The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutHERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY - ODP - ODP240001 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS Report CEDAR CREEK ASSOCIATES,INC. 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: September 3, 2024 Subject: Heritage Christian School - 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 18.4 acres, comprised of 9 parcels, and is situated north of International Boulevard and west of Munich Way (Figure 1). Ecological characteristics were evaluated on May 31, 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). Lambic St r �^ Anabel Ave 3 s� co f Bock St Jay Dr 0 c u 'u Collins Aire Ln y Tana Dr J&n.ie Dr I � ♦ Saison St Si U /♦ cN y Shandy ` '``�♦ Terry Dr 1 � 1 � 1 � 7082300 1 70823000 8708230003 1 � 1 � 1 1 1 Zor/ Hemm� 1 ch 3 �r 8708206004 1 8708231001 8708231003 1 f ♦ 1 ♦ 8708231002 1 8708231004 - � F 1 8708232002 E o tt: � 1 � I ----------------- --, D On pia !` _r J 3 L Feet w N Legend Heritage Christian e 0 200 400 ,--- School _Study Area Coordinate system: 0 Project Area CEDAR CREEK State Plane83 Colorado N Figure 1: ASSOCIATES,INC. OUUraCeS: �. Parcels Project and Study Area ECOLOGICAL STUDY CHARACTERIZATION CHECKLIST (a & j — General Ecological Function and Wildlife Use) The majority of the property is disturbed as part of the surrounding development. However, there are native grass remnants and young volunteer trees within the stormwater channels and detention. The disturbed areas are dominated by nuisance and noxious weeds and general ruderal vegetation. Overall, the site offers limited ecological function outside of the volunteer trees in the channels and detention which could offer some isolated structure and cover for urban adapted wildlife and the native grasses scattered throughout the Project Area which offer some forage opportunities. Attached photos provide representative views of the Project Site. Overall, wildlife use of the Project Area likely focuses on the different naturalized features associated with Stormwater Control. The Stormwater Wetlands and Lake Canal (offsite features) provide the best benefit to urban adapted wildlife. The Stormwater Wetlands were dominated by cattails, willows, and cottonwoods. (b &f— Wetland and Water Delineation) The top of bank of the Lake Canal and Stormwater Wetlands were delineated and are presented 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 native grasses observed were western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithil), green needlegrass (Nassela viridula), and big bluestem (Andropgon gerardii). A single individual of showy milkweed (Asclepius speciosa) was found on the north border of the property, along Zurich Drive (see attached photo). (e — Non-native Vegetation Summary) Portions of the site (especially disturbed portions) exhibit significant composition from nuisance and noxious weeds. The nuisance weeds observed on site were primarily burning bush (Kochia scoparia), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), and Russian Thistle (Salsola tragus). The noxious weeds observed on site were Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense [List B]), Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula [List B]), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvense [List C]), and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum [List Q. Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia [List B]) and salt cedar (Tamarix chinensis [List B]) were observed in low lying stormwater channels and detention areas (Figure 2). Smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyron intermedium) were also found throughout the site. (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. It identifies a bald eagle nest within a mile of the Project Area, but it's buffer is not displayed in close proximity to the site on the High Priority Habitat database. (h — Special Habitat Features) According to the High Priority Habitat dataset and field observations, there are no special habitat features, within close proximity to the Project Area. (i—Wildlife Movement Corridors)The Lake Canal provides a wildlife corridor for urban adapted wildlife to move between habitat features in this area of Fort Collins. (k — Timing Issues) Although the trees in the stormwater channels are small, it still offers an opportunity for songbird nesting. Therefore, prior to trees being removed from the site during nesting season (February 1 —July 31), a qualified wildlife biologist should conduct a survey to ensure there are no active nests. (I — Proposed Mitigation) In accordance with Section 3.4 of the land use code, the following buffer shall apply: • Lake Canal: Lake Canal serves as a wildlife corridor, which warrants a 50-foot buffer to create a Natural Habitat Buffer Zone. • Offsite Stormwater Wetlands: The offsite stormwater wetlands are greater than 1/3 without significant use by waterfowl and/or shorebirds, which warrants a 100-foot buffer to create a Natural Habitat Buffer Zone. However, the privacy fence and roads limit the value of Natural Habitat Buffer Zone around these features, so alternative mitigation approaches should be considered, such as creating significant habitat uplift within designed stormwater control features for the site. Therefore, the buffer from these features should not be extended on to the Project Area. The existing stormwater channels on the project area are not considered natural features warranting Natural Habitat Buffer Zone.These channels have provided an opportunity for cottonwoods, willows, Russian olives, and salt cedar to establish but have not developed in a naturalized habitat feature. Noxious weed should be controlled with herbicide prior to implementing site grading. s ♦� r � 1 1 � 1 - I 1 1 1 1 1 V 1 � 1 r 1 1 1 � 1 ♦ 1 t 1 1 I 1 a: � � f ♦ IF ♦ ti N Lund Feet P E Project Area Heritage Christian o zoo aoo 1=:Study Area School s Top of Bank Coordinate System: Natural Features ��DAR'C',.R,EEK State Plane 83 Colorado N Detention Figure 2: ares,i�c Sources: Stormwater Canal Natural Features Cedar Creek Stormwater Wetland .. . _. =��-. , ,. Heritage Christian School 1 _ Y r ,I,� Heritage Christian School Material stockpiles �, } ," � ' 05-31-2024, 4:46:31 PM Material Stockpiles • - 0165°S (M) OO 13 N 496984 4493265±16ft • 4952ft i� Ip A r ti 1 t' �pvr a Heeitage thristian School Stormwater Channel within the Project Area 0 341°N (M) 13 N 497129 4493339 ±16ft • 4960ft a 14 Lake Canal Adjacent to the Project Area 3260NW (M) '0, 13 N 496967 4493263 ±16ft • 4949ft r r fi v 21, s, t/cw.�� 5 t � `F ""'Kg • Wrt .e�. �W`e , e�";'�t 6 i -.'., �M1rr,}R.a.�° t'!• a+ s w .A Single Milkweed Within the Project Area 0 56°NE (M) 013 N 4968714493066 ±13ft • 4935ft Schoolalp Heritage Christian 024 Landscaping Trees Adjacent to the Project Area ®88°E (M) OO 13 N 496904 4493356 ±16ft • 4957ft �k1177 SchoolHeritage Christian • 02 Stormwater Wetland Adjacent to the Project Area ".) 305°NW (M) IJ 13 N 497062 4493334±16ft • 4935ft SchoolHeritage Christian 0 • Privacy Fence of the Property Boundary