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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTHE QUARRY BY WATERMARK - FDP210016 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS REPORT Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark City of Fort Collins Larimer County, Colorado October 21, 2020 Prepared for: Watermark Residential 111 Monument Circle, Suite 1500 Indianapolis, IN 46204 ERC Project #200-2022 Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark City of Fort Collins Larimer County, Colorado October 21, 2020 Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1 2.0 GENERAL SITE DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................... 1 3.0 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................ 4 4.0 EXISTING VEGETATION COMMUNITIES ................................................................................... 4 5.0 WETLANDS AND OTHER WATERS ............................................................................................ 7 6.0 GENERAL WILDLIFE HABITAT AND USE ................................................................................. 10 7.0 MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT .............................................................................................. 11 8.0 SPECIES PROTECTED UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973 ............................... 11 PREBLE’S MEADOW JUMPING MOUSE (ZAPUS HUDSONIUS PREBLEI) .............................................. 13 UTE LADIES’-TRESSES ORCHID (SPIRANTHES DILUVIALIS) .................................................................. 13 9.0 STATE THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES ................................................................ 13 BURROWING OWL (ATHENE CUNICULARIA) ....................................................................................... 15 PLAINS SHARP-TAILED GROUSE (TYMPANUCHUS PHASIANELLUS JAMESII) ...................................... 15 10.0 ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION STUDY CHECKLIST ........................................................ 16 11.0 BUFFER ZONES ...................................................................................................................... 17 12.0 SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................ 18 13.0 REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................... 21 Figures FIGURE 1 – VICINITY MAP FIGURE 2 – SITE LOCATION MAP FIGURE 3 – NATURAL HABITATS AND FEATURES MAP Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. (ERC) has prepared the following Ecological Characterization Study (ECS) Report for The Quarry by Watermark development project in Fort Collins, Colorado (herein “Site” or “Study Area”). This report represents an update to the previous ECS report for the Site that was completed by ERC in 2015 (ERC 2015). The Site is in preparation of future development therefore requires a City of Fort Collins ECS. This report was prepared in accordance with the requirements of Article 3, Section 3.4.1 of the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code (herein “Code”) (City 2020). In general, Section 3.4.1 of the Code requires an ECS for development properties which are located in close proximity to an area or feature identified as a natural habitat or feature on the City's Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map, or if any portion of the development Site possesses characteristics (including, without limitation, wetlands, riparian areas or foothills forest) which would have supported their inclusion on the Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map, and such areas are discovered during Site evaluation and/or reconnaissance associated with the development review process. ERC conducted a Site visit with the City on October 12, 2020. The purpose of the Site visit with the City was to evaluate natural habitat, including confirming the results of a tree survey, for the Site. This ECS Report summarizes the specific natural habitats or features identified by ERC on the Site as outlined in Section 3.4.1 of the Code. 2.0 GENERAL SITE DESCRIPTION The Site is located at the southeast corner of South Shields Avenue and Hobbit Street in Section 23, Township 7 north, Range 69 west, in the City of Fort Collins in Larimer County, Colorado (Latitude 40.564308° north, Longitude -105.094006° west). The Site is bound by South Shields Avenue to the west, Hobbit Street to the north, a stormwater drainage ditch to the east and Spring Creek to the south. The Site vicinity and location maps are shown on Figure 1 and Figure 2. The land evaluated within the survey area for this Report comprises approximately 17 acres and has an average elevation of 5,012 feet above mean sea level. Topography on the Site generally slopes to the southeast. The Site is undeveloped and consists primarily of open ruderal grassland. Land within the Site appears to have been overlot graded in the relatively recent past. The southern and eastern perimeter of the Site contain a City of Fort Collins paved multi-use recreational trail which borders two drainages on the south and east sides. Large berms separate the interior of the Site from trails and drainages on the southern and eastern sides. Medium density residential developments encircle the vicinity of the Site on all sides. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map (USDA-NRCS 2002) identifies the southern drainage as Spring Creek, an intermittent stream which generally flows from west to east across the southern portion of the Site. The stream corridor consists of mature deciduous trees accompanied by an herbaceous understory. The corridor is narrow and confined by a recreational trail along the north side and residential development to the south. The second drainage on the eastern portion of the Site is an unmapped stormwater discharge feature which flows from north to south along the eastern Site boundary. The drainage is somewhat naturalized containing herbaceous vegetation within the channel bottom. The drainage joins Spring Creek at the far southeast corner of the Site. Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 2 Prepared for Watermark Residential THE QUARRY BY WATERMARK CITY OF FORT COLLINS LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 3 Prepared for Watermark Residential THE QUARRY BY WATERMARK CITY OF FORT COLLINS LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 4 3.0 METHODOLOGY A preliminary desktop review was conducted utilizing existing available mapping to identify natural habitats or features within Site boundary. The City's Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map, aerial imagery, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetland Inventory (NWI) mapping and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) data were reviewed. General extents and characterization of natural habitats or features were documented and sketched onto project base mapping as part of the initial review. ERC completed a Site walk with the City on October 20, 2020 to identify, map, and evaluate natural habitats or features within the Site. The evaluation documented and confirmed the presence of natural vegetation communities including associated City buffers, significant non-natural vegetation communities, general wildlife use and potential for threatened and endangered species/habitat to occur within the Site. A formal routine onsite delineation of potential waters of the U.S., including wetlands was completed within the Site. Wetland boundaries from ERC’s previous ECS report (ERC 2015) for the Site were utilized as the basis for the delineation since Site conditions have not changed since 2015. The wetland delineation was conducted following the methodology enumerated in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Great Plains Region (Version 2.0) (herein referred to as “Supplement”) (Environmental Laboratory 1987, USACE 2010). In addition, the “top of bank line” along the north side of Spring Creek was mapped using the 2015 delineation for the Site as current wetland boundaries are the same. The City of Fort Collins uses the top of bank line for determining buffer setback distances from streams and other water bodies. For this ECS the top of bank line was established based on the USACE wetland delineation boundary for each feature. Final mapping of natural habitats or features and buffer zones was conducted in GIS using photo interpretation of aerial photography, overlay of GPS data points and digitization of field maps. The Natural Habitat Feature Map (Figure 3) represents the natural habitats or features including wetlands and other water features identified by ERC within the Site. Upon review of all available resources, including literature and field inspections, ERC provides the following determination for the Site. 4.0 EXISTING VEGETATION COMMUNITIES Three primary vegetation communities exist within the Site and are comprised of: 1) ruderal grassland throughout the uplands, 2) cattail-dominated wetland habitat along the stormwater drainage and 3) riparian forest habitat along the Spring Creek corridor. The vegetation communities characterized on the Site are somewhat based on natural vegetation associations in the region (NatureServe 2020) however those on the Site have been disturbed by historic and current land use practices thus represent somewhat degraded forms of these communities. Following is a summary of the vegetation communities within the Site. Refer to Figure 3 for a map of vegetation communities on the Site. Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 5 Upland Ruderal Grassland The majority of the land on the Site consists of upland grassland dominated by smooth brome (Bromus inermis) ruderal herbaceous vegetation. The vegetation community characterized occurs in a wide variety of human-disturbed habitats and is also widely planted for revegetating disturbed land, pasture and hay fields, and has escaped into a variety of habitats (NatureServe 2020). The dominant grass is smooth brome. Other weedy species occur as well, but the overall cover of native species is generally less than 10% cover. The overall vegetation cover ranges from 50 to 90% cover of herbaceous vegetation. Other species present include crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), American licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), perennial sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), alfalfa (Sonchus arvensis), and leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). Within this predominantly herbaceous grassland vegetation community, scattered overstory trees are present along an upland berm. The trees are not considered a separate vegetation community because they occur as a landscape feature rather than as a natural ecological association. The trees mainly comprise non-native species such: as Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) and autumn purple ash (Fraxinus Americana) and to a lesser amount, native species including green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia). Refer to Photos 1-2 below for characteristics of the upland ruderal grassland habitat within the Site. Photo 1. View east across northern portion of the Site. The vegetation community is limited to ruderal grassland interspersed with weeds. Residential development surrounds the Site (Photo 10/12/20). Photo 2. View southwest at central portion of the Site. The trees shown in the photo background are located along a berm which separates the interior of the Site from Spring Creek, located to the south (Photo 10/12/20). Cattail-Dominated Wetland This vegetation community occurs along a man-made stormwater drainage along the eastern border of the Site. This artificial drainage is approximately four feet wide with rock-lined banks. The channel is somewhat naturalized containing palustrine emergent (PEM) wetland habitat within the channel bottom, dominated by a monotypic stand of common cattail. Refer to Photos 3-4 below for characteristics of the cattail-dominated wetland habitat within the Site. Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 6 Photo 3. View southeast at man-made, stormwater drainage dominated a monoculture of common cattail (PEM wetland). A berm (shown right) separates the interior of the Site from the stormwater drainage feature and City recreational trail (Photo 10/12/20). Photo 4. View west at stormwater wetland which drains into Spring Creek from the nearby residential developments (Photo: 10/12/20). Riparian Forest This riparian forest vegetation community occurs along a narrow, approximately 25 foot corridor of Spring Creek within the far southern portion of the Site. The vegetation community contains an active channel (5-10 feet wide) underlain by silt with mixtures of cobbles and gravels. The low-gradient channel is bordered in few areas by narrow fringe wetland habitat on low sidebars which extends outward approximately 1-2 feet on either side of the channel. Overall, this community is dominated by a relatively closed canopy of mixed deciduous trees in the overstory (50-80% cover) with an understory of herbaceous species. Isolated pockets narrowleaf willow (Salix exigua) occur sporadically in the midstory. The herbaceous layer is relatively dense ranging from 50-100% cover. The dominant species in this community include eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia), boxelder (Acer negundo), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and western wheatgrass. The canopy trees include a mix of native (eastern cottonwood, green ash, narrowleaf cottonwood, boxelder) and non-native (Siberian elm and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)) species throughout this community. Refer to Photos 5-6 below for characteristics of the riparian forest vegetation community within the Site. Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 7 Photo 5. View west of riparian forest vegetation community along Spring Creek. The vegetated corridor is narrow (~ 25 feet wide) and confined by a City recreational trail, local roads and neighboring residential developments (Photo 10/12/20). Photo 6. View east of riparian forest vegetation community along Spring Creek. Mixed deciduous overstory trees occur with a narrow wetland fringe (Photo: 10/12/20). 5.0 WETLANDS AND OTHER WATERS During the Site visit on October 12, 2020, ERC re-evaluated the 2015 delineation of potential waters of the U.S. and determined that conditions have not changed since 2015. Two areas of potential waters of the U.S. were delineated and included: 1. Spring Creek – Potential wetland habitat along Spring Creek comprises an approximately 15 foot wide corridor along the southern boundary of the Site. This habitat is classified as riverine (R) and palustrine forested (PFO) wetland (Cowardin et. al 1979). The majority of wetland habitat along Spring Creek was delineated based on indicators Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM); however, did include areas of narrow fringe vegetated wetland on low, one to two foot wide sidebars. Areas delineated in the field in 2015 and confirmed during the October 12, 2020 site visit met the parameters for wetland/waters of the U.S. per USACE technical guidelines and procedures (Environmental Laboratory 1987, USACE 2010, USACE 2005). Spring Creek is a tributary to the Cache la Poudre River, which is considered traditional navigable waters (TNW) by the USACE. Therefore, delineated wetlands associated with Spring Creek are likely considered jurisdictional waters of the U.S. and regulated under Section 404 of the CWA. 2. No impacts are proposed to the delineated wetland habitat therefore a formal preliminary and/or approved jurisdictional determination (JD) has not been requested from the USACE at this time for this project. 3. Per the City’s Code, the Spring Creek corridor is considered a natural habitat or feature, therefore a 50 foot buffer zone has been designated for the riparian forest and a 100 foot buffer zone has been designated for Spring Creek. The 50 foot buffer is based on the outer edge of riparian forest outward 50 feet and the 100 foot buffer zone is based on the top of bank line of Spring Creek. 4. Refer to Figure 3-Natural Habitat Feature Map for the mapped wetland boundary and 50 foot and 100 foot buffer zone associated with the riparian forest and Spring Creek, respectively. 5. Stormwater drainage – Potential wetland habitat was delineated within a 5 foot wide man-made stormwater drainage dominated by a monotypic stand of broadleaf cattail. This habitat is classified as palustrine emergent (PEM) wetland (Cowardin et. al 1979). Areas delineated in the field meet the Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 8 parameters for wetland/waters of the U.S. per USACE technical guidelines and procedures (Environmental Laboratory 1987, USACE 2010, USACE 2005). The stormwater drainage, although man-made, does flow to the Cache La Poudre River via Spring Creek, therefore may be considered jurisdictional waters of the US and subject to regulation under Section 404 of the CWA. 6. No impacts are proposed to the stormwater drainage therefore a formal preliminary and/or approved JD has not been requested from the USACE for this project. 7. Per the City’s Code, this feature is classified as a “naturalized storm drainage channel/detention pond” and considered natural habitat or feature therefore a 50 foot buffer zone has been designated for this feature. 8. Refer to Figure 3 - Natural Habitat Feature Map for the mapped wetland boundary and 50 foot buffer zone associated with the stormwater drainage on the Site. The 50 foot buffer is established from the wetland delineation boundary of the drainage outward 50 feet. The majority of the land on the Site consists of upland grassland to the north of Spring Creek and to the west of the stormwater drainage. Upland habitat on the Site lacks wetland indicators such as hydric soils, a dominance of hydrophytic vegetation, and/or wetland hydrology. Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 9 Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 10 6.0 GENERAL WILDLIFE HABITAT AND USE Wildlife utilizes the general landscape in a multitude of ways and uses a variety of habitats as areas of permanent inhabitance, seasonal inhabitance, breeding grounds, migratory routes, for foraging purposes, or as a temporary shelter. Degraded grassland is not typically considered of high ecological value to wildlife, but this habitat type has beneficial values to certain wildlife species. These areas at a minimum are considered “open space” providing limited foraging and hunting grounds, refuge and nesting. Historic and current land use practices (land leveling, routine mowing) have restricted the development of any significant natural vegetation communities within the Site, which limits the overall quality of potential wildlife habitat. In addition, surrounding development and roadways which encircle the Site greatly limits wildlife access to the Site. Non-native species or ruderal native species which permeate the vegetation communities which include Siberian elm, Russian olive, smooth brome, field bindweed, thistle, crested wheatgrass and broadleaf cattail generally do not provide quality habitat for most wildlife. The two drainage corridors serve as limited wildlife movement corridors due to their fragmented condition. Within the Site, the corridors are restricted by a trails and bridges, residential developments, local roads and culverts. The underpasses are restriction points, allowing for limited movement of wildlife into and through the Site. No wildlife migration corridors are mapped by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) on the Site or within the vicinity of the Site (CPW 2020). The stormwater drainage corridor which abuts several residential developments does serves as a wildlife oasis or island in a relatively disturbed area. The dense monotypic cattail stand found within the stormwater drainage provides potential nesting, breeding, and shelter habitat for resident and migratory birds as well as amphibian and reptile breeding habitat. The Site does not contain any significant natural vegetation communities; however, the general structural characteristics of the riparian forest community of Spring Creek including a seasonal water source and mature tree canopy does create a relatively unique habitat in an otherwise arid and fragmented landscape. Large mature trees are located along the length of the corridor. The large deciduous trees include both native and non-native species; however, situated in an urban landscape these communities do provide potential roosting and nesting habitat for visiting and residential raptors and smaller migratory birds. Narrow-leaf willow shrubs are found intermittently along the Spring Creek channel which provide shelter habitat for small mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles using the corridor. This corridor could provide marginal shelter, foraging habitat, nesting habitat, and act as a limited movement corridor for various smaller mammals accustom to more urban environments. Some local wildlife species that may use this habitat within the Site includes coyote (Canis latrans), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), rabbit (Lepus sp.), raccoon (Procyon lotor), barn owl (Tyto alba), hawks (Buteo sp.) