Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutBLOOM - PHASE 1 - PDP210014 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS REPORTECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION STUDY FOR THE MULBERRY PROPERTY IN FORT COLLINS, COLORADO Prepared for: Hartford Homes 4801 Goodman Road Timnath, CO 80547 Prepared by: Professional Wetlands Consulting, Inc. 20 Rim Road Boulder, CO 80302 August 5, 2021 Introduction This Ecological Characterization Study documents the ecological characteristics for the East Mulberry Street project Planned Unit Development PDR200015 located on 230.91 acres of land in Fort Collins, Colorado. This study conforms to Section 3.4.1 (D) (1) of the Land Use Code of the City of Fort Collins regarding the preparation of an Ecological Characterization Study (ECS). Methods Background and data review was conducted prior to field work to gather existing information and assist in the evaluation of sensitive and natural biological resources within the project. The data review included an evaluation of online resources, review of agency publications, and coordination with agency staff to determine the presence or potential occurrence of sensitive natural and biological resources at the project. The background review for the Mulberry property included: · USFWS Federally Listed and Proposed Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Species and Critical Habitat in Larimer County as identified by the USFWS Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC) Official Species List and Critical Habitat Mapper; · Review for the potential occurrence of Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and BGEPA protected species, as identified on the IPAC Trust Resources Report; · Completion of an online Colorado Natural Heritage Program database search for the presence of statewide species for Larimer County, Colorado, Potential Conservation Areas, and Rare and Imperiled Animals, Plants, and Plant Communities, animals and plants of Special Concern; · Colorado Parks and Wildlife Threatened and Endangered List including USFWS and Colorado State Threatened, Endangered, and species of Special Concern; · Species identified as in need of protection in the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Policy Plan and City of Fort Collins Land Use Code, Natural Habitats, and Features considered sensitive; · Review of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soils and ecological site data to identify soils and habitats present within the vicinity capable of supporting sensitive or specially valued species (Completed November 11, 2015); · Review of the USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Wetlands Mapper for the occurrence of known or suspected U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional wetlands and waterbodies; · Review of soils surveys and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service National List of Hydric Soils to aid in the determination for the presence of wetlands; · Review and analysis of current and historical aerial photography; 1 · Field survey and site review of the Mulberry property was conducted by David Steinmann with Professional Wetlands Consulting, Inc. on December 8th, 2020 and June 22, 2021 with Scott Benton from the City of Fort Collins. The field survey work included walking the entire project area for the purpose of identifying wetlands, sensitive and specially valued species, habitat capable of supporting these species, avian roosting and nesting sites, general wildlife habitat, existing vegetation, and other natural or naturalized features which could support wildlife. Wetlands were identified following the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987). Site Description The proposed Mulberry project encompasses approximately 231 acres of agricultural plains grassland bordered by suburban development with Cooper Slough flowing north to south on the east side of the site. The Mulberry project is surrounded by roads, residential development, commercial development, and undeveloped land. Railroad tracks bisect the property. The primary use of the land has been agricultural, with hay meadows, corn production and livestock pasturing occurring. The Mulberry project is located in Section 9, Township 7 North, Range 68 West of the 6th Principal Meridian in Larimer County, Colorado. Photographs of the site are on Figures 2 - 7. The elements of the Ecological Characterization Study are summarized in this section in the order listed in Section 3.4.1 (D) (1) of the Land Use Code. According to the City of Fort Collins Natural Habitat and Features Map, the Mulberry project site contains emergent marsh and wet meadow wetlands along Cooper Slough, and riparian forest along the Lake Canal. The wetlands associated with Cooper Slough qualify as a Natural Habitat and Feature. The Lake Canal irrigation ditch flows across the subject property from northwest to southeast near the SW corner of the property and the Lake Canal is a Special Feature. The majority of the Mulberry project site is an agricultural field with non-native grasses that was used for farming to grow corn. (a) Wildlife The wildlife value of the project site is moderate due to the Mulberry project’s suburban location, the proximity to major roads, railroad tracks, lack of native vegetation, and the past agricultural disturbances. The site was historically used for agriculture, with corn farming being the most recent activity. The Mulberry project is mostly treeless and the land consists of open fields with non-native grasses and other exotic species. Trees are growing along the Lake Canal irrigation ditch and along Cooper Slough on the east side of the property. Most wildlife use at the site can be expected to be transitional and moving through the site, except for rodents and small mammals that may occupy the property year round. Large and small mammals, birds and insects travel along Cooper Slough and the Lake Canal irrigation ditch corridor. 