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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTHE RETREAT AT FORT COLLINS (FORMERLY REDWOOD STREET MULTI-FAMILY) - PDP - PDP180002 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 3 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTMarch 2, 2018 Ms. Stephanie Blochowiak City of Fort Collins, Planning 281 N. College Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80524 Re: Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins Fort Collins, Colorado Terracon Project No. 25187124 Dear Ms. Blochowiak: On Behalf of LCD Acquisitions, LLC, Terracon Consultants, Inc. (Terracon) appreciates the opportunity to provide the City of Fort Collins with the following Ecological Characterization Study (ECS) for the above-referenced project. An ECS is required for certain developments under Fort Collins Land Use Code Section 3.4.1 (Natural Habitats and Features). PROJECT INFORMATION 1.1 Site Description The project is located east of Redwood Street and south of Conifer Street in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado. The project consists of an approximately 29.12-acre tract of vacant land (hereinafter referred to as the “site”) which is bordered on the east by the Lake Canal (Appendix A, Exhibit 1). The site is located approximately one mile north of Old Town Fort Collins. The site consists primarily of open space with a water retention feature and irrigation canal. The property is scheduled for development with multi-family units. The property will consist of residential housing, numerous roadways, a clubhouse/park, and parking facilities. As aforementioned, the property is currently undeveloped and is bordered on all sides by existing residential neighborhoods and roadways. PRELIMINARY DATA GATHERING The purpose of this ECS is to identify potential environmental concerns associated with development of the site. Evaluation categories include wildlife, wetlands, general vegetation/habitat types, invasive/exotic plants, viewshed, and overall ecological function of the site. To complete the ECS, Terracon reviewed published information including U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS) Topographic maps, National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) and the federally published threatened and endangered species (T&E) for Larimer County, Colorado from the U.S. Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins, Colorado March 2, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 25187124 Responsive ■ Resourceful ■ Reliable 2 Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Conservation (IPaC) system. Additionally, a site visit was conducted by a qualified Terracon biologist on February 27, 2018. To complete the ECS, Terracon performed a limited evaluation of the following three subjects, which are discussed in sections 2.1 through 2.3: 1) Potential Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S., Including Wetlands 2) Protected Species (e.g., Threatened and Endangered Species) 3) City of Fort Collins General Development Standards. 2.1 Potential Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S., Including Wetlands Terracon conducted a limited desktop review for the site to evaluate potential presence of apparent jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), including wetlands, as defined and regulated by federal authority under 33 CFT Parts 320-330. Wetlands as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in the Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands, (Federal Interagency Committee for Wetland Determination, 1989), are “those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.” Jurisdictional wetlands are regulated under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act/1972, Clean Water Act of 1977 and 1987, and the Farm Bills of 1985 and 1990. Terracon reviewed the following resources to evaluate the potential presence of jurisdictional WOTUS, including suspected wetlands, on the site: Topographic Map and Aerial Image Review The USGS 7.5-Minute Topographic Quadrangle map of the project site was reviewed to identify drainages or other potential Waters of the U.S. within the site (Appendix A, Exhibit 2). Two intermittent drainages, the Lake Canal and Ames Ditch, exist adjacent to the site boundary. Bordering the east and south site boundaries. Intermittent drainages typically carry water during certain portions of the year. National Wetlands Inventory Map National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data for the project site were reviewed to identify potential wetland/waterbody areas (Appendix A, Exhibit 3). NWI data for the project site was published by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and does not depict any wetland areas or waterbodies within the project boundary. A few suspect water features, including a freshwater emergent wetland, freshwater pond, and freshwater forested/shrub wetland, were identified adjacent to the project site boundary. Aside from the intermittent drainage features shown on the USGS topo, no other NWI layers are located on the site. Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins, Colorado March 2, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 25187124 Responsive ■ Resourceful ■ Reliable 3 2.2 Protected Species Terracon searched available data from the USFWS Information, Planning and Conservation System (IPaC) Endangered Species Act species list to identify species of concern determined by the activities proposed at the site. Based on a review of the website, 14 species are listed as potentially occurring at the site. Terracon also reviewed a list of Federal and State protected species obtained from the USFWS Environmental Conservation Online System which identified 15 species listed in Larimer County (Appendix B). A review of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Threatened and Endangered Species list for Colorado identified 74 state-listed threatened or endangered species within the state of Colorado. Habitats for the listed species identified were compared to desktop aerial imagery apparent habitat conditions at the project site. The project site consists of open grassland. Because of the apparent lack of permanent water features or forested land, habitat for the above-mentioned species is unlikely within the project footprint. 2.3 City of Fort Collins General Development Standards Section 3.4.1 of the General Development Standards for the City of Fort Collins 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 by the City of Fort Collins. This ECS includes a desktop evaluation as well as a description of current conditions observed during Terracon’s site visit conducted on February 27, 2018. Per Section 3.4.1, the following were evaluated: n Wildlife Use of the Area n Jurisdictional (USACE) or non-jurisdictional wetlands n Prominent Views n Native Vegetation n Non-native Vegetation n Bank, Shoreline, or High Water Mark n Sensitive or Specially Valued Species n Special Habitat Features n Wildlife Movement Corridors n General Ecological Functions n Potential Issues with Timing of Development Activities n Mitigation of Projected Adverse Impacts (if applicable) ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Terracon’s Natural Resource Lead, Tyler Worley, conducted a field survey on February 27, 2018 to evaluate the site for satisfying the City of Fort Collins General Development Standards Section 3.4.1 Natural Habitat and Features. Photographs of the site are provided in Appendix C. Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins, Colorado March 2, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 25187124 Responsive ■ Resourceful ■ Reliable 4 3.1 Wildlife Use A pedestrian survey was conducted by traversing the perimeter and interior of the site. To account for species’ buffers, the surrounding area, up to ½ mile from the project area was also evaluated. Several prairie dog (Cynomys leucurus) holes were observed near the retention pond but were observed to be inactive. A red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and associated nest was observed 0.4 miles southeast of the site on an adjacent property. Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommends a no surface occupancy (NSO) within a ⅓ mile of active nests and a seasonal restriction to human encroachment within ⅓ mile of active nests from February 15 through July 15. Development of the site should not affect this nest. No other wildlife were observed at the site during the site survey. 3.2 Jurisdictional or Non-jurisdictional Waters The site is bordered on the east by Lake Canal and on the south by Ames Ditch. It appears that the size of the site, relative to the areas indicated as potentially jurisdictional, would allow development by avoidance of the potentially jurisdictional WOTUS. Jurisdictional wetlands, including some ephemeral/intermittent drainages, require a permit from USACE. Because of these areas, Terracon recommends that the Client conduct a WOTUS evaluation/delineation or USACE pre-construction notification if these potential areas cannot be avoided. Local irrigation/water districts should be contacted if the construction will disturb irrigation canals. 3.3 Prominent Views The site is surrounded by private residential properties with some light industrial development to the south. The Rocky Mountains can be seen within the site boundary. 3.4 Vegetation The site is located east of Redwood Street in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado and consists of approximately 29.12-acre tract of vacant land which is bordered at the east by the Lake Canal and surrounded by developed community homes in the remaining directions. The site consists primarily of open space with water retention features and irrigation canals. Vegetation on the site is typical of the mixed-grass prairie and consists primarily of smooth brome (Bromis inermis) across the entire site with a minor amount of intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) on the western boundary. Several Cottonwoods (Populus deltoides) line the site boundaries along with Bebb Willows (Salix bebbiana) near the retention pond. The northeast corner of the site contains approximately 13 Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) trees which is considered a noxious weed species in the state of Colorado. 