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). • Generally, there are features on the Site and the surrounding area that provide general habitat for local songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals; however, habitat on Site is highly degraded from a wildlife perspective by historic and current land use practices, specifically from residential development and roadway fragmentation. No wildlife migration corridors are mapped by the CPW on the Site or within the vicinity of the Site (CPW 2020). Any future land use changes on the Site are likely to have minimal adverse effect to general wildlife in the local vicinity. Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 11 7.0 MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT Migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (16 U.S.C. 730-712). The MBTA makes it illegal for anyone to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase barter, or offer for sale, purchase, or barter any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird except under the terms of a valid permit issued pursuant to Federal regulations. In Colorado, all birds except for the European starling (Sturna vulgaris), house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and rock dove (Columba livia) are protected under the MBTA. A total of 523 migratory bird species are known to occur in the Mountain- Prairie Region (USFWS Region 6, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado); 320 of the 523 migratory bird species are known to breed in USFWS Region 6. Migratory birds likely exist within the Site. The open herbaceous grassland vegetation community, riparian forest drainage corridor and stormwater drainage corridor provide potential habitat for migratory birds. Routine mowing of the uplands limits the potential for nesting. Remnant nests were observed in the mature deciduous trees along the Spring Creek corridor. No migratory birds were observed on during the October 12, 2020 Site visit. • Based upon literature review and an onsite assessment of the Site, ERC has determined that some migratory birds likely utilize the Site. These birds are protected under the MBTA, and killing or possession of these birds is prohibited. Future land use changes that may occur on Site which remove vegetation should first ensure that active nests are not disturbed. Generally, the active nesting season for most migratory birds in this region of Colorado occurs between April 1 and August 31. • In addition, raptor nest Sites further protected by the CPW. The CPW has established recommended buffer zones and seasonal activity restrictions for a variety of Colorado raptors. While no active nests were observed and no CPW mapped buffer zones are located within the Site (CPW 2014), raptors could potentially establish nesting in the vicinity of the Site. Future land use changes should ensure that no active raptor nest Sites have established generally (depending on species) within a ½ mile of the Site. 8.0 SPECIES PROTECTED UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973 The ESA of 1973 was enacted by the United States to conserve endangered and threatened species and the ecosystems that they depend on. Under the ESA, species may be listed as either “endangered” or “threatened”; both designations are protected by law. The ESA is administered by the USFWS. The USFWS has developed project specific species lists, available online by request, identifying threatened, endangered, and proposed species, designated critical habitat, and candidate species protected under the ESA that may occur within the boundary of the proposed project and/or may be affected by the proposed project (USFWS 2020) (Consultation Code: 06E24000-2021-SLI-0056). The species list for the Site has identified the following species. Species Not within Range of the Site The following federally listed threatened and endangered species are identified to occur within Larimer County. However, these species are not known to exist within the specific vicinity of the Site and/or have specific habitat requirements (i.e., elevation range) that are not common in the vicinity of the Site. Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 12 Common Name Scientific Name Status Greenback Cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki stomias Federally Threatened Canada lynx Lynx Canadensis Federally Threatened Mexican spotted owl Strix occidentalis lucida Federally Threatened • The Site does not contain the specific habitat characteristics necessary to support the species listed above. The species are not likely to occur within the Site therefore any future land use changes would not likely adversely affect the continued existence or available habitat of the species. Water Depletions Species The USFWS under the ESA has determined that water depletions in the South Platte River Basin are considered an adverse effect to the listed species identified below. The Site is considered to be located within the South Platte River Basin. Common Name Scientific Name Status Least tern Sternula antillarium Federally Endangered Pallid sturgeon Scaphirhycchus albus Federally Endangered Piping plover Charadrius melodus Federally Threatened Western prairie fringed orchid Platanthera praeclara Federally Threatened Whooping crane Grus Americana Federally Endangered Any water related project conducted in the Platte River Basin that has a federal nexus; such as federal funding or a federal permits (i.e., Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 Permit), is subject to ESA Section 7 Consultation with the USFWS. The consultation is a mandate for water depletion projects that may adversely affect threatened and endangered species that rely on the South Platte River. • The Site does not contain the specific habitat characteristics necessary to support the species listed above. The species do not occur within the Site