2 Mammals such as eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus), mice, voles, fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), foxes, racoons, coyotes, and deer likely utilize the Mulberry project area during all seasons. Common reptiles such as garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis), bull snakes, and lizards may also utilize the site. Structural habitat and canopy cover are not present at the site. The open field is regularly farmed with corn being grown which limits wildlife habitat. Wildlife values of the property are low to moderate and include feeding, watering and cover. Seasonal and/or year-round use can be expected by a number of birds including American robins (Turdus migratorius), mourning doves (Zenaidura macroura), magpies (Pica pica), swallows, crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), chickadees, juncos, sparrows, and ravens (Corvus corax). No raptor nests were observed at the site or in any of the trees in the wetlands or along the Lake Canal. Raptors may utilize the site for hunting rabbits, rodents, birds and small animals. Waterfowl were observed in the Cooper Slough wetlands to the east of the subject property. No raptor nests were observed on the property. A 2021 raptor nest survey was conducted to check for any raptor nests on the property on June 22nd during the nesting season and no active or abandoned raptor nests were identified in any of the trees or immediately adjacent to the site. (b) Wetlands A small area of wetlands occurs on the east side of the property just north of the railroad tracks, where there are wet meadow and emergent wetlands associated with Cooper Slough. The total area of wetlands on the property is 1,000 square feet or 0.023 acres. The wetlands are moderate to high quality with the dominant wetlands vegetation being reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata). The wetlands on the site will be preserved and protected, and there is a 300' wetlands buffer zone from the edge of the wetlands along Cooper Sough (Figure 1). Wetlands boundaries on the site and on the land to the east of the site along Cooper Slough were field delineated and surveyed using GPS in the spring of 2021 as shown on the attached wetlands map (Figure 1). A letter of Jurisdictional Determination will be obtained from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers verifying the results of the wetlands delineation. Dominant wetlands vegetation along Cooper Slough in the vicinity of the Mulberry property includes plains cottonwood trees (Populus deltoides), peachleaf willow trees (Salix amygdaloides), sandbar willows (Salix exigua), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), smartweed (Polygonum species), spikerush (Eleocharis palustris), duckweed (Lemna species), Nebraska sedges (Carex nebrascensis), three square bulrush (Schoenoplectus americanus), baltic rushes (Juncus balticus), and cattails (Typha latifolia). Hydric soils are present in the wetlands, with soil colors corresponding to 10yr 3/2, 10yr 3/1, and 10yr 2/2 on the Munsell Soil Color Charts. Redoxymorphic features are generally present in the wetland soils, and soil texture is sandy loam with gravel and cobbles. Wetlands hydrology sources include precipitation, stormwater drainage, and groundwater seepage. 3 The Cooper Slough wetlands are classified as Palustrine, Emergent Wetland. Functions and values of the wetlands include shoreline anchoring, within basin food chain support, flood storage, groundwater discharge, wildlife habitat, passive recreation, long term nutrient retention, and short term nutrient retention. The wetlands are high quality and provide valuable wildlife habitat. (c) Prominent Views The prominent views from and across the property are of the surrounding suburban landscape because the property is relatively flat with no hilltops, ridgelines or valleys. There are also views of the foothills to the west. Development of the site will not obstruct any prominent views. (d) Native Trees and Vegetation The site has native cottonwood trees and peach leaf willow trees along the Lake Canal irrigation ditch and in a few isolated areas at the site. The majority of the property is a plowed open field that has been used for agriculture purposes. There is native wetlands vegetation growing in the wetlands on the east side of the property along the edge of Cooper Slough, as listed above. Vegetation in the open field and grassy areas is dominated by non-native species. The unplowed land at the north/central part of the site was examined for native grasslands and none were observed. There are some native upland grasses at the site, although most upland vegetation is non-native and introduced. The most common native upland vegetation on the property is