HomeMy WebLinkAboutENCLAVE AT REDWOOD - FDP220014 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - WILDLIFE DOCUMENTSTechnical Memo
PO Box 272150
Fort Collins, CO 80527
(970) 988-3106
Date: August 30, 2022
To: Aaron Posma, DHI Communities
From: Cedar Creek Associates, Inc.
Subject: Enclave at Redwood Burrowing Owl Survey
Introduction
Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. (Cedar Creek) was requested by DHI Communities to conduct burrowing owl
(Athene cunicularia) surveys in anticipation of dirt work at the proposed development site of Enclave at
Redwood. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recommend that targeted surveys be conducted for any
activities resulting in ground disturbing activities between March 15 and October 31. Burrowing owl are
identified as threatened by CPW Threatened and Endangered Species List (CPW 2022). The City of Fort
Collins also requires burrowing owl surveys for ground disturbing activities in areas of suitable habitat.
The proposed development property is approximately 40 acres and located at the corner of East Suniga
Road and Redwood Street in north Fort Collins. An agricultural irrigation ditch forms the easter boarder of
the proposed development site. Surrounding subdivisions have been or are currently under construction
adjacent to the proposed development site.
Methods
Broadcast call surveys were conducted at Enclave in compliance with the Recommended Survey Protocol
and Actions to Protect Nesting Burrowing Owl (CPW 2021). Two broadcast call points were established at
the northern and southern end of the proposed development site spaced 800m apart. (Figure 1) Three
replicates at each survey location were conducted in 2022. Surveys took place on March 18, April 5, and
May 18.
For each survey point, a 10-minute timeline was used for the call-broadcast method. During each survey,
biologists used high powered optics to scan the area for burrowing owls. The 10-minute broadcast call
consisted of 1. three-minute passive segment 2. three-minute call-broadcast segment 3. four-minute
passive segment.
Each three-minute call-broadcast segment was conducted using a digital game caller (FOXPRO Patriot
with TX433 transmitter, FOXPRO Inc, Lewistown, Pennsylvania). A series of 30-second calls were played
(coo-coo call and alarm call) interspersed with 30 seconds of silence. The FoxPro was held approximately
two meters above the ground and rotated in the four cardinal directions during broadcasting.
Surveys were conducted in the early morning (1/2 hour before sunrise until 10:00 am ) with clear and
calm weather conditions. Other habitat characteristics were also noted during the surveys including
presence or sign of any active prairie dogs or historic colonies.
Results
No burrowing owl or their sign were located during the field effort. None of the broadcast call surveys
conducted elicit a response. Suitable habitat does exist on the proposed development site and fossorial
mammals have been observed in previous years, however no suitable burrow locations, sign, or individual
owl were observed.
References
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). 2022. Threatened and Endangered Species List.
https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/SOC-ThreatenedEndangeredList.aspx
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). 2021. Recommended Survey Protocol and Actions to Protect Nesting
Burrowing Owl
https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/Recommended -Survey-
Protocol-Burrowing-Owls.pdf
Figure 1 – Burrowing Owl Broadcast Call Stations