therefore any future land use change will not directly adversely affect the continued existence or available habitat of the species. • Any future project which may be water related or determined to be a water depletion to the South Platte River Basin may potentially be considered an adverse effect to these species. Generally non- water dependent projects such as residential or commercial developments (which are supplied by municipal water) are not considered water depletions and is therefore not likely to adversely affect the continued existence or available habitat of these species. The specific details of a future project must be reviewed to determine water depletion status. Species Potentially within Range of the Site The following federally listed threatened and endangered species are identified to occur or historically occur within Larimer County (USFWS 2020). The Site is located within the potential known range for these species to occur. Further analysis was conducted to determine if the species or habitat has the potential to exist on the Site considering Site-specific conditions and characteristics. A brief explanation is provided as to the species life cycle, habitat requirements and potential occurrence on the Site. Common Name Scientific Name Status Preble’s meadow jumping mouse Zapus hudsonius preblei Federally Threatened Ute Ladies’-tresses orchid Spiranthes diluvialis Federally Threatened Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 13 PREBLE’S MEADOW JUMPING MOUSE (ZAPUS HUDSONIUS PREBLEI) On May 13, 1998 the US Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule to list the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (PMJM) as a federally threatened species under the ESA. PMJM range extends from southwestern Wyoming through eastern Colorado generally below 7,600 feet. Armstrong et al. (1997) described typical PMJM habitats as “well-developed plains riparian vegetation with relatively undisturbed grassland and a water source in close proximity.” Also noted was a preference for “dense herbaceous vegetation consisting of a variety of grasses, forbs and thick shrubs” (USFWS 1999). This species is known to regularly travel into adjacent uplands to feed and hibernate. The PMJM hibernates in an underground burrow from September to May. PMJM bears two to three litters per year, averaging five young per litter, in a grass- lined nest. In general, Mouse surveys are recommended for areas with suitable habitat in Larimer County below 7,600 feet and within 350 feet of vegetated irrigation canals, ditches, and wetlands. Areas that are highly disturbed or modified (including landscaped lots and paved areas) or wetland areas dominated by cattails are excluded from this recommendation. No populations of PMJM are known to exist in the Poudre River downstream of Watson Lake (north of Bellevue, over 13 miles northeast from the Site). The Site is not designated as Critical Mouse Habitat by the USFWS (USFWS 2020). The nearest known PMJM populations are on the Poudre River, north of Watson Lake. • No PMJM individuals were observed on or surrounding the Site. Potentially suitable wetland herbaceous/willow PMJM habitat may be supported in the riparian forest community along Spring Creek. However, due to the high recreational use, limited quality of the drainage corridor and the absence of any nearby known populations, it is highly unlikely that the PMJM exists within the corridor. Any future land use changes on the Site are not likely to adversely affect the continued existence or potential habitat of this species. UTE LADIES’-TRESSES ORCHID (SPIRANTHES DILUVIALIS) The Ute ladies-tresses orchid is listed as federally threatened under the ESA. The orchid occurs in seasonally moist soils and wet meadows near springs, lakes, or perennial streams and their associated floodplains below 6,500 feet in elevation in certain areas of Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada. Typical sites include early successional riparian habitats such as point bars, sand bars, and low lying gravelly, sandy, or cobbly edges. They require “permanent subirrigation” conditions where the water table is close to the surface, but they are not tolerant of permanent standing water. Typical habitat is open and sparsely vegetated, populations decline if trees and shrubs invade the habitat. They do not compete well with aggressive species such as reed canary grass or monocultures of cattails. • The drainages on the Site are characterized by monocultures of cattails and reed canarygrass in the understory, with closed canopy tree cover along Spring Creek. These habitat characteristics of the drainages on the Site are not conducive to the orchid. No orchids or suitable habitat were identified on the Site. Any future land use changes on the Site are not likely to adversely affect the continued existence or potential habitat of this species. 9.0 STATE THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES Species identified as state threatened or endangered are protected by the CPW under Colorado Statute Title 33. State regulations prohibit “any person to take, possess, transport, export, process, sell or offer for sale, or ship and for any common or contract carrier to knowingly transport or receive for shipment” any Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 14 species or subspecies listed as state endangered or threatened. The CPW also has identified State Species of Special Concern, which are species or subspecies of native wildlife that are currently vulnerable in their Colorado range and have the potential to become threatened or endangered (CPW 2020). Species of Special Concern are not protected under State regulations but the ‘take’ of individuals and disturbance of their habitat is strongly discouraged. The following state listed species were screened as potential inhabitants of the Site based on general habitat requirements and CPW tables, Colorado Listing of Endangered, Threatened, and Wildlife Species of Special Concern (CPW 2020). ERC evaluated the species listed by CPW as “threatened” or “endangered” that could potentially exist on the Site. State listed species which also occur on the USFWS federal list, as screened above, were not duplicated below. Species Not within Range of the Site The following listed threatened and endangered species are identified to occur within the State (CPW 2020). However, these species are not known to exist within the specific vicinity of the Site and/or have specific habitat requirements (i.e., elevation range) that are not common in the vicinity of the Site. Scientific Name Common Name Status* Boreal toad Bufo boreas boreas SE Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia ST Arkansas darter Etheostoma cragini ST Bonytail Gila elegans SE Brassy minnow Hybognathus hankinsoni ST Colorado pikeminnow