HomeMy WebLinkAboutMULBERRY CONNECTION - FDP200030 - - LANDSCAPE PLAN
RE: Mulberry Connection, FDP200030 – Landscape Compliance Letter
Dear Mr. Kai Kleer,
Thank you for the comments on January 8, 2021 for the above-mentioned project. In an effort to address your
second comment concisely and to simplify your review of the detention pond Landscape Plans, we have taken the
time to address how we are complying with The City of Fort Collins Landscape Design Standards and Guidelines
for Stormwater and Detention Facilities dated November 5. 2009.
Below you will find each requirement listed with a brief explanation (in red) on how we are complying with each
requirement.
1. INFILTRATION AND WATER QUALITY Reduce excess runoff and downstream pollution by increasing on-site
infiltration and water quality. Maintain the primary functions of detention ponds and stream drainages to
attenuate flows and improve water quality while creating and improving wildlife habitat.
Increase pervious surface area and surface conveyance.
The site’s drainage design utilizes grassed swales, rain gardens, an infiltration basin, and a dry well to
route stormwater runoff through pervious stormwater treatment conveyances. Approximately 60% of the
runoff from the site will be infiltrated in rain gardens prior to being routed to the detention pond via an
underdrain. The detention pond utilizes both an infiltration basin and a drywell to then infiltrate the minor
storm event.
Decrease flow concentration.
The site’s stormwater will initially be captured in rain gardens prior to out-falling to the detention pond.
A total of 4 rain gardens are utilized for stormwater quality and they adequately divide and distribute the
flows into the pond.
Take advantage of natural processes through bio-filtration and bio-retention.
Bio-retention and bio-filtration are both utilized as part of the stormwater design. The minor storm event
is designed to be infiltrated in rain gardens, captured in an underdrain, and then infiltrated again via the
drywell.
Manage vegetation to ensure proper drainage functions are maintained while allowing habitat values to
be expressed to the extent possible.
Vegetation will be managed to promote healthy plantings while keeping the stormwater water quality
and detention facilities operational. Due to the required drywell maintenance, Kimley Horn recommends
that planting be kept to a minimum near the drywell as to not hinder the required drywell inspections and
maintenance. Enhanced plantings in the proposed rain gardens provide a great natural habitat and meet
the intent of this requirement. In addition to the trees and shrubs, a different planting mix is specified for
the pond and the rain gardens that includes a mix of wildflowers and native grasses.
Date: January 25, 2021
Project Name: Mulberry Connection – FDP200030
To: Todd Sullivan, Development Review Coordinator
City of Fort Collins
Community Development and Neighborhood Services
281 North College Avenue
PO Box 580
2. HABITAT VALUE AND PLANT CONSERVATION Create and protect habitat for a diverse array of plants and
animals; birds, mammals, insects, amphibians, and wetland plants.
Increase plant species diversity including the number and variety of butterfly host plant grasses, forbs,
and shrubs as well as the number of nectar plants and shelter plants.
Increase the number and variety of native shrubs and trees that provide valuable cover, berries, insects,
nest sites and other resources for migratory, nesting, and wintering birds.
Increase the number and variety of wetland species that provide optimal conditions for amphibian and
reptile breeding to occur.
For plant species in and around the detention pond, we utilize a total of 6 different species of shrubs (5
deciduous and 1 evergreen) and 4 different species of trees (3 deciduous and 1 evergreen). In addition to
the varied trees and shrubs, a variety of wildflower and grasses have been specified for seeding within the
detention basin. The proposed plant variety will bring a varied aesthetic look and will attract various forms
of wildlife to the area.
In addition to the detention pond, the rain garden on the east side of the site has a varied landscaping
layout. Species diversity includes 2 deciduous tree species, 3 evergreen tree species, 4 deciduous shrub
species, 1 evergreen shrub species, and 3 grass species. We believe the variety of plant species provided
will offer an attractive habitat for birds, reptiles, and amphibians alike.
3. AESTHETIC APPEAL Create a beautiful landscape that people will enjoy and appreciate without sacrificing
function and value for wildlife and plant habitat.
Increase the amount of shade and resting areas along trails and open spaces while providing habitat for
wildlife and viewing opportunities for visitors.
Use plant species that maintain their beauty in a variety of seasons, such as a species with colorful and
showy flowers, fall leaf color, winter texture, and grasses that persist through the winter while they
provide good wildlife habitat.
Use vegetation to frame viewsheds and enhance the natural aesthetic qualities of the site.
Outside of the detention pond and rain gardens, a variety of shade trees, evergreen trees, and shrubs are
provided along the perimeter of the site and within the parking lot. Eight enhanced landscape parking lot
islands are provided along the east parking lot. Benches and picnic tables are strategically placed under
large shade trees to provide a rest area for employees. Near the detention pond on the west side, another
landscape enhanced rest area is provided complete with shade trees and varied planting that overlook
the pond.
In conclusion, we feel that the proposed landscaping plan meets the intentions of The City of Fort Collins
Landscape Design Standards and Guidelines for Stormwater and Detention Facilities dated November 5. 2009. The
variety and density of the proposed planting species and seeding in conjunction with the rain gardens and
detention pond, combine to provide the site with a natural feel that works in harmony with the stormwater quality
design, thus resulting in a drainage facility that exceeds the sum of these requirements.
Regards,
Shane Cassidy
Construction Manager, Comunale Properties