HomeMy WebLinkAboutRUDOLPH FARMS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT - FDP220010 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS REPORT
Ecological Characterization Study for
the Northeast Prospect and I-25
Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
MAY 2022
PREPARED FOR
Pacific North Enterprises, LLC
PREPARED BY
SWCA Environmental Consultants
ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION STUDY FOR THE
NORTHEAST PROSPECT AND I-25 MIXED-USE
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO
Prepared for
Pacific North Enterprises, LLC
900 Castleton Road Suite 118
Castle Rock, Colorado 80109
Attn: Bryan Byler
and
City of Fort Collins Planning Services
281 North College Avenue
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
Attn: Scott Benton
Prepared by
SWCA Environmental Consultants
1063 West Horsetooth Road, Building B
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
(970) 364-2632
www.swca.com
SWCA Project No. 72155
May 2022
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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CONTENTS
1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Site Description ..................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Ecological Characterization ................................................................................................................ 1
3.1 Existing Vegetation ...................................................................................................................... 1
3.1.1 Native Trees and Other Native Vegetation ......................................................................... 1
3.1.2 Non-Native Vegetation and Noxious Weeds ...................................................................... 2
3.2 Aquatic Resources ........................................................................................................................ 2
3.2.1 Wetlands ............................................................................................................................. 2
3.2.2 Non-Wetland Waters .......................................................................................................... 3
3.3 Wildlife ......................................................................................................................................... 3
3.3.1 Sensitive and Specially Valued Species ............................................................................. 4
3.3.2 Migratory Birds and Raptors .............................................................................................. 5
3.4 Special Habitat Features ............................................................................................................... 5
3.5 General Ecological Functions ....................................................................................................... 6
3.6 Prominent Views .......................................................................................................................... 6
4 Recommended Avoidance and Mitigation Measures ........................................................................ 6
5 Conclusions and Recommendations ................................................................................................... 8
6 Literature Cited .................................................................................................................................... 9
Appendices
Appendix A. Project Maps
Appendix B. Site Photographs
Appendix C. Wetland Datasheets
Tables
Table 1. Native Trees and Vegetation Observed within the Study Area ...................................................... 2
Table 2. Prairie Dog Colonies within the Study Area ................................................................................... 4
Table 3. Federally and State-Listed Species for Larimer County and Their Potential to Occur ................... 4
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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1 INTRODUCTION
SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA), on behalf of Pacific North Enterprises, LLC (Pacific North),
conducted a biological resources desktop analysis and field survey to identify ecological characteristics
for the proposed Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project in the city of Fort Collins,
Larimer County, Colorado (project). Based on the conceptual development plans, submitted to the City of
Fort Collins (City), the project will consist of mixed-use development that will include residential,
commercial, and retail infrastructure on approximately 83 acres of currently undeveloped land.
This study has been prepared in accordance with Section 3.4.1 (D)(1) of the Land Use Code regarding the
requirements for an ecological characterization study (ECS). As part of the development plan submittal,
an ECS for the project is required due to its proximity to Boxelder Creek, Lake Canal, and the Cache la
Poudre Inlet Ditch, which are defined natural habitats and features by the City (City of Fort Collins 2022).
2 SITE DESCRIPTION
The proposed project is located on the northeast corner of Prospect Road and Interstate 25 (I-25) and
entirely within Section 15, Township 7 North, Range 68 West. It will be bordered by Fox Grove
residential development to the north, the Kitchell subdivision and the Timnath Middle/High School to the
east, Prospect Road to the south, and I-25 to the west.
Clint Hinebaugh (SWCA Environmental Specialist) visited the site on March 15, 2022, and conducted a
pedestrian field survey for the project (parcel numbers 8715000009, 8715000021, 8715000022,
8715300002, 8715300003, and 8715300004) (study area). SWCA expanded the field survey to include
portions of Lake Canal and the Cache la Poudre Inlet Ditch that were outside of these parcels. In total, the
study area consisted of approximately 114.5 acres. Binoculars were used to survey for raptor nests within
0.5 mile of the study area (raptor survey area). A map of the study area is provided in Appendix A, Figure
A1.
3 ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION
The following sections relating to the ecological characterization of the study area are summarized based
on the conceptual review comments provided by the City and in accordance with Section 3.4.1 (D)(1) of
the Land Use Code.