Ptychocheilus lucius ST Common shiner Luxilus cornutus ST Gray wolf Canis lupus SE Greenback cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki stomias ST Grizzly bear Ursus arctos SE Humpback chub Gila cypha ST Kit fox Vulpes macrotis SE Lake chub Couesius plumbeus SE Lesser prairie-chicken Tympanuchus pallidicinctus ST Lynx Lynx canadensis SE Northern redbelly dace Phoxinus eos SE Plains minnow Hybognathus placitus SE Plains sharp-tailed grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus jamesii SE Razorback sucker Xyrauchen texanus SE Rio grande sucker Catostomus plebeius SE Southern redbelly dace Phoxinus erythrogaster SE Southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus SE Suckermouth minnow Phenacobius mirabilis SE Wolverine Gulo gulo SE *Status key: ST – State listed as threatened SE – State listed as endangered Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 15 • The Site does not contain the specific habitat characteristics necessary to support the species listed above. The species are not likely to occur within the Site and therefore, any future land use changes would not likely adversely affect the continued existence or available habitat of the species. Species Potentially within Range of the Site The following state listed threatened and endangered species are identified to occur or historically occur within Larimer County. The Site is located within the potential known range for these species. Further analysis was conducted to determine if the species or habitat has the potential to exist on the Site considering Site-specific conditions and characteristics. A brief explanation is provided as to the species life cycle, habitat requirements and potential occurrence on the Site. Common Name Scientific Name Status* Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia ST Plains sharp-tailed grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus jamesii SE *Status key: ST – State listed as threatened SE – State listed as endangered BURROWING OWL (ATHENE CUNICULARIA) The burrowing owl is listed as a state threatened species in Colorado. The owl is small (length of 24 centimeters), long-legged, boldly spotted, and barred with brown and white. The owl is a breeding species across the plains of eastern Colorado however rarely winters in the state. Nesting habitat is abandoned burrows, especially prairie dog colonies, located in grasslands, mountain parks, well-drained steppes, deserts, prairies and agricultural lands from late March through October. The owl can usually be observed on low perches such as fence posts, dirt mounds or the ground. Clutch size of this owl averages six to seven and incubation lasts up to 30 days. The owlets usually run and forage at 4 weeks and fly at 6 weeks. Primary threats to existence of this species are habitat loss due to intensive agriculture, habitat degradation and fragmentation due to control of burrowing mammals and predation by cats and dogs. • No burrows or prairie dog colonies were observed on the Site. The drainage corridors and ruderal/weedy grassland communities do not exhibit typical habitat characteristics of the owl. No owls or suitable habitat were identified in the Site. Any future land use changes on the Site are not likely to adversely affect the continued existence or potential habitat of this species. PLAINS SHARP-TAILED GROUSE (TYMPANUCHUS PHASIANELLUS JAMESII) The sharp-tailed grouse is listed as a state endangered species in Colorado. The grouse is brown with white horizontal barring and a short, pointed tail. Known populations exist only in Douglas County, Colorado. Typical habitat includes rolling hills with scrub oak thickets and grassland areas. Breeding habitat includes medium to tall grasslands. • The ruderal grassland vegetation community within the Site does not exhibit the typical habitat characteristics conducive to this bird species. Neither individuals nor potential habitat for the grouse were observed on or immediately surrounding the Site. Any future land use changes within the Site should not adversely affect the continued existence or potential habitat of this species. Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 16 10.0 ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION STUDY CHECKLIST The following provides a summary of information required by Fort Collins Land Use Code under Section 3.4.1 (D) (1) items (a) through (k). Item Description - Fort Collins Land Use Code Site-Specific Evaluation a Wildlife use; Refer to Section 6.0 b Boundary of wetlands; Refer to Section 5.0, Figure 3. Two areas of potential waters of the U.S. were delineated by ERC on the Site. No impacts are proposed to these habitats. Wetlands habitats delineated on the Site are likely considered jurisdictional waters of the U.S. An official determination of jurisdiction by the USACE has not been obtained for this project as no wetland impacts are proposed. Refer to Figure 3-Natural Habitat Feature Map for the mapped wetland boundaries within the Site. c Prominent views from or across the site; Large berms separate the interior of the Site from trails and drainages on the southern and eastern sides. No unobstructed views of natural habitats or features. d Significant native trees and other native site vegetation; Refer to Section 4.0 The Site does not contain any significant natural vegetation communities. A limited number of native trees are present along Spring Creek. Native trees should preserved to the extent reasonably feasible per the City’s Code. e Significant non-native trees; Refer to Section 4.0 Non-native species or ruderal native species permeate the vegetation communities therefore are located throughout the Site. f The top of bank, shoreline and high water mark of any perennial stream or body of water on the site; Refer to Section 5.0, Figure 3. The wetland delineation boundary depicted on Figure 3 represents the OHWM/top of bank boundary for all identified streams and water bodies on the Site. g Areas inhabited by or frequently utilized by Sensitive and Specially Valued Species; Refer to Sections 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 No sensitive or specially valued Species as defined per the Code were identified on the Site. Specifically: No wildlife migration corridors are mapped by the CPW on the Site or within the vicinity of the Site (CPW 2020). No active nests were observed on the Site and no CPW mapped buffer zones are located within the Site (CPW 2020) Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 17 No federally listed threatened and endangered species and/or habitat protected under the ESA were identified on the Site. No state listed threatened and endangered species and/or habitat protected by the CPW under Colorado Statute Title 33 were identified on the Site. The vegetation communities within the Site were investigated