HomeMy WebLinkAboutNEWTON SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED - BASIC DEVELOPMENT REVIEW - BDR180019 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTEcological Characterization Study
1520 West Vine Drive
Prepared For:
Mr. Nathan Fall
101 Memorial Pkwy. #1183
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Prepared By:
Cedar Creek Associates, Inc.
5586 Overhill Dr.
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Amended:
June 8, 2018
Ecological Characterization Study – 1520 W. Vine Drive – Amended June 8, 2018
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction (Amended) 1
1.1 Property Location 1
2.0 Methods 1
2.1 Site Assessment (Amended) 1
2.2 Tree Inventory (Amended) 2
3.0 Findings 2
3.1 Site Description 2
3.2 Natural Habitats and Ecosystem Functions 2
3.2.1 Within the Site and Property Boundaries 2
3.2.2 Adjacent to the Site and Property 3
3.3 Site Vegetation 3
3.4 Tree Inventory (Amended) 3
4.0 Wildlife Description 4
4.1 Species and Habitat 4
4.2 Wildlife Corridors 4
4.3 Special Status Wildlife Species 4
5.0 Views 5
6.0 Project Impacts (Amended) 5
7.0 Proposed Mitigation (Amended) 5
8.0 References 7
List of Tables
Table 1. Mitigation Tree Size Requirements 6
List of Figures
Figure 1 (Amended): Environmental Characterization Study – Site Location 1520 W. Vine Dr,
Fort Collins, CO 8
Photos (Amended)
Photos 1 – 7 9-12
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Ecological Characterization Study – 1520 W. Vine Drive – Amended June 8, 2018
Environmental Characterization Study
1520 West Vine Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80521
1.0 INTRODUCTION – Amended
Mr. Nathan Fall and Prevail Homes, LLC proposes to construct a detached single family dwelling at
1516 W. Vine Dr. (Site). The City of Fort Collins (City) Natural Habitats and Features Map indicates the
presence of a windbreak on the private property (Property) on where the Site is located. As a result, an
Ecological Characterization Study is required under Article 3, Section 3.4.1 of the Fort Collins Land Use
Code. This report describes ecological conditions and functions observed at the Site, and inventories the
trees to be removed from the windbreak as a result of the proposed development.
Amended Portion: Note that the original Ecological Characterization Study, dated March 30, 2018,
was submitted with the address of 1516 W. Vine Dr. An original address of 1520 W. Vine Dr. was
obtained for the Site. In addition, City ordinations precluded access directly from W. Vine Dr., therefore
access to the Site was modified enter from the existing driveway for 1516 W. Vine Dr. Consequently a
new tree inventory and bird nest survey was conducted on June 5th, 2018.
1.1 Property Location
The Site is located in northwest Fort Collins, approximately 0.5 miles east of the intersection of N.
Taft Hill Road and W. Vine Dr. and 0.5 miles west of the intersection of N. Shields Street and W. Vine Dr.,
on the north side of W. Vine Dr. (Figure 1). The Site to be developed is approximately one acre and lies
within a privately owned 10-acre property. Near the center of the Property, latitude-longitude
coordinates are 40° 35’ 53.38” N and 105° 06’ 16.76” W.
2.0 METHODS
2.1 Site Assessment – Amended
Ecological conditions on the Site and Property were qualitatively assessed by a wildlife biologist /
range ecologist on March 27, 2018 with pedestrian surveys. Particular attention was paid to wildlife use
of the area, wildlife movement corridors, vegetative communities, general ecological functions provided
by the site, and prominent views.
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Ecological Characterization Study – 1520 W. Vine Drive – Amended June 8, 2018
Amended Portion: An additional tree inventory and bird nest survey was conducted on June 5,
2018.
2.2 Tree Inventory – Amended
A City Forestry Specialist conducted a tree inventory on the windrow immediately to the north of W.
Vine Dr. to determine mitigation requirements. Primary focus was placed on the windrow trees located
on the southeast corner of the site where an emergency access area/driveway will be constructed. No
tree disturbance is expected, on either the Site or Property, outside of this area.
Amended Portion: Resultant to modified access to the Site, a City Forestry Specialist (M. Roche)
inventoried the trees immediately to the north of the junction of W. Vine Dr. and the existing driveway
for 1516 W. Vine Dr. that were marked by the builder for removal.
3.0 FINDINGS
3.1 Site Description
The Site is level with minimal slope and maintains an elevation of approximately 5,025 feet
(Photos 1 and 2). There is an existing detached single family dwelling, barn, and outbuildings
immediately to the north of the Site on the larger Property (Photos 4 and 5). Fencing runs along the
perimeter of the Property and around the existing buildings. An irrigation ditch cuts across the Property
north of the existing buildings and runs west to east; vegetation is growing in the bottom of the ditch
indicating that it is seldom used (Photo 5). Livestock (primarily equestrian species) are present, and as
such the vast majority Site and Property consist of non-native seeded pasture that has been actively
grazed and mown for hay. Windbreaks line the southern, eastern, and western boundaries of the
Property, and the existing buildings are surrounded by mature deciduous and coniferous trees (Photos 2,
3, and 4).
