vie w. Last accessed November 1, 2017. Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW). 2008. Recommended buffer zones and seasonal restrictions for Colorado Raptor Nests. February. Ecological Characterization Study Northwest Corner of Interstate 25 and Highway 392 Property Larimer County, Colorado ERO Project #7037 12 ERO Resources Corporation Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). 2017. Colorado listing of endangered, threatened and wildlife species of special concern. Available at: <http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/SpeciesOfConcern/ThreatenedEndangeredList/Pages/List OfThreatenedAndEndangeredSpecies.aspx. Gillihan, S.C. and S.W. Hutchings. 2000. Best management practices for shortgrass prairie birds: a landowner’s guide. Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Brighton, CO. Haug, E.A. and L.W. Oliphant. 1990. Movements, activity patterns, and habitat use of burrowing owls in Saskatchewan. Journal of Wildlife Management 54:27-35. Kingery, H.E. 1998. Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas Partnership and Colorado Division of Wildlife. McDonald, D., N.M. Korfanta, and S.J. Lantz. 2004. The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia): a technical conservation assessment. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region. Available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/projects/scp/assessments/burrowingowl.pdf. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). 2016. Regulatory Guidance Letter 16-01. http://www.usace.army.mil/Portals/2/docs/civilworks/RGLS/rgl_6-01_app1-2.pdf?ver=2016-11-01- 091706-840. Last accessed December 21, 2016. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). 2003. Migratory Bird Permit Memorandum. April 15. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). 2009. Personal communication between Pete Plage (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and ERO Resources Corporation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). 2017. Information for Planning and Conservation (IPaC). https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/. Last accessed November 1, 2017. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). 2017. National Wetlands inventory. https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper.html. Last accessed November 1, 2017. Whicker, A.D. and J.K. Detling. 1988. Ecological consequences of prairie dog disturbances. BioScience 38:778-785. Witmer, G.W., K.C. VerCauteren, K.M. Manci, and D.M. Dees. 2002. Urban-suburban prairie dog management opportunities and challenges. Proceedings of 19th Vertebrate Pest Conference 19:439- 444. INTERSTATE 25 AND HIGHWAY 392 PROPERTY LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO PHOTO LOG OCTOBER 31, 2017 Photo 1 ‐ Overview of upland vegetation in the project area. View is to the north. Photo 2 ‐ Overview of trees and shrubs along the inner boundary of the project area. View is to the southwest. INTERSTATE 25 AND HIGHWAY 392 PROPERTY LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO PHOTO LOG OCTOBER 31, 2017 Photo 3 ‐ Drainage swale in eastern portion of the project area. View is to the south. Photo 4 ‐ Large black‐tailed prairie dog colony in the center of the project area. View is to the northeast. riparian vegetation, and pebble substrate No habitat