HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROSPECT SPORTS CLUB - PDP230009 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS REPORT
Technical Memo
PO Box 272150
Fort Collins, CO 80527
Date: May 19, 2023
To: City of Fort Collins, Planning, Development, and Transportation, Environmental Department
From: Cedar Creek Associates, Inc.
Subject: Prospect Sports 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 Larimer County parcel
8720212005 and is situated on the southwest corner of Prospect Road and Sharp Point Drive (Figure
1). Ecological characteristics were evaluated on January 10, 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 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). Dominant vegetation supported on
the Project Site is upland grasses and are a mix of native and non-native pasture species such as
smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) blue grama (Bouteloua
gracilis), western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) along with non-native forbs such as burning
bush (Bassia scoparia). Native species are also dominate throughout the tree strata on the Project
Site. Dominant trees observed onsite include the cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and ponderosa
pine (Pinus ponderosa).
Wildlife use of the Project Site is low due to the surrounding urban development and seasonal
mowing. The mature tree stands located along the perimeter of the Project Site provides suitable
perching, nesting, and foraging habitat for songbirds and raptors. No raptors or nests were
observed in trees on the property during the site visit. Given the Project Sites proximity to two large
ponds, the Cache la Poudre River corridor, and Prospect Ponds Natural Area, raptor nesting and
perching potential is increased. In general, wildlife species capable of existing within or using the
Project Site are limited to those species that are either habitat generalists capable of existing in
modified urban environments or species which use a wide variety of habitats for foraging over a
large area. Several groups of Canada geese were observed foraging on the property during the site
visit. During our assessment, a osprey was observed by the pole nest, which was indicated as a
ferruginous hark nest in the CPW dataset.
According to the NCRS Web Soil Survey, the Project Site is comprised mainly of Loveland clay loam
0-1 percent slopes. This is a poorly drained, not highly erosive soil and is not classified as hydric.
The topography of the Project Site is generally level with gradual drainage towards the detention
ponds.
Attached Photos provide representative views of the Project Site.
(b & f – Wetland and Water Delineation) No wetlands were identified on the Project Site by
the NWI or CWI. Additionally, an investigation of the area using methodology described in the USACE
wetland delineation manual shows no dominant wetland species. There is no high-water mark or
evidence of flowing water, and no bed or bank is established within the extent of the Project Site.
Both surrounding ponds are classified as Freshwater Ponds by the NWI. Stormwater infrastructure
observed during the site visit indicates most of the inlet water to this pond is stormwater runoff
from sounding parking lots. Prospect Pond #2 North has more significant stands of mature riparian
vegetation, especially at the confluence with the Cache la Poudre River corridor (Figure 1).
(c – Prominent Views) The Project Site does not provide any significant or unobstructed views
of natural areas or other important visual features.
(d – Native Vegetation Summary) Native vegetation on the Project Site mainly consists of
grassland species such as blue grama and western wheatgrass. Other native woody species
observed on the Project site include cottonwood and ponderosa pine.
(e – Non-native Vegetation Summary) Non-native vegetation such as smooth brome and
orchard grass is present on the Project Site. The dominant forb observed was burning bush, a non-
native, undesirable species. Patches of thistle (Cirsium arvense), and field bindweed (Convolvulus
arvensis) were also observed on the Project Site.
(g – Sensitive Species Habitat)
The Cache la Poudre River corridor and Prospect Ponds Natural Area provide suitable nesting and
foraging habitat for several species of raptor including bald eagles. Bald eagles are afforded
additional protection through the BGEPA. No bald eagles were observed on the Project Site.
The project area was also evaluated with regards to potential habitat for state and federal listed
threatened and endangered species, and it was determined that no suitable habitat exists for
Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei), Ute ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes
diluvialis), or Western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera praeclara).
(h – Special Habitat Features) The most prominent ecological features on the Project Site are
the mature tree stand on the property. These trees present on the perimeter of the Project Site
provide suitable foraging, perching, and nesting habitat for urban adapted avifauna. They create
shade, provide canopy cover, and offer aesthetic and cooling value. The ecological value of these
trees is diminished by the proximity to industry activities and lack of a substantial native herbaceous
understory.