3.2 Natural Habitats and Ecological Functions
3.2.1 Within Site and Property Boundaries
The Site consists almost entirely of upland pasture, while the Property consists of bare permanent
corral areas, upland pasture, and windbreaks composed of mature deciduous and coniferous trees. The
windbreaks provide foraging, nesting, and perching opportunities for arboreal birds (including raptors)
and squirrels, and good cover for mule deer passing through. Additionally they assist in management of
snow deposition, reduce noise pollution, absorb storm water, and create visual screens. Few trees exist
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Ecological Characterization Study – 1520 W. Vine Drive – Amended June 8, 2018
on the Property north of the windbreaks (Photo 6). The intensively managed nature of the Property
affords little potential for sensitive species.
3.2.2 Adjacent to the Site and Property
The Property is bordered by private properties immediately to the east, south, and west, and by
Lincoln Middle School to the northwest. The private properties primarily have a low density of detached
single family dwellings with mature trees present, and many of the properties support small scale
agricultural activities. Immediately to the north of the Property are unmown fields serving as a utility
corridor (power line). Approximately 0.2 miles north of the Property is an irrigation ditch that had
standing water at the time of the Site survey and two large reservoirs. To the north of the reservoirs
runs the Cache la Poudre River. The less-managed transition areas and natural areas north of the
Property function as wildlife corridors adapted to human development (coyote, raccoon, striped skunk,
Canada geese, and mule deer), habitat for small mammals, and provide a source of invertebrates and
seeds for bird species.
3.3 Site Vegetation
Vegetation on the Site and Property is dominated by seeded pasture that is used for grazing and hay
production with the dominant species being smooth brome (Bromus inermis). Annual weeds and bare
areas are dominant within the permanent livestock corral areas. The windrow on the eastern boundary
of the Property consists of mature Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) and Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus
scopulorum), the southern windrow consists almost entirely of mature Siberian elm and one Russian olive
(Elaeagnus angustifolia) with an understory of forsythia (Forsythia sp.), and the western windrow is
composed of large crack willows (Salix fragilis) and Siberian elm. Large, mature Siberian elms are the
primary trees found around the existing buildings.
3.4 Tree Inventory – Amended
A total of 13 trees were inventoried along the southern windbreak, of which the 6 eastern-most
have a high likelihood of removal (Figure 1). Some trees are encroaching on the power line along the
northern right-of-way of W. Vine Dr., and all the trees in the windbreak are in fair to poor condition
(Table 1). Only one tree is of wild origin. Total mitigation value of the trees to be removed is 4 upsized
mitigation trees.
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Ecological Characterization Study – 1520 W. Vine Drive – Amended June 8, 2018
Amended Portion: A total of six trees were inventoried ranging in size from 3 – 16 inch DBH; five
junipers and one hackberry. All of the junipers had been topped and were in poor condition, and the
hackberry was the smallest tree sampled and reached a maximum height of approximately 15 feet. No
bird nests were observed in the surveyed trees.
4.0 WILDLIFE DESCRIPTION
4.1 Species and Habitat
The Site and Property provides habitat to wildlife species adapted to pasture/grasslands, deciduous
forests, and urban areas. Wildlife species likely to use the area periodically include: mule deer, red fox,
coyote, raccoon, striped skunk; a variety of small mammals (deer mouse, meadow vole, house mouse,
cottontail rabbit, and fox squirrel); a variety of birds (both passerine/songbirds and raptors); a few
reptiles (western terrestrial garter snake, gopher snake) and amphibians (plains spadefoot toad).
Wildlife species or signs of species observed on the site during the Site survey included: mule deer,
fox squirrel, northern flicker, black-capped chickadee, house finch, black-billed magpie, western
meadowlark, and American robin. An unoccupied corvid nest was observed in a Russian olive on the
northern Property boundary. The mature trees of the windbreaks provide potential nesting habitat for a
variety of birds, passerine/songbirds or raptors, but no raptor nests were observed in the windbreaks or
on adjacent areas. The likelihood of detection was high since the deciduous trees had not yet leafed out
at the time of the Site survey. The Property or adjacent areas do not support a black-tailed prairie dog
colony.
4.2 Wildlife Corridors
The windbreak in the southern half of the Property provides good cover, and in combination with
other mature trees in the immediate vicinity, provides a wildlife movement corridor for species adapted to
urban environments. Mule deer in particular are regularly seen utilizing the corridor along W. Vine Dr..
The undeveloped, less managed areas to the north of the Property also serve as wildlife corridors and
provide access to the Cache la Poudre River.