3.1 Existing Vegetation
Based on a review of historical and current arial imagery, much of the study area has been in cropland and
actively farmed for at least 30 years (Google Earth 2022). Ecological communities associated with the
study area are classified as Cultivated Crops (108.16 acres), Developed Low Intensity (2.35 acres),
Developed Medium Intensity (0.02 acre), Developed Open Space (3.92 acres), and Hay/Pasture (0.09
acre) according to the National Land Cover Database (U.S. Geological Survey 2018).
3.1.1 Native Trees and Other Native Vegetation
Although most of the vegetation within the study area is non-native and associated with previous land
uses (agriculture), a few native tree and plant species were observed in small quantities. Based on the
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
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conceptual development plans, no project-related disturbance is proposed within areas that contain native
vegetation, such as the Boxelder Creek drainage and the Cache la Poudre Inlet Ditch. A list of the native
species identified is included in Table 1.
Table 1. Native Trees and Vegetation Observed within the Study Area
Common Name Scientific Name Growth Habit
Plain’s cottonwood* Populus deltoides Tree
Blue spruce Picea pungens Tree
Western wheatgrass Pascopyrum smithii Graminoid
Showy milkweed* Asclepias speciose Forb
Reed canarygrass* Phalaris arundinacea Graminoid
Narrowleaf cattail* Typha angustifolia Forb/Herb
Common threesquare* Schoenoplectus pungens Graminoid
Common spike rush* Eleocharis palustris Graminoid
Smooth horsetail* Equisetum laevigatum Graminoid
*Observed along Boxelder Creek and the Cache la Poudre Inlet Ditch.
3.1.2 Non-Native Vegetation and Noxious Weeds
Upland areas within the study area are dominated by smooth brome (Bromus inermis), a non-native
species. Other non-native species observed during the field survey included prickly lettuce (Lactuca
serriola), curly dock (Rumex crispus), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), and yellow sweetclover (Melilotus
indicus), which provide limited ecological function (shading, wildlife forage, bank stabilization) within
the study area.
Noxious weeds such as downy brome (Bromus tectorum), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), and
redstem filaree (Erodium cicutarium) were interspersed throughout the uplands and within existing
disturbed areas (i.e., prairie dog [Cynomys sp.] colonies). Although these species are designated as List C
noxious weeds in Colorado (Colorado Department of Agriculture 2022), SWCA did mot map them due to
the frequency of occurrences and limited population densities
Non-native trees such as American elm (Ulmus americana), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), and
boxelder (Acer negundo) were identified in the Boxelder Creek riparian corridor. A forestry inventory for
the project was conducted on March 18, 2022. For detailed information related to significant trees
identified within the study area and mitigation requirements, refer to the Existing Tree Removal
Feasibility Letter and/or Landscape Plan, prepared by Norris Design and submitted with the initial
development application.
3.2 Aquatic Resources
SWCA conducted an aquatic resources inventory that included the identification and delineation of
aquatic features including wetlands and non-wetland waters that may be determined to be waters of the
U.S. by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
3.2.1 Wetlands
The presence/absence of wetlands was determined in the field using delineation methods provided in the
Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (USACE 1987) and the Regional Supplement to the
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual: Great Plains Region (Version 2.0) (Regional
Supplement) (USACE 2010).
During SWCA’s March 2022 field survey, SWCA delineated one wetland feature (WL01) totaling 0.36
acre within the study area.
• WL01 consists of a fringe wetland associated with Boxelder Creek (WB01) (Appendix A, Figure
A3). Based on the conceptual development plans, the project has been designed to avoid impacts
to this wetland. Representative photographs of the wetland are provided in Appendix B and
datasheets are provided in Appendix C.
3.2.2 Non-Wetland Waters
The extent of non-wetland waters (e.g., creeks, rivers, arroyos, ponds, and constructed ditches) was
determined in the field using the guidance and methods provided in USACE Regulatory Guidance Letter
05-05 (USACE 2005) and the USACE technical guidance A Field Guide to the Identification of the
Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) in the Arid West Region of the United States (USACE 2008).
