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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFORT COLLINS NISSAN-KIA - PDP210017 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS REPORT 937 Mallard Drive, Ft. Collins, CO 80521 * (970) 224-0851 * www.bluemountainenvironmental.com August 23, 2021 Cathy Mathis, APA TB Group 444 Mountain Avenue Berthoud, CO 80513 RE: Fort Collins Nissan Ecological Characterization Study Ms. Mathis: This report is submitted to satisfy the requirements of 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). This report was required by the City of Fort Collins Community Development and Neighborhood Services Department because the property is within 500 feet of the City of Fort Collins Redtail Grove Natural Area. The proposed project on the property is the expansion of the Fort Collins Nissan car dealership. The property is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of South College Avenue and Crestridge Drive in Fort Collins, Colorado. The site was visited by Matt Tobler (Natural Resource Specialist) with Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting on July 4, 2018, and on several dates in April 2021. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Sincerely, Matt Tobler Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting, LLC Fort Collins Nissan Ecological Characterization Study 2 1.0 Ecological Characterization 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. Site maps are provided in Appendix A. Site photos are provided in Appendix B. Photo points are indicated on the Natural Features and Habitats Map in Appendix A. 1.1 Wildlife Although the property occurs within an urban location, it maintains a degree of habitat connectivity along Fossil Creek and with Red Tail Grove Natural Area. With the exception of two Russian olive trees and one Siberian elm, the property is treeless and consists of native and non-native short- and mixed-grass prairie. Most wildlife use can be expected to be transitional as animals travel along the Fossil Creek riparian corridor and other undeveloped lands. Seasonal and/or year-round use can be expected by a number of avifauna including American robin (Turdus migratorius), northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), mourning dove (Zenaidura macroura), western kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis), magpie (Pica pica), killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), swallow, crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and raven (Corvus corax). Raptors would probably utilize the site primarily for hunting rodents and small birds, especially during the warmer months. Some suitable nesting sites for hawks and owls were identified in the cottonwood stands within Redtail Grove Natural Area to the north of the property. Raptor species expected to utilize these areas include turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) and American kestrel (Falco sparverius). Mammals such as mice, voles, fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) and eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) could utilize the property year round. Given the property’s location adjacent to Fossil Creek, species such as mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), coyote (Canis latrans), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and red fox (Vulpes fulva) may be common. Black tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) do not occur on or within 500 feet of the property. 1.2 Wetlands According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory, there are three wetland types associated with Fossil Creek and Lang Gulch at this location: forest/shrub riparian, forest/shrub wetland and freshwater emergent wetlands. An additional wetland associated with an abandoned irrigation ditch is also present. Wetlands were delineated in accordance with the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Great Plains Region (Version 2) on April 8, 2021. Wetland impacts occur in three locations, as indicated on the Aquatic Resource Map provided in Appendix A. Construction of a stormwater outfall structure at Wetland 1 will permanently Fort Collins Nissan Ecological Characterization Study 3 impact 0.002 acres of forest/shrub riparian wetland on Lang Gulch, which flows to the South Platte River via Fossil Creek. Construction of a parking lot over the surface of Wetland 2 will result in permanent loss of 0.60 acres of wetlands which are associated with an abandoned irrigation ditch. These wetlands are not identified by the National Wetland Inventory and there is no connectivity with other wetlands. Sufficient water flow form this wetland would reach Lang Gulch, then Fossil Creek and the South Platte River but only by flowing over uplands for approximately 165 feet. Construction of a stormwater outfall structure at Wetland 3, if constructed, would permanently impact 0.005 acres of freshwater emergent wetland on Fossil Creek which drains to the South Platte River. A Wetland Delineation Report and Pre- construction Notification (here incorporated by reference) were submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers. 1.3 Prominent Views Grasslands and trees occupy the foreground when looking west from South College Avenue. Cottonwood trees that line Fossil Creek can be seen in the mid-ground while Horsetooth Rock, the Front Range foothills and Longs Peak occupy the background. Photo Points 1 and 2 in Appendix B illustrate typical views looking west from South College Avenue. 