The two ponds near the Project Site are considered natural habitat features by the City of Fort
Collins. The lack of riparian vegetation around Prospect Pond #1 North limits this feature’s ecological
value. It should be considered a naturalized detention pond and a 50ft buffer is warranted. Given
the proximity of Prospect Pond #2 North to the Cache la Poudre River and Prospect Ponds Natural
Area.
CPW High Priority Habitat mapping indicates a Ferruginous hawk nest (active in 2022) approximately
1,000 ft to the east of the Project Site (Figure 1). According to CPW’s guidelines, no permitted,
authorized, or human encroachment activities within ½ mile radius of active nests from February 1
through July 15. This species is especially prone to nest abandonment during incubation if disturbed.
A pole nesting structure was observed at this location during the site visit with evidence of recent
use.
(i – Wildlife Movement Corridors) The proximity of the Project Site to known wildlife movement
corridors such as the Cache la Poudre River provides some potential for highly mobile, urbanized
wildlife species such as mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), coyote (Canis
latrans) and Canada goose (Branta canadensis) to utilize the Project Site as a corridor. Lack of
flowing water or significant native vegetation limits the Project Sites potential as a wildlife movement
corridor.
(k – Timing Issues) Nesting avifauna should be considered during construction of the Project
Site. Mature trees provide suitable nesting habitat for several species. To the extent possible, tree
removal and ground disturbing activities should be limited during the migratory bird nesting season
(February 1st to July 31st). Raptor avoidance should also be observed and should follow CPW
recommended buffer zones and seasonal restrictions.
(l – Proposed Mitigation) Within the study area, and in accordance with Section 3.4.1, a 100-
foot natural habitat buffer zone around the reservoirs is warranted. In addition, a 50-foot buffer is
warranted for the riparian vegetation to on the north and west shores of Prospect Pond #2 North.
None of these buffers extend onto the project site. A qualified biologist should survey any trees that
are slated for removal during the nesting season (from February 1st to July 31st). These surveys
ensure compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by verifying no active bird nests are disturbed.
There should also be a survey for bald eagle, osprey, and other raptor nesting along the nearby
trees in the Cache la Poudre River corridor and Prospect Ponds Natural Area immediately prior to
project construction. Any nests encountered, including the known ferruginous hawk nest, should
follow CPW recommended buffer zones and seasonal restrictions, as their recommended nest
buffers could extend onto the site. The proponent intends to work with the City and CPW in order
ensure the buffer is appropriate, given all the anthropogenic activity in the area.
REFERENCES
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). 2022. Colorado Parks and Wildlife High Priority Habitat (HPH)
Mapping. December 5, 2022
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Recommended Buffer Zones and Seasonal Restrictions for
Colorado Raptors.
https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/Raptor-Buffer-
Guidelines.pdf
NAD 2017. The City of Fort Colins Natural Areas Department. Wildlife Conservation Guidelines.
https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/pdf/wm-guidelines17.pdf?1645719558
Prospect Pond
#2 North
Prospect Pond
#1 North
Project Name:
Prospect Sports
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1063
Date:
1/10/23
Site ID:
Prospect Sports
Description:
Property Overview Facing
East
Project Name:
Prospect Sports
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1072
Date:
1/10/23
Site ID:
Prospect Sports
Description:
Site Overview Facing West
Project Name:
Prospect Sports
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1072
Date:
1/10/23
Site ID:
Prospect Sports
Description:
Mature Tree Stand
Project Name:
Prospect Sports
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1072
Date:
1/10/23
Site ID:
Prospect Sports
Description:
Mature Tree Stand 2
Project Name:
Prospect Sports
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1072
Date:
1/10/23
Site ID:
Prospect Sports
Description:
Stone dumping onsite
Project Name:
Prospect Sports
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1072
Date:
1/10/23
Site ID:
Prospect Sports
Description:
Concrete Pad
Project Name:
Prospect Sports
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1072
Date:
1/10/23
Site ID:
Prospect Sports
Description:
Representative vegetation
Project Name:
Prospect Sports
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1072
Date:
1/10/23
Site ID:
Prospect Sports
Description:
Cache la Poudre River
Corridor at Prospect Rd.
Project Name:
Prospect Sports
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1072
Date:
1/10/23
Site ID:
Prospect Sports
Description:
Nest stand (Osprey observed
in 2023) at Cache la Poudre
River at Prospect Rd.