During SWCA’s March 2022 survey, four non-wetland waters (WB01, WB02, WB03, and WB04) were
identified and delineated within or adjacent to the study area. Based on the conceptual plans, no project-
related impacts are proposed for WB01, WB03, and WB04.
• WB01 (Boxelder Creek) is a small perennial creek that crosses the northwest corner of the study
area. This feature has an ordinary high-water mark (OHWM) that varies from 1 to 2 feet wide.
The length of the channel through the study area is approximately 580 feet.
• WB02 (Unnamed Irrigation Ditch) is a small human-made concrete irrigation ditch that has an
average OHWM width of 1 foot. This feature was constructed entirely in uplands and operates
solely for the purposes of irrigation within the study area. The feature is approximately 2,957 feet
long and had no flow during the time of the field survey.
• WB03 (Cache la Poudre Inlet Ditch) is a medium-sized human-made earthen irrigation ditch
that has an average OHWM width of 20 feet. This feature was constructed entirely in uplands and
operates as a feeder ditch from the Cache la Poudre River to Timnath Reservoir. WB03 runs
diagonally across the study area for approximately 1,690 feet. This feature has recently been
cleaned out/dredged and lacked any vegetation between the OHWM and the top of bank.
• WB04 (Lake Canal) is a medium-sized human-made earthen irrigation canal that has an average
OHWM width of 10 feet. This feature was constructed entirely in uplands and operates as a
feeder ditch from the Cache la Poudre River, Josh Ames Ditch, and Boxelder Creek, solely for
the purposes of providing irrigation water to users in the region. Downstream connectivity is
unknown, but it appears the canal terminates near the town of Windsor. WB04 runs diagonally
across the study area for approximately 2,429 feet prior to crossing under Prospect Road via a
box culvert.
3.3 Wildlife
Approximately 80% of the study area consists of agricultural land that provides limited suitable wildlife
habitat. During the field survey, previously farmed areas were fallow and consisted entirely of bare soil.
Although the Boxelder Creek riparian corridor lacks the shrubs and trees required for a structurally
complex habitat that would be valuable to a diverse range of species, it likely provides suitable habitat for
general wildlife in the area. The current project design includes the 100-foot natural habitat buffer;
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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therefore, the proposed development should not affect the functioning of Boxelder Creek as an urban
wildlife movement corridor. The Cache la Poudre Inlet Ditch and Lake Canal enter the study area via
concrete box culverts under the Southeast Frontage Road and I-25. During periods of high flow, wildlife
movement would be prohibited through these culverts. Additionally, these ditch/canal features have been
fragmented by I-25 to the west and the Timnath Middle/High School to the east.
SWCA recorded three prairie dog colonies totaling 5.19 acres within the study area. A summary of these
colonies is provided in Table 2, and they are shown in Appendix A, Figure A4.
Table 2. Prairie Dog Colonies within the Study Area
Feature
ID
Status
(active/inactive)
Size
(acres) Comments*
PD01 Active 1.24 West side of Lake Canal. Less than 15 individuals observed.
PD02 Active 3.72 East side of Lake Canal. Less than 25 individuals observed.
PD03 Active 0.23 Along both shoulders of the old Southeast Frontage Road. Mapped as one
colony due to tunnels under road. Less than 10 individuals observed.
* SWCA estimated the number of individuals observed in each colony.
3.3.1 Sensitive and Specially Valued Species
SWCA reviewed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Consultation
(IPaC) website (USFWS 2022) to identify federally listed species (threatened and endangered) with the
potential to occur in the study area. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) resources were also reviewed to
identify state-listed species that could possibly occur within the study area. Listed species are summarized
in Table 3. Based on the observations made during the field survey, it was determined that prairie dog
colonies within the study area may provide seasonal habitat for the state-threatened burrowing owl
(Athene cunicularia). The study area does not provide suitable habitat for any of the other listed species,
and there is no potential for their occurrence.
Table 3. Federally and State-Listed Species for Larimer County and Their Potential to Occur
Common Name
(Scientific Name) Status* Potential to Occur
Amphibians
Boreal toad
(Anaxyrus boreas pop. 1)
SE None. Lack of suitable habitat (riparian habitat in lodgepole pine or
spruce-fir forests) and the study area is outside of the elevational range
for the species.
