HomeMy WebLinkAboutHULL ORCHARDS - PDP230002 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS REPORT
Technical Memo
PO Box 272150
Fort Collins, CO 80527
Date: August 2, 2022
To: City of Fort Collins, Planning, Development, and Transportation, Environmental Department
From: Cedar Creek Associates, Inc.
Subject: Taft Hill Ecological Characterization Study
This Ecological Characterization Study (ECS) Memo is submitted to address City of Fort Collins
Land Use Code (Section 3.4.1) requirements to identify habitats and natural resource areas on or
within proximity of proposed developments. The Project Site is comprised of parcels 9727205007,
9727205008, and 9727205012 and is situated between Taft Hill Road and Shields Street to the
east/west and Drake and Horsetooth Road. The Project Site located at the terminus of Hull Street
(Figure 1). Ecological characteristics were evaluated on August 2nd, 2022.
A data review was conducted to gather information and assist in the evaluation of potential natural
biological resources within the property. The data review entailed an evaluation of online resources
and publications to determine the presence or potential occurrence of important natural and
biological resources. This data review included:
· U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Federally Listed and Proposed Endangered,
Threatened, and Candidate Species and Critical Habitat as identified by the USFWS
Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC) Official Species List and Critical
Habitat Mapper;
· Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)
protected species as identified on the IPAC Trust Resources Report;
· The Colorado Natural Heritage Program database statewide species and natural community
tracking list for Larimer County;
· Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Threatened and Endangered Species List;
· City’s Natural Areas Species of Concern list (Restoration Plan 2016-2025, 2016);
· The City’s Land Use Code (Article 3, Section 3.4.1);
· The City’s Natural Habitat and Features Inventory Map (2000);
· The Colorado Wetland Inventory (CWI);
· USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI); and
· US Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil Survey.
The following provides a summary of information required by Fort Collins Land Use Code under
3.4.1 (D) (1) items (a) through (k).
ECOLOGICAL STUDY CHARACTERIZATION CHECKLIST
(a & j – General Ecological Function and Wildlife Use) Native vegetation has been removed
from the development parcel in the past, and most of the Project Site supports non-native and
weedy species within pastures which are mowed and/grazed. Dominant vegetation supported in
the uplands is mowed non-native pasture species such as smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and
orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) along with non-native forbs such as goosefoot (Chenopodium
album) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Additionally, a significant field bindweed (Convolvulus
arvensis) infestation is present within the pastures. There are several ornamental deciduous trees
such as Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila), ash (Fraxinus sp), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis,) and apple
(Malus domestica) as well as coniferous trees (Pinus sp.) around each residence. Attached Photos
provide representative views of the Project Site.
Due to surrounding residential development and pasture use, the project area has low ecological
value and supports no important habitat features. There are mature trees located around each of
the three residences within the Project Site. These trees may provide marginal wildlife habitat
value in the form of perching, nesting, and foraging habitat for songbirds.
Wildlife use of the project site is low due to the relatively small size of the project area, surrounding
development, and a lack of native and woody vegetation cover. No raptor nests were observed in
trees on the property during the August 2022 site visit. Future raptor nesting in trees within the
project area is unlikely due to surrounding human activities and the lack of suitable, adjacent
hunting habitats.
(b & f – Wetland and Water Delineation) There are no wetlands or aquatic features within, or
immediately adjacent to, the Project Site.
(c – Prominent Views) The project area does not provide any significant or unobstructed views
of natural areas or other important visual features.
(d – Native Vegetation Summary) As indicated under (a & i) the project area does not support
any native vegetation.
(e – Non-native Vegetation Summary) The trees in proximity to the residences create foraging,
perching, and nesting habitat for songbirds. They create shade, provide canopy cover, and offer
aesthetic and cooling value. The ecological value of these trees is diminished by the proximity to
the residences and limited suitable habitat in the surrounding area.
(g – Sensitive Species Habitat) There are no sensitive species habitat located in the Project
Site.
(h – Special Habitat Features) There are no special habitat features habitat located in the Project
Site. The Pleasant Valley and Lake Canal is located approximately 400 feet to the southwest of the
Project Site, so a natural habitat buffer is not warranted. Spring Creek is also located approximately
750 feet north of the Project Site, far enough away where a natural habitat buffer is not warranted.
(i – Wildlife Movement Corridors) A concrete stormwater control feature located adjacent to
the Project Site on the east boundary may be used as a wildlife corridor for urban adapted wildlife.
In accordance with Section 3.4, this feature does not warrant a natural habitat buffer zone, but the
City of Fort Collins owns the 40-foot-wide parcel which provides a suitable corridor width given the
limited habitat value of the concrete stormwater feature.
(k – Timing Issues) Because of the general lack of natural habitat features in and near the area
and general lack of nesting habitat for avian species, there are no issues regarding the timing of
proposed project and ecological features or wildlife use of the project area.
(l – Proposed Mitigation) There are no proposed mitigation measures warranted for the Project
Site due to the lack of suitable habitat and natural features. However, to maintain compliance with
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a qualified biologist should survey any trees for active nesting that
are slated to be removed during the nesting season (from February 1st to July 31st). Removal of
active nests is prohibited.
Pasture Areas on the Project Site
Pasture Areas on the Project Site
Trees Around a Residence on the Project Site
Trees Around a Residence on the Project Site
Trees Around a Residence on the Project Site
Concrete Stormwater Control Feature