western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii). Native vegetation is a minor and non-dominant component of the total vegetation cover in the upland field areas. Additionally, a 50' x 25' patch of wild plums (Prunus americanus) was recently identified to the south of E Vine Drive near the NW corner of the site. (e) Non-native Trees and Vegetation Non-native vegetation is the dominant upland plant cover at the Mulberry property. The majority of the Mulberry property is an agricultural farm field. The dominant non-native upland at the unplowed areas of the property vegetation includes smooth brome (Bromus inermis), meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata). There are Russian olive trees (Elaeagnus angustifolia) growing along the Lake Canal ditch and at the Cooper Slough. Other non- native trees also occur on the property. Introduced plant species include Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), chicory (Cichorium spp.), ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), burdock (Arctium lappa), curly dock (Rumex crispus), leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), musk thistle (Carduus nutans), crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), bluegrass (Poa pratensis), and knapweed (Centaurea species). 4 (f) Top of Bank, Shoreline and High Water Mark of Perennial Water The site does not contain any perennial water sources. Only a small area of Cooper Slough wetlands extend onto the property. The Lake Canal irrigation ditch is both seasonal and does not flow year round. There will be a 50' buffer zone from the top of the bank of the Lake Canal irrigation ditch. According to FEMA, the project appears to be outside the 100-year floodplain at the following link: http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/what-we-do/stormwater/flooding/floodplain-maps-documents. (g) Sensitive and Specially Valued Species There are no known occurrences or habitats for sensitive and specially valued species on the Mulberry project site. The USFWS Information, Planning and Conservation System (IPAC) was accessed to determine species of concern in Larimer County, which include the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) and Ute lady’s tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis) which are associated with riparian and wetland areas. The Ute lady’s tresses is not likely to occur on the site. The closest known occurrences of the orchid are near the northwest boundary of Fort Collins (Ute lady’s tresses). No known occupied habitat or potential habitat occurs at the Mulberry site for the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse and the Ute Ladies’ Tresses Orchid. The proposed site development should not adversely impact any listed Threatened & Endangered species. Cooper Slough will be examined and surveyed for potential occupied habitat for the above listed species in the Spring of 2021. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, all trapping for the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (PMJM) in Fort Collins has been negative. Typical habitat for PMJM is composed of well- developed willow and riparian vegetation with adjacent, relatively undisturbed grassland communities and a water source. Riparian habitat should include a combination of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Based on these habitat requirements and the negative trapping data, the PMJM does not occur on the site and development of the Mulberry project will not adversely affect PMJM. (h) Special Habitat Features At the Mulberry property, the wetlands along Cooper Clough qualify as a Natural Community or Habitat. The one Special Feature observed at the Mulberry project is the Lake Canal at the southwest corner of the site. No other natural communities/habitats or special features as listed below were observed at the site. 5 The Natural Habitat and Features Map provided by the City of Fort Collins lists the following potential Natural Communities, Habitats and Special Features than can occur on a property: Natural Communities or Habitats: a) Aquatic (e.g., rivers, streams, lakes, ponds). b) Wetland and wet meadow. c) Native grassland. d) Riparian forest. e) Urban plains forest. f) Riparian shrubland. g) Foothills forest Special Features as outlined in the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code are: a) Significant remnants of native plant communities. b) Potential habitats and known locations of rare, threatened or endangered plants. c) Potential habitats and known locations of rare, threatened or endangered animals. d) Raptor habitat features, including nest sites, communal roost sites and key concentration areas. e) Concentration areas for nesting and migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. f) Migratory songbird concentration areas. g) Key nesting areas for grassland birds. h) Fox and coyote dens. i) Mule deer winter concentration areas. j) Prairie dog colonies over fifty (50) acres in size. k) Concentration areas for rare, migrant or resident butterflies. l) Areas of high terrestrial or aquatic insect diversity. m) Areas of significant geological or paleontological interest. n) Irrigation ditches that serve as wildlife corridors. (i) Wildlife Movement Corridors Cooper Slough and the Lake Canal irrigation ditch are wildlife movement corridors that can be followed and used by mammals, birds, insects, butterflies and pollinators. There are mature trees and shrubs along both the Lake Canal and Cooper Slough, and the Cooper Slough wetlands provide a year-round water source. The top of bank of the Lake Canal irrigation ditch is being surveyed and a 50' buffer zone from the top of bank will be provided. (J) General Ecological Functions The Mulberry site consists of farmland and small areas of plains grassland that provide bird and wildlife habitat as well as agricultural benefits. The majority of the Mulberry project site consists of agricultural fields dominated by non-native plants, with low wildlife habitat and ecological value. 