Birds
Eastern black rail
(Laterallus jamaicensis ssp. Jamaicensis)
FT None. Lack of suitable habitat. This species is wetland-dependent and
requires a dense overhead cover and soils that are moist to saturated
(occasionally dry) and interspersed with or adjacent to very shallow
water. Rare migrant in Colorado. Only known to occur in five counties:
Bent, Lincoln, Otero, Prowers, and Pueblo.
Burrowing owl
(Athene cunicularia)
ST May occur. Prairie dog (Cynomys sp.) colonies capable of providing
suitable habitat were identified in the study area. In Colorado, burrowing
owls may use prairie dog colonies from March 15 to October 31.
Piping plover
(Charadrius melodus)
FT None. Lack of suitable sandy or shortgrass habitat. Very rare migrant in
northern Colorado. The project is not anticipated to result in water
depletions in the South Platte River.
Whooping crane
(Grus americana)
SE None. The study area is in the overall range for the species but lacks
suitable habitat requirements (e.g., mud flats, salt flats, large wetland
communities).
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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Common Name
(Scientific Name) Status* Potential to Occur
Mammals
Black-footed ferret
(Mustela nigripes)
ST None. Species is extirpated in eastern Colorado.
Canada lynx
(Lynx canadensis)
FT None. Lack of suitable habitat (dense subalpine forest and mountainous
riparian areas) and the study area is outside of the elevational range of
the species.
Preble’s meadow jumping mouse
(Zapus hudsonius preblei)
FT Low. The study area is in the overall range for the species but lacks
suitable habitat requirements (e.g., dominant vegetation type, habitat
size, herbaceous vegetation height, percent ground cover, etc.). Existing
land use consists of agricultural fields. No development is proposed in the
Boxelder Creek riparian area.
Wolverine
(Gulo gulo)
SE None. Lack of suitable habitat (high alpine) and the study area is outside
of the elevational range of the species.
Fish
Greenback cutthroat trout
(Oncorhynchus clarkii stomias)
FT None. Lack of suitable aquatic habitat. Species is found in cold
headwater streams with gravel substrates and mountain lakes.
Pallid sturgeon
(Scaphirhynchus albus)
FE None. Lack of suitable aquatic habitat. No proposed water depletions in
the South Platte River.
Plants
Ute ladies’-tresses
(Spiranthes diluvialis)
FT None. The study area lacks suitable habitat in wet-mesic, temporarily
inundated meadow in shallow wetlands and loamy calcareous wetland
soils with gley features. Additionally, existing land use is not conducive to
suitable habitat.
Western prairie fringed orchid
(Platanthera praeclara)
FT None. Lack of suitable habitat such as moist tallgrass prairies and sedge
meadows. This species is known to occur in Colorado. The project is not
anticipated to result in water depletions in the South Platte River.
* FE = federally endangered; FT = federally threatened; SE = state endangered; ST = state threatened.
3.3.2 Migratory Birds and Raptors
The USFWS protects most avian species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The MBTA
makes it illegal for anyone to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for
sale any migratory bird or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird except under the terms of a valid permit
issued by the USFWS.
Passerine bird species associated with agriculture and open land include meadow lark (Sturnella
neglecta), horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), Eurasian collared
dove (Streptopelia decaocto), sparrows, warblers, and others. No migratory bird nests were observed in
the study area.
Several species of raptors could potentially use the study area, including bald eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii), Swainson’s hawk
(Buteo swainsoni), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), great
horned owl (Bubo virginianus), ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), and burrowing owl. The biologist used
binoculars to check for potential raptor nests within 0.5 mile of the study area. One active red-tailed hawk
nest (RN01) was identified in the raptor survey area; the location of this nest is illustrated in Appendix A,
Figure A4.
3.4 Special Habitat Features
To establish the buffer zones associated with Boxelder Creek, the Cache la Poudre Inlet Ditch, and Lake
Canal, SWCA implemented a two-step phased approach.
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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1. SWCA completed a formal wetland delineation along Boxelder Creek to establish the wetland
boundary. In locations where trees within the riparian corridor extended outside of the delineated
wetland boundary of Boxelder Creek, SWCA mapped the tree canopy cover to establish the
boundary. The mapped wetland and riparian boundaries extended outside of the top of bank for
this feature.
