HomeMy WebLinkAboutQUIK TRIP - PDP230010 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS REPORT
Technical Memo
PO Box 272150
Fort Collins, CO 80527
Date: November 14, 2022
To: City of Fort Collins, Planning, Development, and Transportation, Environmental Department
From: Cedar Creek Associates, Inc.
Subject: QuikTrip 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 contained within parcel 8716400003
and is situated on the northwest corner of Interstate 25 and Prospect Road in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The Project Site, is part of the larger Gateway Development Proposal, and is located along the SW
Frontage Road to the north of Prospect Road (Figure 1). Cedar Creek authored an Ecological
Characterization Study for the Gateway Development Proposal and this memo is meant to
supplement information presented in the study. Ecological characteristics of the Project Site were
evaluated on September 30th, 2022 and November 11, 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 the entire Project Site is comprised of pastures which
are mowed. The pasture lands in the Project have been flood irrigated. Dominant vegetation is
mowed non-native pasture species such as tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and smooth brome
(Bromus inermis). Attached photos provide representative views of the Project Site, the pasture
grasses were mowed prior to the field survey. Due to surrounding urban development and pasture
use, the Project area has low ecological value and supports no important habitat features.
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. Prairie dogs were observed across
the SW Frontage Road to the west of the Project Site, but no active or inactive burrows were
observed in the Project Site.
(b & f – Wetland and Water Delineation) There are no wetlands or aquatic features within the
Project Site. However, there are irrigation furrows which bisect the Project Site to deliver flood
irrigation for the pastures. There is also a low-lying area where surplus flood irrigation collects,
which we have indicated as a mesic area (Figure 1). The mesic area appears to be dominated by
tall fescue (a facultative upland species), which indicates that the area would not pass any of the
hydric vegetation tests required for wetland delineation from the Army Corps of Engineers. However,
the mowing made conclusive identification of plants difficult, so biologists used morphological
features to determine species identification. Cedar Creek biologists also surveyed the mesic area for
typical obligate species like Baltic rush (Juncus balticus) and sedge (Carex sp.) but none where
observed. Therefore, no buffer is warranted for the mesic area.
In addition, a small stormwater collection ditch exists along Prospect Road, to the south of the
Project Site. This small area contains sparse cattails, which are an obligate species. The stormwater
drainage is lined with erosion matting and likely was recently installed as part of the roadwork on
the Interstate 25 and Prospect interchange. Overall, this 0.05 acres feature is not likely a wetland
but may exhibit some naturalized characteristics, so a 50-foot buffer would likely be appropriate.
This feature is greater than 175 feet away from the project footprint, so the buffer does not impact
(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 entire Project Site is comprised of non-native
pasture grasses which are flood irrigated.
(g – Sensitive Species Habitat) There are no sensitive species habitat located in the Project
Site.
(h – Special Habitat Features) The Natural Habitat and Feature Inventory from the City of Fort
Collins exhibits mapped non-native grassland and aquatic habitats associated with Boxelder Creek
to the west and north of the Project Site (across the SW Frontage Road). In accordance with the
Gateway Ecological Characterization Study and mitigation measures and standards as defined by
Land Use Code section 3.4.1, a 100-foot buffer is applied to the top of bank of Boxelder Creek. This
buffer does not impact development of the Project Site. The top of bank for Boxelder Creek is
greater than 475 feet from the Project Site.
(i – Wildlife Movement Corridors) There are no wildlife corridors within the Project Site.
(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 several natural features in close proximity to the project but
none of the proffered buffers encroach on the Project Site. Therefore, no proposed mitigation
measures warranted for the Project Site due to the lack of suitable habitat and natural features in
close proximity to the Project.
Pasture Areas with Irrigation Furrow on the Project Site
Mesic Area Off the Project Site
Cattail Stormwater Drainage Along Prospect Road
Prairie Dogs Across SW Frontage Road