HomeMy WebLinkAboutTHE MARK - FDP240013 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS Report
Technical Memo
PO Box 272150
Fort Collins, CO 80527
To: City of Fort Collins, Planning, Development, and Transportation, Environmental Department
From: Cedar Creek Associates, Inc.
Date: July 17, 2024
Subject: Johnson Drive Apartments - 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 2.5 acres,
comprised of parcel 9723119001, and is situated on the southwest corners of the Johnson Drive and
Spring Court intersection (Figure 1). Ecological characteristics were evaluated on July 15, 2024 by
Cedar Creek’s Principal Ecologist, Mr. Jesse Dillon.
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;
• Colorado's Conservation Data Explorer (CODEX);
• 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) The project area does not contain any
significant ecological function or wildlife use. The boundary of the project area has a temporary
fence and lands within the fence were found to be either developed or derelict. Derelict lands were
overgrown with noxious and annual weeds. However, the Study Area did contain some habitats
with ecological function and wildlife use. Creekside Park, to the north of the Project Area, contains
large trees and limited riparian habitat along Spring Creek. Most of the park is mowed bluegrass.
The Sherwood Lateral is an irrigation ditch located adjacent to the Project Area to the south. There
are several large trees along the Sherwood Lateral. Waterfowl were observed using irrigation ditch
water during the site visit.
Attached photos provide representative views of the Project Site.
Overall, wildlife use of the Project Area is non-existent due to the nature of the lands being either
developed or derelict and the physical fence limiting access to the site. However, adjacent and
nearby lands may provide some benefit to urban adapted wildlife.
(b & f – Wetland and Water Delineation) The top of bank of the Sherwood Lateral and Spring
Creek is delineated on Figure 2.
(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 & j) the project area does not support
a significant population of native vegetation, but some was present. The derelict lands were
primarily comprised of noxious and annual weeds. A single individual of showy milkweed (Asclepias
speciosa) was found on the north border of the property, along Johnson Drive. Along the Sherwood
Lateral, mesic native shrubs and trees were volunteering in the study area. This is primarily a result
of the mesic subsoil associated with the irrigation ditch. Some cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
seedlings were also found volunteering throughout the site, but these are unlikely to sustain.
(e – Non-native Vegetation Summary) The site is almost entirely comprised of non-native
vegetation, as described in the section above. The noxious weeds observed on site were Canada
thistle (Cirsium arvense [List B]), Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula [List B]), and bull thistle (Cirsium
vulgare [List B]). Annual weeds observed in the project area were prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola),
burning bush (Kochia scoparia), and annual sunflower (Helianthus annus).
(g – Sensitive Species Habitat) There are no sensitive species habitats located in the Project
Area or Study Area. The attached CODEX report indicates that documented occurrences of protected
species have occurred within 1 mile of the Project Area.
(h – Special Habitat Features) Spring Creek is considered an Aquatic Native Species
Conservation Waters but the buffer would not extend onto the Project Area. According to the High
Priority Habitat dataset and field observations, there are no raptor nests within close proximity to
the Project Area.
(i – Wildlife Movement Corridors) The Sherwood Lateral provides a wildlife corridor for urban
adapted wildlife to move between habitat features in this area of Fort Collins.
(k – Timing Issues) Trees have already been removed as part of this project, which were subject
to migratory bird surveys during the nesting season. No other timing issues exist.
(l – Proposed Mitigation) In accordance with Section 3.4 of the land use code, wildlife corridors,
such as the Sherwood Lateral, shall receive a 50-foot buffer to serve as a Natural Habitat Buffer
Zone. The land use code also calls for 100-foot buffer on Spring Creek but that would not extend
into the Project Area.
The noxious weeds should be controlled by herbicide application in the fall. Prior to that application
mechanical control, such as mowing, may be warranted.
Currently, the Natural Habitat Buffer Zone (associated with the Sherwood Lateral) on the Project
Area is being used as a yard to store materials and equipment. These activities can compact the
soils. Therefore, significant decompaction will be needed prior to implementation of the restoration
plan.
Derelict Lands in the Project Area
Derelict Lands in the Project Area
Sherwood Lateral
Bull Thistle in Project Area
Canada Thistle in Project Area
Canada Thistle and Milkweed in Project Area