2. SWCA identified and mapped the top of bank associated with the Lake Canal and the Cache la
Poudre Inlet Ditch.
Based on this approach, SWCA established a 100-foot natural habitat buffer along Boxelder Creek.
Additionally, a 50-foot natural habitat zone buffer was applied to Lake Canal and the Cache la Poudre
Inlet Ditch. These buffers are shown in Appendix A, Figure A3.
Additionally, according to Section 3.4.1 (D)(1) of the Land Use Code, two of the delineated prairie dog
colonies (PD01, PD02) are considered special features because they are greater than 1 acre in size. A
buffer was not applied to these features due to their urban location, and disturbed habitat.
3.5 General Ecological Functions
The study area does not support significant areas of native vegetation. Additionally, no impacts are
anticipated within the natural habitat buffer zones; therefore, the general ecological function of the area
will be maintained.
3.6 Prominent Views
In the foreground, prominent views of residential development are present to the north and south, the
recently constructed Timnath Middle/High School is present to the east, and I-25 is present to the west.
Horsetooth Rock and other prominent features of the Front Range are visible in the background to the
west. Typical views documented on-site are provided in Appendix B.
4 RECOMMENDED AVOIDANCE AND MITIGATION
MEASURES
• A forestry inventory for the project was conducted on March 18, 2022. For detailed information
related to significant trees identified within the study area and mitigation requirements, refer to
the Existing Tree Removal Feasibility Letter and/or Landscape Plan, prepared by Norris Design
and submitted with the initial development application.
• Based on the conceptual development plans, the proposed development will not impact areas with
established native vegetation.
• Based on the conceptual development plans, the project has been designed to avoid unnecessary
impacts within the natural habitat buffer zones (Boxelder Creek, Cache la Poudre Inlet Ditch, and
Lake Canal). These special habitat features were identified by the City and confirmed and
mapped in the field by SWCA.
• A pedestrian trail that will provide public access for residents and recreation opportunities is
proposed within portions of the 100-foot natural habitat buffer along the south side of Boxelder
Creek and within portions of the 50-foot natural habitat zone buffer along the north side of the
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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Cache la Poudre Inlet Ditch. The trail will be designed to be compatible with the ecological
character of these features.
• SWCA recommends that all trash and debris piles be removed from the Boxelder Creek
floodplain and proposed open space. There are currently public safety concerns within this area
(downed powerlines, trash, old fences, etc.).
• Lighting from the proposed development will not spill over into Boxelder Creek, the Cache la
Poudre Inlet Ditch, or Lake Canal.
• Prior to construction, SWCA recommends Pacific North install barrier fencing along the limits of
disturbance and along the established buffers of Boxelder Creek, the Cache la Poudre Inlet Ditch,
and Lake Canal. Barrier fencing will minimize the potential for sedimentation from proposed
construction activities from entering these waterbodies.
• This study assumes that all delineated aquatic resources will be avoided, and no USACE Section
404 Clean Water Act permitting is required. As the site design progresses, Pacific North should
evaluate potential impacts to waters of the U.S. to maintain compliance with the Clean Water Act.
• SWCA mapped three prairie dog colonies within the study area. Before the commencement of
grading or other surface disturbance within these colonies, the City will require Pacific North to
relocate or eradicate prairie dogs. Following relocation or eradication activities, a report will need
to be submitted to the City that documents when the prairie dog removal occurred, the method(s)
that was used to remove prairie dogs, measures taken to ensure that prairie dogs will not re-
inhabit the site, and confirmation that no threatened or endangered species were harmed by the
removal activities.
• Federal and state laws prohibit the harming or killing of burrowing owls and the destruction of
active nests. It is quite possible to inadvertently kill burrowing owls during prairie dog poisoning
projects, removal of prairie dogs, destruction of burrows and prairie dogs using a concussive
device, or during earth moving for construction. If the contractor intends to actively poison prairie
dogs or collapse burrows, CPW recommends these activities be conducted during a time when
burrowing owls are not present (November 1–March 14). If this schedule is not feasible, protocol-
level burrowing owl surveys are recommended to confirm burrowing owl absence and minimize
potential take.