4.3 Special Status Wildlife Species
The site provides poor potential habitat to Federally Listed Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus
hudsonius preblei). The nearest quality potential habitat is present along the Cache la Poudre river, and
the nearest occupied habitat is upstream of the town of LaPorte. Preferred habitat for the Preble’s
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Ecological Characterization Study – 1520 W. Vine Drive – Amended June 8, 2018
meadow jumping mouse includes thick shrubby riparian habitat along areas streams and rivers
(Armstrong et al. 1997), which is not present on the Site or Property.
Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (delisted but protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act) may be present foraging in the general area, especially
considering the proximity to reservoirs and the Cache la Poudre river. The mature trees of the
windbreak, although within a reasonable distance to water bodies, provide poor potential nesting sites
due to their close proximity to W. Vine Dr.
5.0 VIEWS
The proposed development will be visible from surrounding roads, but mitigated by the mature
windbreaks to the south, east, and west. Dominant views from the Site are toward W. Vine Dr. Offsite
views towards the mountains will not be altered by project construction.
6.0 PROJECT IMPACTS – Amended
Project construction would result in the conversion of approximately one acre of seeded pasture land
to urban uses, and up to 6 trees in fair to poor condition will be removed from the southern windbreak.
Removal of a small number of trees is unlikely to affect the efficacy of its performance as a windbreak.
No significant impacts to local wildlife movement in northwest Fort Collins are expected, and no impact to
special status wildlife or plant species is expected.
Amended Portion: A total of 6 trees immediately to the north of the junction of W. Vine Dr. and
the existing driveway for 1516 W. Vine Dr. Five of the trees, all junipers, have been topped and the sixth
tree, a hackberry, is small and provides negligible value. Their removal is unlikely to affect the efficacy
the windbreak.
7.0 PROPOSED MITIGATION – Amended
A total of four upsized mitigation trees will be planted in accordance with the minimum size
requirements outlined in Section 2.3.1(F) of the Fort Collins Land Use Code (Table 2). Species
appropriate to the ecology of the area will be selected for planting. A buffer of 25 feet will also be
maintained around the windbreak to provide appropriate protection to the windbreak canopy.
Amended Portion: According to the City Forestry Specialist, the poor quality of the surveyed trees
will require a total of three upsized mitigation trees to be planted in accordance with the minimum size
requirements outlined in Section 2.3.1(F) of the Fort Collins Land Use Code (Table 1). Species
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Ecological Characterization Study – 1520 W. Vine Drive – Amended June 8, 2018
appropriate to the ecology of the area will be selected for planting. A buffer of 25 feet will also be
maintained around the windbreak to provide appropriate protection to the windbreak canopy.
Table 1. Mitigation Tree Size Requirements (Section 2.3.1 (F))
Type Size Requirement
Canopy Shade Trees 3 inch Caliper Balled and Burlapped
Ornamental Trees 2.5 inch Caliper Balled and Burlapped
Evergreen Trees 8 foot Height Balled and Burlapped
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Ecological Characterization Study – 1520 W. Vine Drive – Amended June 8, 2018
8.0 REFERENCES
Armstrong, D.M., M.E. Bakeman, N.W. Clippinger, A. Deans, M. Marguiles, C.A. Meaney, C. Miller, M.
O’Shea-Stone, T.R. Ryon, and M. Sanders. 1987. Report on Habitat Findings of the Preble’s Meadow
Jumping Mouse. Presented to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Colorado Division of Wildlife.
City of Fort Collins. 2018. City of Fort Collins Natural Habitats & Features Inventory
Map. GIS Data
City of Fort Collins. 2018. City Code Section 2.3.1(F)
City of Fort Collins. 2018. City Code Section 3.4.1
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Ecological Characterization Study – 1520 W. Vine Drive – Amended June 8, 2018
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Ecological Characterization Study – 1520 W. Vine Drive – Amended June 8, 2018
Photo 1: Site and Property, looking northwest, from southeast corner of Property.
Photo 2: View of southern windbreak along W. Vine Dr. The 4-6 trees immediately to the left
of the gate are expected to be removed for emergency access area and driveway.
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Ecological Characterization Study – 1520 W. Vine Drive – Amended June 8, 2018
Photo 3: View of Site and Property, looking northeast, from southeast corner of Property.
Photo 4: Windbreaks along the eastern edge of Property and surrounding the existing
buildings. Looking east.
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Ecological Characterization Study – 1520 W. Vine Drive – Amended June 8, 2018
Photo 5: View of unused irrigation ditch, looking east. Note vegetation growing in bottom
of channel.
Photo 6: View of northern half of Property, looking north-northeast.
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Ecological Characterization Study – 1520 W. Vine Drive – Amended June 8, 2018
Photo 7 (Amended): View of trees to be removed for Site access.
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