HomeMy WebLinkAboutTHE LANDING AT LEMAY MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE - PDP230004 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS REPORT
Technical Memo
PO Box 272150
Fort Collins, CO 80527
Date: January 19, 2023
To: City of Fort Collins, Planning, Development, and Transportation, Environmental Department
From: Cedar Creek Associates, Inc.
Subject: The Landing at Lemay - 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 close proximity of proposed developments. The Project Site is approximately 26.6 acres
comprised of parcels 8707200008, 8707200018, 8707200019, and 8707200021 and is situated just east
of Lemay Avenue between East Vine Drive and Duff Drive (Figure 1). Ecological characteristics were
evaluated on January 16, 2023.
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 Lar imer County;
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Threatened and Endangered Species List and High
Priority Habitat database (SB181);
• 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 sum mary 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) The project site is comprised of five
habitat types (displayed on Figure 3).
• Disturbance (~2.0 acres) – A former laydown yard used for construction of the Lemay
Avenue Overpass has removed vegetation.
• Prairie Dog (~20.9 acres) – This habitat type is characterized by an active prairie dog
community. The vegetation is almost completely removed by the prairie dogs with Russian
thistle (Salsola tragus) and burning bush (Kochia scoparia).
• Irrigation Furrow (~0.3 acres) – Remnant irrigation furrows transverse the site, which are
no longer used. There are active prairie dog burrows within the furrows. Canada thistle
(Cirsium arvense ) is also fairly prominent within the furrows.
• Upland Herbaceous (~3.4 acres) – In areas where the prairie dogs have not removed the
vegetation, smooth brome (Bromus inermis), Canada thistle, and other annual non-native
weedy species are present.
• Scattered Trees - The scattered trees throughout the property can provid e marginal wildlife
value in the form of foraging, perching, and nesting habitat for songbirds. The trees create
shade, provide canopy cover, and offer aesthetic and cooling value. The ecological value of
these trees is diminished by the limited suitable h abitat in the surrounding area. There were
a few stick nests identified in trees onsite, but they did exhibit any evidence of bird use.
Therefore, they may be used by rodents.
Attached photos provide representative views of the Project Site.
Overall, with the exception of prairie dogs, w ildlife 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,
(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 significant native vegetation.
(e – Non-native Vegetation Summary) The site is almost entirely comprised of non -native
vegetation, as described in the section above .
(g – Sensitive Species Habitat) There are no sensitive species habitat located in the Project
Site.
(h – Special Habitat Features) Since the prairie dog community comprises greater than 1 acre,
Section 3.4 of the Fort Collins Land Use Code defines it as a special habitat feature . The CPW
database reveals a bald eagle nest to the north of the site (Figure 2). However, the 0.5 mile buffer
for the nest does not encroach on to the project site. Dry Creek is located to the north of the
project site and Section 3.4 of the Fort Collins Land Use Code requires a 100 foot buffer, which also
does not encroach onto the project site (Figure 3 ).
(i – Wildlife Movement Corridors) Dry Creek to the north of the project area likely could serve
as a wildlife corridor . However, the Dry Creek is very disjointed with portions buried underground.
Dry Creek is also considered an Aquatic Native Species Co nservation Waters in the CPW High Priority
Habitat database.
(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 limited issues regarding the timing
of proposed project and ecological features or wildlife use of the project area. To maintain
compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a qualified biologist should survey known stick nests
and any trees for active nesting that are slated to be removed during the nesting season (from
February 1st to July 31st). Removal of active bird `nests is prohibited.
(l – Proposed Mitigation) The applicant must mitigate for the existing prairie dog community in
accordance with city standards .
Active Prairie Dog Habitat Type
Active Prairie Dog Habitat Type
Scattered Trees on the Project Site
Nest on the Project Site
Upland Herbaceous Habitat Type
Irrigation Furrow Habitat Type