• If trees require removal, they should be cut outside of the songbird nesting season (typically
February 1–July 31) to avoid any potential loss of active nests with young, which would be in
violation of the MBTA. If tree removal is proposed to start within nesting season for songbirds,
pre-construction clearance surveys are recommended no earlier than 7 days prior to tree removal.
• During the March 2022 field survey, one active red-tailed hawk nest was identified within the
study area. The nest tree is located between the Cache la Poudre Inlet Ditch and Lake Canal.
Based on the preliminary site design, no impacts are proposed to the nest tree; however, the two
cottonwood trees located immediately to the west are proposed for removal due to a proposed
road alignment. If construction is proposed within the nesting season for the species (February
15–July 31), SWCA has included both the City-required temporary limit of disturbance buffer
(450-feet) and the CPW-recommended nest buffer (0.33-mile) in Appendix A, Figure A4. To
avoid potential development constraints from this nest, construction should start outside of the
nesting season. If this is not possible, the City will recommend the developer consult with the
USFWS to remove the nest outside of the nesting season and deter future nesting.
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
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5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the results of the desktop analysis and field survey for ecological characteristics and the
recommended mitigation measures, it is SWCA’s professional opinion that natural habitats and important
ecological resources are unlikely to be adversely impacted by the proposed development. Any changes to
the currently proposed project implementation plan or schedule should be communicated to SWCA to re-
evaluate the potential for impacts.
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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6 LITERATURE CITED
City of Fort Collins. 2022. Natural Habitats and Features. Available at Natural Habitat and Features |
Open Data Fort Collins (fcgov.com). Assessed March 2022.
Colorado Department of Agriculture. 2022. Noxious Weed Species. Available at:
https://colorado.gov/pacific/agconservation/noxious-weed-species. Accessed March 2022.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). 2020. Recommended Buffer Zones and Seasonal Restrictions for
Colorado Raptors. Available at http://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/WildlifeSpecies/
LivingWithWildlife/RaptorBufferGuidelines2020.pdf. Accessed March 2022.
Google Earth. 2022. Source: Fort Collins, Colorado. Available at: https://www.google.com/earth/.
Accessed March 2022.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.
Technical Report Y-87-1. Vicksburg, Mississippi: U.S. Army Engineers Waterways Experiment
Station.
———. 2005. Regulatory Guidance Letter No. 05-05, Subject: Ordinary High Water Mark Identification.
Signed by Major General Don T. Riley, Director of Civil Works. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
———. 2008. A Field Guide to the Identification of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) in the Arid
West Region of the Western United States, edited by R.W. Lichvar and S.M. McColley.
ERDC/CRREL TR-08-12. Hanover, New Hampshire: U.S. Army Engineer Research and
Development Center.
———. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual: Great
Plains Region (Version 2.0), edited by J.S. Wakeley, R.W. Lichvar, and C.V. Noble. ERDC/EL
TR-08-12. Vicksburg, Mississippi: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2021. National Wetlands Inventory. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Ecological Services. Available at: http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/State-
Downloads.html. Accessed March 2022.
———. 2022. Information for Planning and Consultation. Available at: https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/.
Accessed March 2022.
U.S. Geological Survey. 2016. Hydrography – Get NHD Data. Available at:
http://nhd.usgs.gov/data.html. Accessed March 2022.
———. 2018. National Land Cover Database. Available at: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/eros/science/
national-land-cover-database. Accessed March 2022.
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APPENDIX A
Project Maps
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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Figure A1. Project location.
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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Figure A2. Ecological communities identified within the study area.
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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Figure A3. Field-delineated aquatic features identified within the study area.
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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Figure A4. Field-delineated biological features identified within the study area.
APPENDIX B
Site Photographs
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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Figure B1. Overview of the proposed development location, facing south.
Figure B2. Overview of the proposed development location, facing west toward Boxelder Creek.
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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Figure B3. Overview of the proposed development location, facing north toward the Fox Grove
subdivision.
Figure B4. Overview of the Boxelder Creek drainage, facing north.
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
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Figure B5. Overview of the Boxelder Creek drainage, facing west toward Interstate 25.
Figure B6. Close-up of wetland determination point DP01. This point is within the wetland fringe
associated with Boxelder Creek.
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
B-4
Figure B7. Close-up of upland determination point DP02.