as potential habitat for state listed species. Potential threatened and endangered species habitat was found to lack one or more habitat components critical for the state listed species likely to occur in the area. h Special habitat features; Refer to Section 4.0 and Section 5.0, Figure 3. No special habitat features as defined per the Code were identified on the Site. i Wildlife movement corridors; Refer to Section 6.0 No wildlife migration corridors are mapped by the CPW on the Site or within the vicinity of the Site (CPW 2020). The two drainage corridors on the Site serve as limited wildlife movement corridors due to their fragmented condition. The City recreational path also limits potential wildlife movement across the Site. j General ecological functions provided by the site and its features; Refer to Section 6.0 k Any issues regarding the timing of development- related activities stemming from the ecological character of the area; Refer to Section 7.0 l Any measures needed to mitigate the projected adverse impacts of the development project on natural habitats and features. No impacts to natural habitats or features will occur as a result of the proposed project therefore no specific mitigation measures are proposed for these features. 11.0 BUFFER ZONES The City has established specific buffer zone standards for natural habitats and features in Section 3.4.1(E)(1) of the Code (City 2020). The purpose of the City’s buffer zones is to protect the ecological character of the natural habitat or natural feature from the impacts associated with development activities. In general, the importance of buffer zones is well documented. Properly functioning buffer zones contain an unfragmented, structurally diverse vegetation community, which are native to the region. Well Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 18 vegetated buffer zones provide important terrestrial wildlife habitat, provide instream aquatic habitat benefits, stabilize soils and reduce problems from erosion, flooding and excessive nutrients. A properly functioning buffer zone protects the physical integrity of the natural resource and aquatic environment, which at the Site includes Spring Creek and the manmade stormwater drainage. Width, length, and vegetation composition of buffer zones are key features that enhance many functions essential to establishing and maintaining healthy natural resources. Buffers can vary in size based on factors such as adjacent land use, land ownership, topography, wetland area, and ecological functions. Generally speaking, buffers that are wider, longer, and more densely vegetated with herbaceous, shrub, and tree layers provide more benefits than buffers that are narrower, shorter, and sparsely vegetated with only herbaceous species. There is not one optimal width for a buffer. Instead, widths depend on the desired functions and local conditions such as topography. A substantial body of research exists that correlates buffer widths with function; there is a wide range of recommended widths for different functions (City of Boulder 2007). While a wider buffer zone is generally consider more protective to a natural resource it may not always be practical when considering development plans. Within the Site, the Spring Creek corridor and the stormwater feature are considered natural habitats or features and thus designated by the Code to maintain buffer zones of 100 feet for Spring Creek and 50 feet for the riparian forest/stormwater feature. The overall existing condition of land within these buffer zones is diminished as a result of historic and current land use practices. Land uses including riparian vegetation removal (i.e., mowing), urban development, stream channelization, altered topography, bank reinforcement and establishment of non-native invasive vegetation have significantly shaped the character of the land within these buffer zones. The existing riparian corridor of Spring Creek is fragmented and channelized by a paved recreational trail, the South Shields Street underpass, surrounding development and is dominated by non-native overstory trees such as crack willow and Siberian elm. This habitat degradation in turn negatively affects many of the important functions and values these buffer zones are intended to provide. In particular, the paved recreational path creates significant disturbance and disruption to wildlife use due to increased human activity. 12.0 SUMMARY ERC has prepared this ECS Report for the Watermark at Spring Creek Site located in the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado. Per the requirements of Article 3, Section 3.4.1 of the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code, this Report was prepared to identify potential natural habitat or features that may occur on Site and to establish buffer zones surrounding natural habitats and features to protect the ecological character of the natural habitat or natural feature from the impacts of development. This Report should be used as a planning tool to assist in future development. Once a site plan has been developed, this Report should be finalized to assess specific environmental effects of the plan on the natural habitat or features. A summary of findings is provided as follows: 1. Three primary vegetation communities exist within the Site and are comprised of: 1) ruderal grassland throughout the uplands, 2) cattail-dominated wetland habitat along the stormwater drainage and 3) riparian forest habitat along the Spring Creek corridor. The Site does not contain any significant natural vegetation communities. The vegetation communities characterized on the Site are somewhat based on natural vegetation associations in the region (NatureServe 2020) however those on the Site Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 19 have been disturbed by historic and current land use practices thus represent somewhat degraded forms of these communities. Any future land use changes on the Site are not likely to adversely affect any significant natural vegetation communities. 2. Generally, there are features on the Site and the surrounding area that provide general habitat for local songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals, however habitat on Site is highly degraded from a wildlife perspective by historic and current land use practices, specifically from residential development and roadway fragmentation. No wildlife migration corridors are mapped by the CPW on the Site or within the vicinity of the Site (CPW 2020). Any future land use changes on the Site are likely to have minimal adverse effect to general wildlife in the local vicinity. 