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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSU PHEMISTER TRAIL - SITE PLAN ADVISORY REVIEW - SPA230001 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS REPORT Technical Memo PO Box 272150 Fort Collins, CO 80527 Date: September 22, 2023 To: City of Fort Collins, Planning, Development, and Transportation, Environmental Department From: Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. Subject: Phemister Trail - 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 Area is approximately 1.8 acres and includes a proposed multi-use trail, approximate location for a bridge, and a compensatory grading area. The Project Area includes Parcels 9723112901 and 9723100930 and is situated west and north of Centre Avenue, east of South Shields Street, and south of West Prospect Road (Figure 1). Onsite ecological characteristics were evaluated on September 5, 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 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 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) The Project Area includes an existing access road, Spring Creek and associated riparian forest and wetland area, and grassland area. The existing access road and adjacent area are composed of invasive species and noxious weeds, including a dominance of kocia (Bassia scoparia), Palmer’s pigweed (Amaranthus palmeri), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), and witchgrass (Panicum capillare). This degraded area offers very limited wildlife value and ecological function. A grassland area containing a mixture of mostly native species is present adjacent to the Spring Creek forested riparian. This area includes a dominance of big blue stem (Andropogon gerardi), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and smooth brome (Bromus inermis). Dominant forbs include red clover (Trifolium pratense) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). In addition, showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is present. This area provides wildlife value and ecological function for several species, including sensitive pollinators. The Spring Creek riparian forest area includes emergent, scrub-shrub, and forested wetland areas and upland forested riparian. The riparian forest area includes a dominance of crack willow (Salix fragilis), common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Russian olive (Elaegnus angustifolia), and sandbar willow (Salix exigua). The herbaceous layer includes smooth brome, reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), and areas with showy milkweed. The mixture of plants includes native, invasive, and noxious species. See Section b & f for more information regarding the wetland area. This area provides wildlife value and ecological function for several species, including nesting birds and sensitive pollinators. Riparian areas are important for the health and overall downstream water quality of Spring Creek. This area and Spring Creek serve as wildlife corridors. Outside and directly adjacent to the Project Area is an existing detention basin which partially includes wetland area. See Section b & f for more information regarding the wetland area. This area provides wildlife value and ecological function for several species. This wetland area functions as a filter and assists in flood retention, improving the water quality services the detention basin provides. The attached photos provide representative views of the project area and existing habitats. (b & f – Wetland and Water Delineation) Both the USFWS National Wetland Inventory and the City of Fort Collins’ Natural Habitat and Features Inventory Map display wetland and riparian forest along Spring Creek (Figure 2). Spring Creek is a perennial stream and is a Water of the U.S. The field survey confirmed presence of a wetland within the Project Area adjacent to Spring Creek within the riparian forest and grassland area. This reach of Spring Creek is connected to its floodplain throughout and floods the adjacent area during high flows. The wetland includes emergent, scrub-shrub, and forested habitats and contains a dominance of reed canary grass, Carex sp, crack willow, sandbar willow, Russian olive, and buckthorn. Dark loamy soils with minor redox features are present (F6 hydric indicator). Drift deposits are present throughout the area. Upstream and downstream of the wetland area, Spring Creek appears to be more incised and floodplain area has been replaced by terrace. These areas contain upland riparian forest. Outside and directly adjacent to the Project Area is an existing detention basin. The field survey confirmed presence of a wetland within approximately half of the detention basin area. The wetland habitat is mostly scrub-shrub and contains a dominance of sandbar willow, peachleaf willow (Salix amygdaloides), plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides), narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), pale smartweed (Persicaria lapathifolia), spotted lady’s thumb (Persicaria maculosa), barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), and switchgrass. The definition of Waters of the U.S. is currently being revised. It is currently unknown if these wetlands would be considered federally jurisdictional. (c – Prominent Views) The Project Area provides views of the foothills, Spring Creek, and the adjacent Gardens on Spring Creek. Other surrounding views are not significant, as the project area is surrounded by residential development, the Colorado State University Horticulture Center, and agricultural fields. (d – Native Vegetation Summary) As indicated under Section a & I, the Project Are contains a mixture of native, invasive, and noxious