Figure B8. Overview of the Cache la Poudre Intake Ditch, facing east. Note the approximate OHWM
(blue arrow) and top of bank (red arrow).
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
B-5
Figure B9. Overview of Lake Canal, facing east. Note the OHWM (blue arrow), wetland boundary
(green arrow), and the top of bank (red arrow).
Figure B10. Close-up of the active red-tailed hawk nest (RN01).
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
B-6
Figure B11. Overview of the active red-tailed hawk nest (RN01), facing west.
Figure B12. Overview of PD01, facing west across Lake Canal.
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
B-7
Figure B13. Overview of PD02, facing east toward the Timnath Middle/High School.
Figure B14. Overview of the study area, facing north from the Southeast Frontage Road.
Ecological Characterization Study for the Northeast Prospect and I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project,
Larimer County, Colorado
B-8
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APPENDIX C
Wetland Datasheets
US Army Corps of Engineers Great Plains – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM — Great Plains Region
Project/Site:Prospect & I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project City/County:Larimer Sampling Date:03/15/2022
Applicant/Owner:Pacific North State:CO Sampling Point:DP01
Investigator(s):Clint Hinebaugh Section, Township, Range:Sec. 15 T7N R68W
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):Drainageway Local relief (concave, convex, none):Concave Slope (%):0-5
Subregion (LRR):LRR G Lat:40.573122 Long:-105.000648 Datum:NAD 83
Soil Map Unit Name:35 - Fort Collins loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes NWI classification:R5UBH
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes X No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed?Are "Normal Circumstances" present?Yes X No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic?(If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS — Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present?Yes:X No:
Hydric Soil Present?Yes:X No:
Wetland Hydrology Present?Yes:X No:
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland?Yes X No
Remarks:
VEGETATION - Use scientific names of plants.
Tree Stratum: (Plot size: 30)Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status
1. Elaeagnus angustifolia 5 Y FACU
2.
3.
4.
5 =Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum: (Plot size: 15)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
0 =Total Cover
Herb Stratum: (Plot size: 5)
1. Phalaris arundinacea 65 Y FACW
2. Bromus inermis 10 N UPL
3. Asclepias speciosa 10 N FAC
4. Schoenoplectus pungens 5 N OBL
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
90 =Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum: (Plot size: 5)
1.
2.
0 =Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 0
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(excluding FAC−):1 (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata:2 (B)
Percent of Domant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:50 (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of:Multiply by:
OBL species 5 x 1 =5
FACW species 65 x 2 =130
FAC species 10 x 3 =30
FACU species 5 x 4 =20
UPL species 10 x 5 =50
Column Totals:95 (A)235 (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A=2.47
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
1 - Rapid test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
2 - Dominance Test is >50%
X 3 - Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
4 - Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present?Yes X No
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Great Plains – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point:DP01
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches)Color (moist)%Color (moist)%Type 1 Loc 2 Texture Remarks
0-16 10YR 3/2 60 10YR 3/6 5 C M Clay Loam
10YR 4/2 35 None 0 NA NA Clay Loam
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.)Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1)Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR I, J)
Histic Epipedon (A2)Sandy Redox (S5)Coast Prairie Redox (A16) (LRR F, G, H)
Black Histic (A3)Stripped Matrix (S6)Dark Surface (S7) (LRR G)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1)High Plains Depressions (F16)
Stratified Layers (A5) (LRR F)Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)(LRR H outside of MLRA 72 & 73)
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR F, G, H)Depleted Matrix (F3)Reduced Vertic (F18)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11)X Redox Dark Surface (F6)Red Parent Material (TF2)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)Depleted Dark Surface (F7)Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1)Redox Depressions (F8)Other (Explain in Remarks)
2.5 cm Mucky Peat or Peat (S2) (LRR G, H)High Plains Depressions (F16)3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
5 cm Mucky Peat or Peat (S3) (LRR F)(MLRA 72 & 73 of LRR H)wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:
Depth (inches):Hydric Soil Present?Yes X No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply)Secondary indicators (minimum of two required)
Surface Water (A1)Salt Crust (B11)Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
High Water Table (A2)Aquatic Invertebrates (B13)Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Saturation (A3)Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1)X Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1)Dry-Season Water Table (C2)Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots (C3)
Sediment Deposits (B2)X Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots (C3)(where tilled)