1.4 Native Trees and Vegetation Native vegetation is a minor component of the total cover on the property. Common native species include yucca (Yucca glaucca), plains prickly pear (Opuntia polyacantha), rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp.), snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), curly doc (Rumex spp.), fringed sage (Artemisia frigida), purple threeawn (Aristida purpurea), needleandthread (Stipa comata), western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides). There are approximately four plains cottonwood (Populus deltoids) trees and four green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) trees. Two of the cottonwood trees are greater than six inches in diameter; all other native trees are less than six inches in diameter. 1.5 Non-native Trees and Vegetation The property is dominated by exotic species. Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) is the most abundant tree. Smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) dominate the grasslands. Other exotic species include cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), musk thistle (Carduus nutans), kochia (Bassia scoparia), Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica), Russian thistle (Salsola iberica), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), yellow salsify (Tragopogon dubius), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis), mullein (Verbascum thapsus), pennycress (Thlaspi arvense), morning glory (Convolvulus spp.) and flixweed (Descurainia sophia). It should be noted that leafy Fort Collins Nissan Ecological Characterization Study 4 spurge, musk thistle, Dalmatian toadflax, mullein and field bindweed are State-listed noxious species. There are approximately 122 Siberian elm trees on the property that are less than six inches in diameter and an additional 17 that are greater than six inches in diameter. There are a few Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) trees. 1.6 Bank, Shoreline and High Water Mark of Perennial Water According to the FEMA Map Panel (08069C1000F), the property is outside of the City Floodplain (http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/what-we-do/stormwater/flooding/floodplain-maps- documents, accessed on February 24, 2015). Top of bank features associated with Fossil Creek (two reaches) and New Louden Ditch on the southwestern portion of the property (west of Venus Avenue) were delineated to establish set back requirements in April of 2021. 1.7 Sensitive and Specially Valued Species There are no known occurrences of or habitat for sensitive or specially valued species on the property. The project area was surveyed for potential/suitable habitat for threatened and endangered species. An official list of potential threatened or endangered species was obtained from the USFWS ECOS-IPaC application on August 12, 2021. Although there is no critical habitat within the project area, a total of 14 threatened, endangered or candidate species were identified. Eleven species were removed from consideration because they could not occur on the property based on range, elevation or proposed impacts. Three remaining species with potential to exist on the property are the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei), Ute- ladies'-tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis) and the Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis). According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service technician Craig Hansen, all trapping for the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse in Fort Collins has been negative. Typical habitat for Preble's meadow jumping mouse is composed of well-developed riparian vegetation with adjacent, relatively undisturbed grassland communities and a nearby water source. These riparian areas should include a relatively dense combination of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Based on these habitat requirements and small disturbance, it is Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting’s opinion that the project would not impact Preble’s meadow jumping mouse. Similarly, it is our opinion that the Ute lady’s tresses and Colorado butterfly plant do not occur on the site. The closest known occurrences of these plants are near the northwest boundary of Fort Collins (Ute lady’s tresses) and within the City-managed Soapstone Prairie Natural Area near the Wyoming border (butterfly plant). It is our professional opinion that formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is not necessary because the project will not impact listed species or their habitat. Fort Collins Nissan Ecological Characterization Study 5 Raptor nests do not exist on site; however, a red-tailed hawk nest site is located north of the project within the City-owned natural area. The nest site was last occupied in 2001. Although the nest site has not been utilized for some time, it should be checked for occupation prior to construction so the project complies with the City-required temporary 450-foot radius Limit of Development (LOD) between February 15th and July 15th for occupied nests and to avoid any Migratory Bird Treaty Act infractions. 1.8 Special Habitat Features Redtail Grove Natural Area, located approximately 300 feet to the northwest of the property is managed by the City of Fort Collins. It contains native grasslands, unique fossil deposits and historic red-tailed hawk nesting sites. According to the Fossil Creek Natural Areas Management Plan (http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/pdf/fc-plan.pdf), red-tailed hawks nested in the natural area between 1990 and 2001. (Nest activity was not observed during the site visit in 2018 or 2021.) The natural area is also home to 16 species of native trees and shrubs, 25 species of native grasses, 60 species of native wildflowers, vines and other forbs, 81 species of birds, including bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), ferruginous hawk, red-tailed hawk and northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus), seven mammals, two amphibians and seven species of fish. Fossil Creek is a significant feature as it is a perennial source of water and is a valuable wildlife movement corridor. The property is dominated by non-native grasslands, as indicated on the Natural Habitat and Features Map provided in Appendix A. Prominent features in the vicinity of the property include native grasslands, non-native grasslands, non-native upland plains forest, wet meadow, riparian forest and aquatic areas. 