HomeMy WebLinkAboutTIMBERLINE - INTERNATIONAL - FDP210020 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 3 - WILDLIFE DOCUMENTSRestoration Plan
NHBZ Goals
In accordance with the City of Fort Collins guidelines (LUC 3.4.1) the Natural Habitat Buffer Zone should be managed to:
1.Preserve or enhance the ecological character or function and wildlife use of the natural habitat or feature and to minimize or adequately mitigate the foreseeable impacts of development.
2.Preserve or enhance the existence of wildlife movement corridors between natural habitats and features, both within and adjacent to the Site.
3.Enhance the natural ecological characteristics of the Site. If existing landscaping within the NHBZ is determined by the decision maker to be incompatible with the purposes of the
buffer zone, then the applicant shall undertake restoration and mitigation measures such as re-grading and/or the replanting of native vegetation.
4.Provide appropriate human access to natural habitats and features and their associated NHBZ’S in order to serve recreation purposes, provided that such access is compatible with the
ecological character or wildlife use of the natural habitat or feature.
Stepwise Approach
Step 1. Creating Opportunity and Reducing Competition - Noxious and weedy species should be controlled using mechanical or chemical methods prior to project construction or grading to
ensure that a variety of native species are given the opportunity to establish.
Step 2. Soil Preparation – The soil surface should be optimized for seeding or planting. An agronomic assessment is recommended to evaluate the chemical and physical properties of the
soil and determine if soil amendments would help establish native vegetation. The soil surface should be smooth, uncompacted, and free of large matter which could impede planting or
seeding. Prior to seeding the soil surface should be loose, allowing for good soil/seed contact.
Step 3. Seeding and Planting - After final contouring and amendment application/incorporation, seeding should occur as soon as possible to avoid undesirable impacts from wind or precipitation.
Seeding can be accomplished using broadcasting and drilling techniques wherever applicable.
•For broadcast seeding: the seeding rate should be doubled, seed-to soil contact should be increased immediately through manipulation which will also provide some protection from wind
or water erosion and granivores. Manipulation can be accomplished by either a light disc harrowing perpendicular to the flow of energy (wind and/or water) or hand raking around sensitive
areas (i.e. willow patches).
•For drill seeding: final drilling pass must occur on the contour, to create subtle ridges perpendicular to the flow of energy. Drill seeding should not be conducted in sensitive areas.
Appropriate native seeding equipment will be used, which does not include standard turf seeding equipment or agriculture equipment. Drill seed the approved mix in two passes, each at
a right angles to the other and using half the seed in each pass. Seed should be drilled at the specified application rate and to a depth of no greater than ½ inch. If areas are too
wet or steep to drill seed, broadcast seed in opposite directions at twice the application rate used for drill seeding. Restore fine grade after seeding, and cover seed to a depth of
¼ of an inch by raking or dragging.
Step 4. Maintenance and Management - Maintenance and management activities should be implemented to ensure success of the ecological restoration project. The contractor shall monitor
seeded area for erosion control, germination, and reseeding as needed to establish cover.
Annual Monitoring Plan
The NHBZ will be surveyed twice a year on the following schedule:
In the spring, a qualified ecologist will traverse the entirety of the Site to assess noxious weed populations.
At the peak of growing season, a qualified ecologist will implement quantitative measurements to evaluate ground cover within the NHBZ.
Quantitative measurements will consist of two permanent photo points and five ground cover sampling points. At each sample point, ground cover will be measured using ocular estimates
in a 1 meter by 1 meter quadrat, where the ecologist will estimate and record vegetative ground cover by species to the nearest 1%. All species, including noxious and invasive species,
and their respective percent ground cover will be recorded.
Annual monitoring will continue for a total of three years following restoration of the NHBZ. A brief memo containing survey findings and recommendations will be provided to the City
of Fort Collins by September 30th of each year.
During the third year of annual monitoring, a determination of successful establishment in the NHBZ will be made by City Environmental Planning Department based on a Site surveys and
vegetative performance compared to the following success criteria:
1.70% total vegetative cover (excluding noxious weeds) is reached with no bare spots larger than one square-foot.
2.Noxious weeds do not exceed 10% total cover.
3.Deemed acceptable by City Environmental Planning Department and erosion control.