vegetation. The existing road contains little to no native vegetation and the riparian forested area and wetlands contain some native species, but a majority are invasive or noxious. The grassland area contains the highest amount of native vegetation. (e – Non-native Vegetation Summary) Below is a summary of non-native vegetation observed within the Project Area and which species are considered noxious per the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Common Name Scientific Name Noxious List Canada thistle Cirsium arvense B Common buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica - Common burdock Arctium minus C Common mallow Malva neglecta - Crack willow Salix fragilis - Curly dock Rumex crispus - Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis C Kochia Kochia scoparia - Palmer’s pigweed Amaranthus palmeri - Reed canary grass Phalaris arundinacea - Russian olive Elaegnus angustifolia B Smooth brome Bromus inermis - Sweet clover Melilotus officinalis - (g – Sensitive Species Habitat) There are no sensitive species habitats located in the Project Area. Three sensitive species have documented occurrences within 1 mile of the Project Area: • Northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens) – State Species of Concern, State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) Tier 1. The wetlands located within the Project Area do not serve as breeding or overwintering habitat for this species. The Project Area could provide foraging ground for this species if there was breeding or overwintering habitat within close proximity to the Project Area. • Iowa darter (Etheostoma exile) – SWAP Tier 2. This species is found within the South Platte River basin. Spring Creek does not provide suitable habitat for this species. • Plains topminnow (Fundulus sciadicus) – SWAP Tier 1. Spring Creek does not provide suitable habitat for this species. (h – Special Habitat Features) The CPW High Priority Habitat database displays Aquatic Native Species Conservation Waters 500-foot buffer area around Spring Creek, which overlaps with the entire Study Area and Project Area. The City Fort Collins’ Natural Habitat and Features Inventory Map displays riparian forest associated with Spring Creek throughout the Study Area and Project Area (Figure 2). The field visit verified riparian forest, as well as wetland areas around Spring Creek within the Project Area. Figure 3 displays all natural features verified in the field. (i – Wildlife Movement Corridors) Spring Creek and the adjacent riparian forest area serves as a wildlife corridor for urban adapted species mammals, songbirds, insects, and other small wildlife. (k – Timing Issues) The bridge would require the clearing of approximately five woody species (two trees, three shrubs). The compensatory grading area may also require tree clearing. If trees are proposed to be removed during the nesting season (from February 1st to July 31st), a qualified biologist should survey any trees on the project. If active nests are found, the CPW recommended buffer zones and seasonal restrictions (2020) should apply. These surveys ensure compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act by verifying no active bird nests are disturbed. Based on the current design, it is anticipated that the construction will result in approximately 560 square feet of permanent impacts and additional temporary impacts to wetlands associated with Spring Creek. Therefore, a nationwide permit 14 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be obtained for the project. The permit review process may take over 60 days. (l – Proposed Mitigation) According to the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code (Section 3.4.1) the following natural habitats or features within the Project Area require the following buffers: • Spring Creek corridor: 100-foot buffer • Wetlands less than 0.33-acre: 50-foot buffer (this feature is within the Spring Creek corridor and will therefore have a 100-foot buffer) • Wetlands greater than 0.33-acre: 100-foot buffer (this feature is within the detention basin and is approximately 0.54-acre in size) • Isolated native patches of grassland: 50-foot buffer (this feature is adjacent to the Spring Creek corridor) The project proposes to install a multi-use trail and bridge. While these proposed features are within the required natural habitats or feature buffers, part E(2)(c)5 of the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code (Section 3.4.1) states the construction of a trail for recreational purposes may be allowed within the required buffer zones. Based on the current design, it is anticipated that the construction will result in approximately 560 square feet of permanent impacts and additional temporary impacts to wetlands associated with Spring Creek. Since fill will be placed within the wetland and assuming jurisdiction, nationwide permit 14 from the Army Corps of Engineers will be obtained for the project. The grassland and riparian forest area contain milkweed. Milkweed seeding should be completed within the multi-use right-of-way to mitigate for any milkweed lost during construction. Photograph 1. Existing access road along the proposed multi-use path. Photograph 2. Wetland area within the detention basin adjacent to the Project Area. Photograph 3. Grassland habitat adjacent to the riparian forest area. Photograph 4. The proposed bridge location within a wetland and riparian forested area. Photograph 5. Viewing upstream within Spring Creek at the proposed bridge location. Photograph 6. Viewing downstream within Spring Creek at the proposed bridge location. Photograph 7. Emergent wetland adjacent to Spring Creek. Photograph 8. Scrub-shrub wetland adjacent to Spring Creek.