1.9 Wildlife Migration Corridors Most wildlife migration through the area can be expected to occur along Fossil Creek rather than the property. New Louden Ditch is proximal to Lang Gulch wetlands and also supports deciduous trees so potential for wildlife use exists but value may be limited because the ditch connects to Venus Avenue on the eastern side. 1.10 General Ecological Functions The property is presently dominated by smooth brome and crested wheatgrass, both of which are exotic species with good forage value for livestock and wildlife. There are approximately 145 trees, most of which are less than six inches in diameter and can provide thermal cover and nest habitat to bird species. Overall, the vegetation is comprised of exotic and early seral species, reflecting former agricultural use and disturbance. Soils are friable, which accommodates a variety of burrowing wildlife species. A portion of the site is used as a surplus parking area; minor excavation and dumping has also occurred. Portions of the site buffer Fossil Creek, Fort Collins Nissan Ecological Characterization Study 6 provide connectivity with conserved lands and maintain expansive undeveloped areas within a patchwork of commercial and residential developments. 1.11 Timing of Development in Relation to Ecological Character The primary concern for the timing of development is protection of migratory birds. 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. To the greatest extent possible, avoid site activities between April 1 and August 15. 1.12 Mitigation Measures Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting recommends the following mitigation: • Utilize native xeric cool- and warm-season flowering plants to enhance pollinator habitat within landscape beds; limit the use of insecticides. • Utilize buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and other native species for landscapes where possible. • Utilize semi-permeable surfaces on parking areas in accordance with city regulations to reduce stormwater runoff and facilitate groundwater infiltration. • In compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, avoid site activities during migratory bird nesting season of April 1 through August 15. Survey for ground nests prior to site activity if construction activities are undertaken during this time. If a nest is unoccupied it may be removed or disrupted during this time frame. • Control erosion during site activities and eradicate any State-listed noxious weeds that occur after site activities are complete. • Mitigate tree removal per City requirements; note that an updated Forest Inventory may be necessary. • Restore disturbed uplands per the restoration plan provided separately. 2.0 Conclusions and Recommendations The team at Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting believes that no significant ecological resources will be adversely impacted by development on the property. References City of Fort Collins Floodplain Maps and Documents. http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/what-we- do/stormwater/flooding/floodplain-maps-documents Fort Collins Nissan Ecological Characterization Study 7 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Recommended Buffer Zones and Seasonal Restrictions for Raptors. http://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/RaptorBufferGuid elines2008.pdf National Wetland Inventory Mapper. Accessed on August 13, 2021. http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html Recommended Buffer Zones and Seasonal Restrictions for Colorado Raptors (https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/RaptorBufferGu idelines2008.pdf). Wildlife Management Guidelines, City of Fort Collins. http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/pdf/wildlife-management-guidelines.pdf Fort Collins Nissan Ecological Characterization Study 8 Appendix A: Project Maps 9 10 11 12 Appendix B: Site Photos 13 Map Number: 1 Photo Direction: North Looking north along South College Avenue. Map Number: 1 Photo Direction: West Looking west. 14 Map Number: 2 Photo Direction: South Looking north from the northeastern portion of the property; note South College Avenue at left. Map Number: 2 Photo Direction: SW Looking southwest from the northeastern portion of the property; note the trail right of center. 15 Map Number: 3 Photo Direction: East Looking east along the northern property boundary. Map Number: 3 Photo Direction: SE Looking southeast. 16 Map Number: 3 Photo Direction: South Looking south. Map Number: 3 Photo Direction: West Looking west along the northern property boundary. 17 Map Number: 4 Photo Direction: North Looking north. Map Number: 4 Photo Direction: East Looking east along Crestridge Street. 18 Map Number: 4 Photo Direction: South Looking south. Map Number: 4 Photo Direction: West Looking west. 19 Map Number: 5 Photo Direction: North Looking north from near the southwestern extent of the project area. Map Number: 5 Photo Direction: East Looking east towards Venus Avenue. 20 Map Number: 5 Photo Direction: South Looking south at adjoining residential properties. Map Number: 5 Photo Direction: West Looking west. 21