The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCROWNE AT SUNIGA - FDP230023 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 4 - ECS Report (2) CEDAR CREEK ASSOCIATES,INC. Technical Memo PO Box 272150 Fort Collins, CO 80527 Date: February 15, 2023 To: City of Fort Collins, Planning, Development, and Transportation, Environmental Department From: Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. Subject: Crowne at Suniga - 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 11.0 acres (Parcel # 8706300001) and is situated just west of Lemay Avenue and north of Suniga Road (Figure 1). Ecological characteristics were evaluated on February 11, 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 site is comprised completely of an agricultural habitat type, which offers very limited wildlife value and ecological function. The attached photos provide representative views of the Project Site. Overall, 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. (b &f—Wetland and Water Delineation) There are no wetlands or aquatic features within, or immediately adjacent to, the Project Site. The riverine features displayed on the National Wetland Inventory were not found onsite. (c—Prominent Views)The project area does not provide any significant or unobstructed views of natural areas or other important visual features. The project is primarily surrounded by residential development and infrastructure. (d— Native Vegetation Summary) As indicated under (a & i) the project area does not support any significant native vegetation. (e— Non-native Vegetation Summary) The site is almost entirely comprised of agricultural or non-native vegetation, as described in the section above. (g —Sensitive Species Habitat) There are no sensitive species habitat located in the Project Site. (h — Special Habitat Features) The CPW database reveals a bald eagle nest to the east of the site (Figure 2). No prairie dogs were observed onsite. (i — Wildlife Movement Corridors) Lake Canal is situated to the north of the proposed development parcel. It does intersect into the study area, but if a buffer were applied, it would not encroach on the site. (k—Timing Issues) Since the potential bald eagle nest is located in a highly developed area, the CPW guidelines require no permitted, authorized, or human encroachment activities within 'A mile radius of active nests from December 1 through July 31. This potential buffer would not encroach onto the proposed development site. Therefore, no timing restrictions are required for the site. (I — Proposed Mitigation) No mitigation is proposed for this Project. It 4 ABAL N4 04=' .s 8706300001 Ak ! I I " Legend Crowne at Suniga Feet wE Study Area(500 Feet Buffer) 0 250 Soo s Q Proposed Development Parcel Coordinate System: Figure 1: Ecological CEDAR CREEK Colorado State Plane 1983 TssoCIATrs,wC. Sources: Characterization Study Larimer County/Cedar Creek Lake Canal >A t - �T r ,X 1: A" Legend Crowne at Suniga Feet w s Study Area(500 Feet Buffer) 0 250 500 Q Proposed Development Parcel s Bald Eagle Active Nest Site 112 Mile Buffer Coordinate System: "••National Hydrography Dataset Figure 2: Desktop CEDAR CREEK Colorado State Plane 1983 National Wetland Inventory ASSOCIATES,INC, Sources: Freshwater Forested/Shrub Welland Analysis Larimer County/Cedar Freshwater Pond Creek Riverine N NE E SE 0 30 60 _ 90 120 150 I I I 1 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 0 •' Q 40'35-58"N,105'3'27"W ±19ft A 49 Agricultural • • • p' LD Zo- Iq o r) • Co Z - - LO LO o . • - - .. - -. -..-. - - - _ - o— • • - _ Q Agricultural Habitat