3. Based upon literature review and an onsite assessment of the Site, ERC has determined that some migratory birds likely utilize the Site. These birds are protected under the MBTA, and killing or possession of these birds is prohibited. Future land use changes that may occur on Site which remove vegetation should first ensure that active nests are not disturbed. Generally, the active nesting season for most migratory birds in this region of Colorado occurs between April 1 and August 31. 4. In addition, raptor nest Sites further protected by the CPW. The CPW has established recommended buffer zones and seasonal activity restrictions for a variety of Colorado raptors. While no active nests were observed and no CPW mapped buffer zones are located within the Site (CPW 2020), raptors could potentially establish nesting in the vicinity of the Site. Future land use changes should ensure that no active raptor nest Sites have established generally (depending on species) within a ½ mile of the Site. 5. No federally listed threatened and endangered species and/or habitat protected under the ESA were identified on the Site. The vegetation communities within the Site were investigated as potential habitat for federal listed species. Potential threatened and endangered species habitat was found to lack one or more habitat components critical for the federal listed species likely to occur in the area. 6. No state listed threatened and endangered species and/or habitat protected by the CPW under Colorado Statute Title 33 were identified on the Site. The vegetation communities within the Site were investigated as potential habitat for state listed species. Potential threatened and endangered species habitat was found to lack one or more habitat components critical for the state listed species likely to occur in the area. 7. Generally, there are features on the Site and the surrounding area that provide habitat characteristics for locally common wildlife adapted to agricultural/urban environments including songbirds, raptors and small mammals. However, habitat within the Site is highly degraded from a wildlife perspective by historic and current land use practices, presence of non-native plants and surrounding development. Any future land use changes on the Site are likely to have only minimal adverse effect to common wildlife in the local vicinity. 8. Two areas of potential waters of the U.S. were delineated within the Site and include potential wetland habitat along Spring Creek (PFO and R) and potential wetland habitat delineated within a man-made stormwater drainage (PEM). Wetlands habitats delineated on the Site are likely considered Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 20 jurisdictional waters of the US. An official determination of jurisdiction by the USACE has not been obtained for this project as no wetland impacts are proposed. 9. The Spring Creek drainage and the stormwater drainage are the only features identified as potential natural habitats or features per the City’s Code. No impacts to natural habitats or features will occur as a result of the proposed project. 10. The Spring Creek corridor and the stormwater feature are considered natural habitats or features and thus designated by the Code to maintain buffer zones. Buffer zones are shown on Figure 3 to this report. This report has been prepared by: ECOLOGICAL RESOURCE CONSULTANTS, INC. Aaron Maier, Senior Ecologist, Certified Ecologist Final review and approval of this report provided by David J. Blauch, V.P. Senior Ecologist Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 21 13.0 REFERENCES Armstrong, D.M., et. al. Edited by M.E. Bakeman. May 1997. Report on Habitat Findings of the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse. Presented to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. City of Fort Collins (City). 2020. Land Use Code. Available online at: https://library.municode.com/co/fort_collins/codes/land_use. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). 2008. Recommended Buffer Zones and Seasonal Restrictions for Raptors. Available online at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/SiteCollectionDocuments/DOW/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/Rapt orBufferGuidelines2008.pdf _____. 2020a. Species Activity Mapping (SAM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Data. Available online at: https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/KMZ-Maps.aspx _____. 2020b. Colorado Listing of Endangered, Threatened and Wildlife Species of Special Concern. Available at https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/SOC-ThreatenedEndangeredList.aspx. Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, & E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (FWS/OBS-79/31). Office of Biological Services, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. Ecological Resource Consultants (ERC). 2015. Ecological Characterization Study Report, Spring Creek Site. October 16. Environmental Laboratory. 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y- 87-1, U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Vicksburg, MS. NatureServe 2020. NatureServe Explorer Central Database. Ecological Association Comprehensive Report. Available online at: http://explorer.natureserve.org. February. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 2010. Great Plains Regional Supplement. Available online at: https://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Portals/57/docs/regulatory/Website%20Organization/Great%20 Plains%20Regional%20Supplement.pdf, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1992. Interim Survey Requirements for Spiranthes diluvialis. Colorado State Office. November 23. Available online at: http://www.fws.gov/mountain- prairie/endspp/protocols/UteLadiesTress1992.pdf. _____. October 2000. Federal Register Volume 65, Number 96, pages 62302-62310. Final Listing: Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Threatened Status for the Colorado Butterfly Plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis) From Southeastern Wyoming, Northcentral Colorado, and Extreme Western Nebraska. Ecological Characterization Study Report The Quarry by Watermark 22 _____. 2004. Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse Survey Guidelines. Revised April 2004. USFWS Ecological Services Colorado Field Office, Lakewood, CO. _____. 2004a. News Release. Critical Habitat Proposed for the Colorado Butterfly Plant. August 6, 2004. Available online at: http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/pressrel/04-55.htm. USFWS. 2010. Prebles Meadow Jumping Mouse Block Clearance Map for the Denver Metro Area. November 23. Available online at: http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/mammals/preble/BLOCK_CLEARANCE/11-23- 2010_USFWS_Prebles_Block_Clearance_Map_for_the_Denver_Metro_Area.pdf. _____. 2020. Official Species List. List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project. Consultation Code: 06E24000-2021-SLI-0056. October 16.