HomeMy WebLinkAboutReports - Erosion Control - 08/09/2023
Technical Memo
PO Box 272150
Fort Collins, CO 80527
Date: August 9, 2023
To: City of Fort Collins, Planning, Development, and Transportation, Environmental Department
From: Cedar Creek Associates, Inc.
Subject: Sonders Village East - 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 127 acres
(comprised of many parcels) and is situated just east of Turnberry Road and north of Richards Lake
Road (Figure 1). Onsite ecological characteristics were evaluated on July 2, 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 composed primarily
of former agricultural fields which have not been farmed in 2023. Therefore, the fields exhibit
degraded ecosystems which are comprised of annual invasive species and noxious weeds. These
degraded offer very limited wildlife value and ecological function. Other areas of the site, which
have not been farmed, are comprised almost entirely of smooth brome (Bromus inermis). There
are soil piles in these areas, which appear to have been placed there during construction of the
neighborhood to the southwest in 2005. There is a small grove of cottonwoods (Populus deltoides)
and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) on the western edge of the property (along Turnberry
Road). The attached photos provide representative views of the Project Site. The #8 irrigation ditch
is immediately to the east of the Project Site. As described below, these feature provide wildlife
habitat for songbirds and urban adapted wildlife and the irrigation canal serves as a wildlife corridor.
Overall, wildlife use of the project site is low due to the degraded ecosystems comprised of annual
species and noxious weeds or monocultures of smooth brome. However, the #8 ditch provides
good wildlife habitat and elevated songbird activity was observed around that .
(b & f – Wetland and Water Delineation) Both the USFWS National Wetland Inventory and the
City of Fort Collins’ Natural Habitat and Features Inventory Map delineate the #8 ditch as an aquatic
feature. The field survey revealed that the ditch does qualify as an aquatic feature and in certain
areas exhibits wetland characteristics with areas inside of top of bank dominated by broadleaf cattail
(Typha latifolia).
(c – Prominent Views) The project area does not provide any significant or unobstructed views
of natural areas or other important visual features. However, the foothills can be seen from
certain parts of the project area. The project is primarily surrounded to the west by residential
development and infrastructure and a sod farm to the east.
(d – Native Vegetation Summary) As indicated under (a & i) the project area does not support
any significant native vegetation.
(e – Non-native Vegetation Summary) As described above, the areas containing perennial
grasses were dominated by smooth brome. The abandoned agricultural field were dominated by
the following species:
Common Name Scientific Name List
(g – Sensitive Species Habitat) There are no sensitive species habitats located in the Project
Site. According to the attached CODEX report, no sensitive species have been observed within a
mile of the Project Area.
(h – Special Habitat Features) The CPW High Priority Habitat database did not exhibit any
features which overlapped the study area and no prairie dogs were observed onsite. The City Fort
Collins’ Natural Habitat and Features Inventory Map identified the following habitats in the study
area for the project (Figure 2), followed by the field description:
• Aquatic – This feature was verified to be the #8 irrigation ditch.
• Emergent Wetland – This feature along with other occurrences of emergent wetland were
found within the top of bank of the #8 irrigation ditch. The wetlands comprise a combined
0.25 acres.
• Native Upland Plains Forest – This feature was verified in the field, occurring across
Turnberry Road from the project site.
• Wet Meadow – This feature was mapped along the #8 irrigation ditch. However, it was not
verified in the field as the #8 ditch is contained within a deep channel with steep slopes
which transition to upland abruptly.
Figure 2 displays all natural features verified in the field.
(i – Wildlife Movement Corridors) The #8 irrigation ditch serves as a wildlife corridor for urban
adapted species mammals, songbirds, insects and other small wildlife.
(k – Timing Issues) 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 or within a half mile
for nesting activity. 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.
(l – Proposed Mitigation) According to the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code (Section 3.4.1),
No. 8 Irrigation Canal and the wetlands contained within top of bank of the canal should receive a
50-foot buffer. This is defined in the ‘Buffer Zone Table for Fort Collins Natural Habitats And
Features’ which states that irrigation ditches that serve as wildlife corridors shall have a 50 foot
buffer zone standard.
Upland Areas
No. 8 Irrigation Canal with Wetlands
Upland Areas
Tree Grove
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