6 (k) Timing of Development in Relation to Ecological Character The primary concern for the timing of development is the protection of nesting birds that may occur at the Mulberry project. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, it is unlawful 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. The removal of any trees should be timed to avoid disturbing nesting birds, with the nesting period being February 1 to July 31. (l) Mitigation Measures Mitigation measures are not currently proposed because both the Cooper Slough wetlands and the Lake Canal will be preserved and protected by the designated buffer zones. There are potential ecological restoration opportunities at the site include creating new wetlands and grassy swales to filter stormwater runoff, restoration of native grasslands, and planting native trees and shrubs. Summary No Natural Communities/Habitats or Special Features are anticipated to be adversely impacted by the proposed development of the Mulberry project. The wetlands associated with Cooper Slough will be protected and preserved with a 300' buffer zone, and the Lake Canal will remain undisturbed with a 50' buffer zone along with the majority of the mature trees on the site. Site development and construction will avoid disturbing any nesting birds. The buffer zones for the Cooper Slough wetlands and the Lake Canal will provide additional protection for wildlife species using the Natural Communities and Habitats and the Special Features identified at the Mulberry property. 7 References Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 2015. Colorado Threatened and Endangered List. Available at http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/SOC-ThreatenedEndangeredList.aspx. Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP). 2015. CNHP Conservation Status Handbook (Tracking List), Statewide species and natural community tracking list for Larimer County, Colorado (September 2014 update). Available online at: http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/download/list.asp. City of Fort Collins. 2007. Fort Collins Natural Areas Program, Wildlife Management Guidelines. Fort Collins Colorado. Available online at: http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/plans-policies.php City of Fort Collins. 2015a. City of Fort Collins Land Use Code (November 25, 2015 update). Available at: https://www.municode.com/library/co/fort_collins/codes/land_use?nodeId=18006 City of Fort Collins. 2015b. FCMaps. Available at: http://www.fcgov.com/gis/mobile-links.php United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. USACE. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Great Plain Region (Version 2.0). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center. Vicksburg, MS.\ United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2014. National List of Hydric Soils, http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/use/hydric/. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2015. Web Soil Survey. Available at http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm United States Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2014. National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Map. Available at http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper. USFWS. 2015a. Critical Habitat Online Portal. Available at: http://ecos.fws.gov/crithab/. USFWS 2015b. Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC) USFWS Listed Species occurring within vicinity of Project. Available online at http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/. W i l d l i f e M a n a g e m e n t G u i d e l i n e s , C i t y o f F o r t C o l l i n s . http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/pdf/wildlife-management-guidelines.pdf 8 Cooper Slough Wetlands Limits July 7, 2021 Legend Cooper Slough Wetlands Boundary 1000 ft N➤➤N Figure 2. Mulberry Property looking north from the SW corner (top), and looking northwest from the SE corner where the land is mostly cornfields. Figure 3. Mulberry Property looking south from the NW corner (top), and looking east from the NW corner where the land is non-native grasslands and plowed fields. Figure 4. Mulberry Property looking south from the SW corner (top), and looking southwest from the SW corner where the land is plowed mostly cornfields. Figure 5. Wetlands along the west edge of Cooper Slough just north of the railroad tracks looking north (top), and the SW corner where there are two mature trees. Figure 6. The Lake Canal near the SW corner looking north (top), and looking northwest. Figure 7. Mature cottonwood tree in the middle of the Mulberry Property looking north (top), and a small irrigation lateral at the north end of the site looking east.