3.5 Sensitive or Specially Valued Species Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins, Colorado March 2, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 25187124 Responsive ■ Resourceful ■ Reliable 5 The City of Fort Collins Department of Natural Areas currently follow the Federal list of T&E species. n Canada Lynx: Suitable habitat for the Canada Lynx include dense conifer forests and deep snow. Canada Lynx habitat was not observed at the site. n Preble’s meadow jumping mouse: Suitable habitat for the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse include potential wetlands and riparian areas. Although no individual mice were observed during the February 27, 2018 survey, associated riparian habitats along or near the development should be avoided. n North American Wolverine: Suitable habitat for the North American Wolverine include mountain environments with year-round cold weather, snow cover, and dens. North American Wolverine habitat was not observed at the site. n Least Tern: Suitable habitat for the Least Tern include sandy beaches near major river systems and coasts. Least Tern habitat was not observed at the site. n Mexican Spotted Owl: Suitable habitat for the Mexican Spotted Owl include canyon and forest habitats which can be found in the Southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Mexican Spotted Owl habitat was not observed at the site. n Piping Plover: Suitable for the Piping Plover include sparsely vegetated sandy shores of reservoirs and gravel pits. Piping Plover habitat was not observed at the site. n Whooping Crane: Suitable habitat for the Whooping Crane include mudflats around reservoirs and in agricultural areas. There are no known populations of Whooping Cranes in Colorado. Habitat for the Whooping Crane was not observed at the site. n Arapahoe Snowfly: There are only two known locations of the Arapahoe snowfly which include two tributaries of the Cache la Poudre River. These locations have steep slopes and canyons with sparse riparian vegetation dominated by ponderosa pine, and the lower reaches near the confluence with the Cache la Poudre are more open with a riparian border of cottonwood, willows, and alder. Although no individual Arapahoe snowflys were observed during the survey, associated habitats along or near the development should be avoided. n Colorado Butterfly Plant: Suitable habitat for the Colorado Butterfly Plant include riparian areas or floodplains with a high water table or old stream channels. The survey performed was outside the growing season and though no suitable habitat was observed at the site, any associated habitats along or near the development should be avoided. Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins, Colorado March 2, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 25187124 Responsive ■ Resourceful ■ Reliable 6 n North Park Phacelia: Suitable habitat for the North Park Phacelia is only found in Jackson County and limited to elevations of 8,000 to 8,300 feet. Habitat for the North Park Phacelia was not observed at the site. n Ute-ladies’-tresses: Suitable habitat for Ute-ladies’-tresses include riparian edges, gravel bars, old oxbows, high flow channels, and moist to wet meadows along perennial streams. The survey performed was outside the growing season and though no suitable habitat was observed at the site, any associated habitats along or near the development should be avoided. n Western Prairie Orchid: Suitable habitat for the Western Prairie Orchid include moist, tall grass prairies and sedge meadows. Habitat for the Western Prairie Orchid was not observed at the site. 3.6 Wildlife Movement Corridors The retention pond and drainage ditches bordering the site would not be considered a concentration area for migratory or nesting waterfowl. Wildlife that has been adapted to urban areas (i.e., raccoon, skunk, fox, etc.) may use the area as a movement corridor but would not be considered big game. 3.7 General Ecological Functions The site is located in Colorado’s Central High Plains with elevations ranging from 3,400 ft. to 6,000 ft. Surrounding corridors include I-25, U.S. Highway 287, and numerous private residential properties. Surrounding areas are comprised of gently rolling plains and river valleys. The major rivers in the area include the Cache la Poudre and associated tributaries. Land use in the area is primarily urban development and cropland. The region averages 14-17 of precipitation per year with a mean annual temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The open, vacant lot could provide the community with minimal recreational opportunities. The small wetland to the east may provide habitat for waterfowl, but due to the small size, and close proximity of similar habitat, wildlife habitat functions at the site would likely decrease due to residential use. 3.8 Potential Issues with Timing of Development A red-tailed hawk and active nest was observed roughly 0.4 miles southeast of the site. Per recommendations by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife a ⅓ mile buffer should be established from the site from February 15 through July 15 to avoid abandonment. 3.9 Mitigation of Projected Adverse Impacts Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins, Colorado March 2, 2018 ■ Terracon Project No. 25187124 Responsive ■ Resourceful ■ Reliable 7 Terracon performed the survey outside normal growing conditions. If development is planned on or near the drainage ditches, Terracon recommends requesting a jurisdictional determination from the USACE and delineating wetlands during the growing season. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Terracon conducted a desktop review and on-site Ecological Characterization survey on February 27, 2018 for a 29.12-acre tract of vacant land per requirements set forth in the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code Article 3: General Development Standards, Section 3.4.1 – Natural Habitats and Features. No federally listed T&E species were observed during the field survey. Only one raptor, the red- tailed hawk, was observed near the project area with an active nest. The site should be monitored for future occurrences and the NSO set forth by the CPW adhered to. No other big game species, including mule deer, were observed. Impacts to federally listed T&E species from urban development are expected to be minimal. Of the species listed in this report, potential habitat does not exist within the site location. REFERENCES Colorado Parks & Wildlife. 2008. Recommended Buffer Zones and Seasonal Restrictions for Colorado Raptors. Available on Internet: https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/RaptorBufferGuidel ines2008.pdf NRCS. 2007. Ecological Site Identification and Concept. Available on Internet: https://esis.sc.egov.usda.gov/ESDReport/fsReport.aspx?id=R067BY002CO&rptLevel=all &approved=yes&repType=regular&scrns=&comm Municipal Code Corporation. 2017. Code of Larimer County, Colorado. Available on Internet: https://library.municode.com/co/fort%20collins/codes/land%20use?nodeId=ART3GEDE ST Xerces Society. 2018. Stoneflies: Arapahoe snowfly (Capnia arapahoe). Available on Internet: https://xerces.org/arapahoe-snowfly/ APPENDIX A EXHIBITS SOURCE: GOOGLE EARTH 2018 SITE MAP Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins LCD Aquisitions, Fort Collins, Colorado 10625 W I 70 Frontage Rd N Ste 3 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-1729 20177077 DIAGRAM IS FOR GENERAL LOCATION ONLY, AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES Project Manager: Drawn by: Checked by: Approved by: TW AM AM AM 25187124 3/1/2018 Project No. File Name: Date: 1 Exhibit AS SHOWN Scale: Current retention pond Lake Canal Ames Ditch Wetland Russian Olive trees Red-tail hawk in flight and active nest USGS TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP 10625 W I 70 Frontage Rd N Ste 3 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-1729 SOURCE:20177077 TERRACON GIS TOOLBOX Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins LCD Aquisitions, Fort Collins, Colorado Project Manager: Drawn by: Checked by: Approved by: TW AM AM AM 25187124 3/1/2018 Scale: Project No. File Name: Date: AS SHOWN 2 Exhibit SOURCE: NATIONAL WETLANDS MAPPER WETLANDS MAP 10625 W I 70 Frontage Rd N Ste 3 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-1729 20177077 Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins LCD Acquisitions, Fort Collins, Colorado DIAGRAM IS FOR GENERAL LOCATION ONLY, AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES Project Manager: Drawn by: Checked by: Approved by: TW AM AM AM 25187124 3/1/2018 Project No. File Name: Scale: Date: 3 Exhibit AS SHOWN APPENDIX B IPaC REPORT IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 1 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 2 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 3 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 4 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 5 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 6 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 7 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 8 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 9 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 10 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 11 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 12 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 13 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 14 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM IPaC: Explore Location https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/V2YAJSBA4NBITDIG7NFDHGVO4I... 15 of 15 2/27/2018, 7:49 AM APPENDIX C SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Appendix C –Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins, Colorado Terracon Project: 25187124 1 Photo 1: View of Lake Canal, looking east. Appendix C –Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins, Colorado Terracon Project: 25187124 2 Photo 2: View of Cottonwood trees along Lake Canal. Appendix C –Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins, Colorado Terracon Project: 25187124 3 Photo 3: View of south side of site, looking north. Appendix C –Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins, Colorado Terracon Project: 25187124 4 Photo 4: View of central part of site, looking west. Appendix C –Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins, Colorado Terracon Project: 25187124 5 Photo 5: View of current retention pond, looking southeast. Appendix C –Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins, Colorado Terracon Project: 25187124 6 Photo 6: View of red-tailed hawk in flight. Appendix C –Ecological Characterization Study Retreat at Fort Collins ■ Fort Collins, Colorado Terracon Project: 25187124 7 Photo 7: View of active red-tailed hawk nest.