Drift Deposits (B3)(where not tilled)Crayfish Burrows (C8)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4)Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Iron Deposits (B5)Thin Muck Surface (C7)X Geomorphic Position (D2)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)Other (Explain in Remarks)FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Water-Stained Leaves (B9)Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7) (LRR F)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present?Yes No X Depth (inches):
Water Table Present?Yes No X Depth (inches):
Saturation Present?Yes No X Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)Wetland Hydrology Present?Yes X No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Great Plains – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM — Great Plains Region
Project/Site:Prospect & I-25 Mixed-Use Development Project City/County:Larimer County County Sampling Date:03/15/2022
Applicant/Owner:Pacific North State:CO Sampling Point:DP02
Investigator(s):Clint Hinebaugh Section, Township, Range:Sec. 15 T7N R68W
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):Drainageway Local relief (concave, convex, none):Concave Slope (%):0-5
Subregion (LRR):LRR G Lat:40.573105 Long:-105.000645 Datum:NAD 83
Soil Map Unit Name:35 - Fort Collins loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes NWI classification:No
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes X No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed?Are "Normal Circumstances" present?Yes X No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic?(If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS — Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present?Yes:No:X
Hydric Soil Present?Yes:No:X
Wetland Hydrology Present?Yes:No:X
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland?Yes No X
Remarks:
VEGETATION - Use scientific names of plants.
Tree Stratum: (Plot size: 30)Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status
1.
2.
3.
4.
0 =Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum: (Plot size: 15)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
0 =Total Cover
Herb Stratum: (Plot size: 5)
1. Bromus inermis 40 Y UPL
2. Agropyron cristatum 10 N UPL
3. Asclepias speciosa 10 N FAC
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
60 =Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum: (Plot size: 5)
1.
2.
0 =Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 0
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(excluding FAC−):0 (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata:1 (B)
Percent of Domant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:0 (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of:Multiply by:
OBL species 0 x 1 =0
FACW species 0 x 2 =0
FAC species 10 x 3 =30
FACU species 0 x 4 =0
UPL species 50 x 5 =250
Column Totals:60 (A)280 (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A=4.67
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
1 - Rapid test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
2 - Dominance Test is >50%
3 - Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
4 - Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present?Yes No X
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Great Plains – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point:DP02
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches)Color (moist)%Color (moist)%Type 1 Loc 2 Texture Remarks
0-16 10YR 3/2 98 10YR 3/6 2 C PL Clay Loam
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.)Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1)Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR I, J)
Histic Epipedon (A2)Sandy Redox (S5)Coast Prairie Redox (A16) (LRR F, G, H)
Black Histic (A3)Stripped Matrix (S6)Dark Surface (S7) (LRR G)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1)High Plains Depressions (F16)
Stratified Layers (A5) (LRR F)Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)(LRR H outside of MLRA 72 & 73)
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR F, G, H)Depleted Matrix (F3)Reduced Vertic (F18)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11)Redox Dark Surface (F6)Red Parent Material (TF2)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)Depleted Dark Surface (F7)Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1)Redox Depressions (F8)Other (Explain in Remarks)
2.5 cm Mucky Peat or Peat (S2) (LRR G, H)High Plains Depressions (F16)3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
5 cm Mucky Peat or Peat (S3) (LRR F)(MLRA 72 & 73 of LRR H)wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:
Depth (inches):Hydric Soil Present?Yes No X
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply)Secondary indicators (minimum of two required)
Surface Water (A1)Salt Crust (B11)Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
High Water Table (A2)Aquatic Invertebrates (B13)Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Saturation (A3)Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1)Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1)Dry-Season Water Table (C2)Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots (C3)
Sediment Deposits (B2)Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots (C3)(where tilled)
Drift Deposits (B3)(where not tilled)Crayfish Burrows (C8)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4)Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Iron Deposits (B5)Thin Muck Surface (C7)Geomorphic Position (D2)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)Other (Explain in Remarks)FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Water-Stained Leaves (B9)Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7) (LRR F)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present?Yes No X Depth (inches):
Water Table Present?Yes No X Depth (inches):
Saturation Present?Yes No X Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)Wetland Hydrology Present?Yes No X
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: