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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReports - Environmental - 03/01/2021 Salud Family Health Center Weed Management Plan March, 2021 PO Box 272150 Fort Collins, CO 80527 i Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1 2.0 Existing Conditions ...................................................................................................................... 1 3.0 Weed Management ...................................................................................................................... 3 3.1 Best Management Practices .................................................................................................... 3 3.2 Weed Treatment Options and Recommendations ..................................................................... 3 3.2.1 Cheatgrass (C List) ................................................................................................ 4 3.2.2 Canada Thistle (B List) .......................................................................................... 5 3.2.3 Field Bindweed (B List) .......................................................................................... 7 3.2.4 Leafy Spurge (B List) ............................................................................................. 8 3.2.5 Common Mullein (C List) ........................................................................................ 9 3.2.6 Russian Olive (B List)........................................................................................... 11 4.0 Weed Monitoring ....................................................................................................................... 12 5.0 Literature Cited and Data Sources .............................................................................................. 13 Salud Family Health Center Weed Management Plan 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Weed Management Plan is part of the Applicant’s goal to enhance the ecological and aesthetic character and wildlife use of the Natural Habitat Buffer Zones (NHBZ’s). Weed management will support the intended function of the NHBZ’s to minimize or adequately mitigate the foreseeable impacts of development. The goal of the Weed Management Plan is to provide guidance on specific weed treatments. Weed management is an integral tool in facilitating restoration success and a significant component of the strategy to improve ecological function and habitat quality in the NHBZ’s. In addition to restoration planned to occur in the NHBZ’s, a significant proportion of the landscape surrounding the Salud Family Health Center facility is slated for native restoration. A Site-scale approach will be crucial to controlling noxious weeds in the NHBZ’s due to the prevalence of existing weed populations and the extent of new restoration at high- risk of noxious weed infestation, as ground-disturbance and lack of competition create ideal conditions for establishment. 2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS A field evaluation of noxious and invasive weeds was implemented in August 2015, and again in March 2021 to inform this Weed Management Plan. The 2021 survey was conducted outside the growing season, after most vegetation had senesced, thereby precluding a definitive identification of all weed species present on Site. Given the pervasive nature of noxious weeds, it is unlikely that populations observed in 2015 have been completely eradicated from the Site. As such, all noxious weed species observed in both 2015 and 2021 have been considered in weed management planning efforts for the NHBZ’s. Noxious weeds observed on Site include cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum – C List), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense – B List), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis – C List), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia – B List), leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula – B List), and common mullein (Verbascum thapsus – C List). • List A species are not well established in Colorado, are potentially a large problem to this state, and require mandatory eradication by local governing agencies. Prescribed techniques for management of List A species are hand pulling, digging, or herbicide application. Mowing, grazing, and insect bio-control are not acceptable forms of management for these species. • List B species are common enough in parts of the state that eradication is not feasible, though the species are still recommended for eradication, suppression, or containment depending on distribution and densities around the state. Prevention of seed dispersal may be accomplished by mowing, hand pulling, tillage, grazing, or herbicide application. • List C species are widespread and well established. Control of List Band C species is recommended but not required by the state. However, local governing bodies, such as Larimer County or City of Fort Collins, may require management. Existing conditions in the southernmost NHBZ (March 2021) 3.0 WEED MANAGEMENT 3.1 Best Management Practices Noxious weeds are common in urban and developed areas, and construction-related ground disturbance creates ideal conditions for the spread of noxious weeds. Nevertheless, there are some general practices that can be followed to limit the spread and/or establishment of noxious weeds during construction activities. Pre-Construction Phase • Treat existing noxious weed populations that could be spread by construction activities, especially individual plants and small infestations. Aggressive treatment of existing weed populations greatly reduces the ability of the weeds to rebound in post-construction conditions. Seeding, Planting, and Post-construction Phases • Require equipment (especially dirt-moving equipment like bulldozers and excavators) to be washed and weed-free before entering the Site. • Use only certified weed-free straw and mulch for erosion control projects, including weed-free fiber roll barriers and/or sediment logs. • Obtain soil components, amendments, seed mixes, and mulches from weed-free sources. • Establish and maintain vigorous, desirable vegetation to discourage weeds. • Mulch any non-vegetated surfaces to minimize the amount of noxious weed seeds that will reach the soil surface and germinate. • Monitor all seeded areas for any weed infestations post-construction and to inform subsequent weed management activities. 3.2 Weed Treatment Options and Recommendations A Licensed Pesticide Commercial Applicator (LPCA) for Larimer County will be used to apply herbicide to control noxious weeds on this Site. Permits for LCPA may contain additional terms and conditions that go beyond the scope of this management plan. The LCPA will perform the application in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and permit stipulations. All herbicide applications must follow US Environmental Protection Agency label instructions, including taking proper precautions (proper storage, following spill clean-up procedures, and proper disposal of containers). Application of herbicides will be suspended when any of the following conditions exists: • Wind velocity exceeds 6 miles per hour (mph) during application of liquids or 15 mph during application of granular herbicides. • Snow or ice covers the foliage of noxious weeds. • Precipitation is occurring or is imminent. Vehicle-mounted sprayers (e.g., handgun, boom, and injector) will be used mainly in open areas that are readily accessible by vehicle. Hand application methods (e.g., backpack spraying, hose and wand spraying) that target individual plants will be used to treat small or scattered weed populations in rough terrain. Calibration checks of equipment will be conducted at the beginning of spraying and periodically to ensure that proper application rates are achieved. Specific treatment plans (as well as herbicide recommendations) for the noxious weeds present on Site are described below. All noxious weeds are expected to require multiple years of treatment to effectively control populations. 3.2.1 Cheatgrass (C List) Species Background Cheatgrass is a highly adaptable winter annual grass that thrives in arid, semi-arid, and cold environments. It is one of the most competitive non-natives in the Western US. Cheatgrass derives its competitive advantage by emerging very early in the year, producing easily transportable seeds, and altering fire regimes to create a positive fire feedback loop that favors its growth over other species. Seeds can remain viable for up to three years in the soil. Control Approach The control approach focuses on mechanical and cultural methods to remove existing populations, provide competition for resources, and reduce bare ground cover. Mowing is not recommended as the action leave roots behind, stimulate flower production, and disperse seeds. Hand collecting, bagging, and disposal are recommended. Cheatgrass is often a contaminant of purchased seed mixes, straw, and stormwater control materials; care must be taken to purchase weed-free materials. Currently, there are no biological control agents for cheatgrass authorized in Colorado. Pre-Construction • Removal of existing populations by carefully hand-pulling plants without spreading the seed and bagging all parts of the cut plants. • Ensure all materials (seed mixes, straw, stormwater control materials, etc.) are certified weed free, and ensure dirt-moving equipment is washed prior to mobilizing to Site. • Mechanical spot-treatment of individuals during the construction phase to prevent spread. Post-Construction • Establishment of healthy stands of desirable vegetation to out-compete cheatgrass. • Mulching exposed non-seeded areas to prevent germination of seed or vegetative re-growth. • Mechanical spot-treatment of individuals. 3.2.2 Canada Thistle (B List) Species Background Canada thistle is one of the most troublesome noxious weeds in the US. As such, long-term vigilance will be necessary to prevent re-colonization. Canada thistle is an aggressive non-native, deep-rooted, perennial plant (CDA 2008). The plant first emerges as a rosette, the first flush of which occurs from April to May. Flowering occurs in late spring and throughout the summer, often followed by a second flush in the fall. However, a flush is possible any time during the growing season if sufficient soil moisture is available. Canada thistle also reproduces by seed or vegetatively; seeds account for long distance dispersal while vegetative reproduction from its root system accounts for local spread. Seed set occurs in mid- to late- summer, with 1,000-1,500 seeds produced per plant that are dispersed by animals, vehicles, and/or wind. Seeds remain viable for up to 20-22 years. Canada thistle has an extensive system of creeping horizontal roots, otherwise known as rhizomes. Vertical roots grow six to 15 feet deep, and rhizomes extend 15 feet or more in any direction. Rhizomes as small as a ¼ inch long have enough stored energy to develop new plants and can survive for 100 days without nutrient replenishment from photosynthesis (CSU 2013). Control Approach Aspects of Canada thistle’s phenology can be exploited to a land manager’s benefit, with the goal being to stress the plant to the point that root stores of nutrients and energy are exhausted. The plants draw on root stores for the first spring flush, and the plants should be allowed to grow to the bud stage but then killed to prevent seed production. Additional treatment of top growth should be implemented midsummer as the plants recover from the initial spring treatment to further stress the plant and to prevent seed set. The most critical step is the fall treatment with a translocating herbicide, in which the herbicide is applied to top growth but is transported to the root system as the plant stores nutrients and energy in the roots in preparation for the spring. Seeding of native grasses will provide competition for resources while being generally unaffected by herbicide applications, and early establishment of native species that will be desired in the long-term future as well. Biological control agents exist for Canada thistle but are not recommended for the Salud Family Health Center project due to timing restrictions and the use of herbicides. Pre-Construction • Herbicide treatment in the spring and summer to eliminate top growth, followed by a fall application of a translocating herbicide. • If possible, plan grading operations to avoid moving Canada thistle-infested soil/subsoil from one location to another on Site to avoid spread by root fragments. • Spot-treatment of individuals (either mechanically or chemically) during the construction phase to further stress plants and prevent seed set. Post-Construction • Establishment of healthy stands of desirable vegetation to out-compete Canada thistle. • Mulching exposed non-seeded areas to prevent germination of Canada thistle seed or vegetative re-growth. • Spot-treatment of individuals both mechanically or with herbicide during the construction phase to further stress plants and prevent seed set. Herbicide Recommendations Table 1 below contains the herbicide recommendations provided by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) (2008) for Canada thistle in range conditions. 3.2.3 Field Bindweed (B List) Species Background Field bindweed is problematic throughout Colorado; the species is one of the most competitive perennial weeds and can infest a diversity of land and soil types – cultivated areas, pastures, lawns, gardens, roadsides, and waste areas. Field bindweed is an aggressive non-native, deep-rooted, perennial plant, whose seeds can remain viable for up to 40 years in the soil (CDA 2015a). It spreads vegetatively by both long, spreading above-ground vines and below-ground rhizomes, and its difficulty in eradication primarily lies with its large taproot that can grow 20 feet deep. Control Approach Control of field bindweed will likely be a long-term process and should focus on continually stressing the plants and preventing seed set to exhaust the seed bank. Treating as much field bindweed as possible prior to construction will decrease the amount of invading individuals post-construction. Spot treatment of bindweed with herbicides during construction is also highly recommended to prevent new establishment. Mechanical treatment of field bindweed is largely ineffective but can be useful during a large flower flush to prevent seed set. Species-specific biological control agents exist for field bindweed but are not recommended for the Salud Family Health Center project due to timing restrictions and the use of herbicides. Pre-Construction • Two herbicide treatments (one just after full-bloom and one in the fall) to eliminate top-growth and prevent seed set. • Spot-treatment of individuals (either mechanically or chemically) during the construction phase. Post-Construction • Establishment of healthy stands of desirable vegetation to out-compete field bindweed. • Mulching exposed non-seeded areas to prevent germination of field bindweed seed or vegetative re-growth. Herbicide Recommendations Table 2 below contains the herbicide recommendations provided by the CDA (2015a) for field bindweed in range conditions. 3.2.4 Leafy Spurge (B List) Species Background Leafy spurge has adapted to a wide variety of habitats in Colorado, though it is more commonly associated with mesic conditions, and effectively crowds out other plant species. Once established, its rapid growth rate, extensive root system, and high seed production rate make it difficult to manage. Leafy spurge is one of the earliest species to emerge in the spring; one large flower can produce up to 130,000 seeds. Control Approach Control of leafy spurge will likely be a long-term process and should focus on continually stressing the plants in order to exhaust energy stores within the root system and preventing seed set to exhaust the seed bank. Treating as much leafy spurge as possible prior to construction will decrease the amount of invading individuals post-construction. Spot treatment of leafy spurge with herbicides during construction is also highly recommended to prevent new establishment. Mechanical treatment of leafy spurge is largely ineffective for long-term control due to the extensive root system, but can reduce seed production if repeated every two to four weeks during the growing season. Pre-Construction • Herbicide treatment in the spring and summer to eliminate top growth. • If possible, plan grading operations to avoid moving leafy spurge-infested soil/subsoil from one location to another on Site to avoid spread by root fragments. • Spot-treatment of individuals (either mechanically or chemically) during the construction phase to further stress plants and prevent seed set. Post-Construction • Establishment of healthy stands of desirable vegetation to out-compete leafy spurge. • Mowing every two to four weeks during the growing season to reduce seed set. • Mulching exposed non-seeded areas to prevent germination of seed or vegetative re-growth. • Spot-treatment of individuals either mechanically or with herbicide during the construction phase to further stress plants or prevent seed set. Herbicide Recommendations Table 3 below contains the herbicide recommendations provided by the CDA (2015b) for leafy spurge in range conditions. 3.2.5 Common Mullein (C List) Species Background Common mullein is found throughout Colorado and is most strongly associated with heavily disturbed sites (i.e., roadsides and trails). Common Mullein was not observed in the 2015 evaluation of noxious weeds but was recorded on Site in 2021. Common mullein is an aggressive non-native, biennial species that reproduces by seed. A seed produces a rosette in the fall or spring during the first year of growth; during the second year the stem bolts, flowers, sets seed, and the plant dies. A single robust plant can produce between 100,000 to 250,000 seeds from June through August. Common mullein is difficult to control given the amount of seed produced and seed bank left in the soil. Control Approach Noxious weed monitoring during the growing season will provide more information on the extent of common mullein on Site, so that populations can be targeted with the appropriate measures. In most scenarios, the control approach for managing common mullein focuses on preventing seed set. Chemical control is recommended for common mullein. Biological control agents exist for common mullein but have not been approved in Colorado. Pre-Construction • Removal of existing individuals by hand pulling or digging when the soil is moist, prior to flowering. If flowers are present, pull plants carefully and bag them so as not to distribute the seed. • Herbicide application during the rosette phase in spring and/or fall, as well as the bud/early flower stage in the spring. • Spot-treatment of individuals (either mechanically or chemically) during the construction phase to further stress plants and prevent seed set. Post-Construction • Establishment of healthy stands of desirable vegetation to out-compete common mullein. • Mulching exposed, non-seeded areas to prevent germination of seed or vegetative re-growth. Herbicide Recommendations Table 4 below contains the herbicide recommendations provided by the CDA (2009) for common mullein in range conditions. 3.2.6 Russian Olive (B List) Species Background Russian olive is found throughout Colorado but is most strongly associated with open riparian zones. Russian olive is an aggressive non-native, perennial tree that frequently sprouts suckers. It has the capability of fixing nitrogen in its roots and outcompetes native plants by interfering with soil nutrient cycling, constraining natural plant succession, and reducing water availability for other plants. Control Approach The control approach for Russian olive focuses on preventing new establishment of trees. Because plants are already present on Site, the recommended method for control is cut-stump treatments. This treatment constitutes cutting down the tree with a hatchet or chainsaw and immediately applying an approved herbicide to the surface of the stump. This treatment is the most effective if applied in the fall. Pre-Construction • Removal of existing individuals using the cut-stump treatment to prevent suckers and eventual establishment of new trees. Post-Construction • Establishment of healthy stands of desirable vegetation to out-compete Russian olive. • Mulching exposed, non-seeded areas to prevent germination of vegetative re-growth. Table 4 Herbicide Recommendations for Common Mullein (CDA, 2009) Herbicide Rate1 Application Timing and Restrictions Chlorsulfuron (Telar XP) 1-3 oz./acre Apply to rosette stages in spring or fall prior to bolting. Add non-ionic surfactant @ 0.32 oz/gallon water or 1 pint/100 gallon water. 2,4-D Picloram (Grazon P+D)2 4 pints/acre Apply to rosette stages in spring or fall prior to bolting. Add non-ionic surfactant @ 0.32 oz/gallon water or 1 pint/100 gallon water. DO NOT apply near trees, shrubs, or high water table. Picloram (Tordon 22K)2 1-2 quarts/acre Apply to rosette stages in spring or fall prior to bolting. Add non-ionic surfactant @ 0.32 oz/gallon water or 1 pint/100 gallon water. DO NOT apply near trees, shrubs, or high water table. Metsulfuron (Cimmaron) 1 oz./acre Apply to rosette stages in spring or fall prior to bolting. Add non-ionic surfactant @ 0.32 oz/gallon water or 1 pint/100 gallon water. 1Rates are approximate and based on equipment with an output of 30 gallons per acre. Read label for exact rates 2This is a Restricted Use Pesticide Table 5 below contains the herbicide recommendations provided by the CDA (2015c) for Russian olive in range conditions. 4.0 WEED MONITORING Noxious weed monitoring will occur for three years following restoration of the Site. Monitoring methodologies and NHBZ success criteria are presented in the Natural Habitat Buffer Zone Monitoring Plan (Cedar Creek 2021). Table 5 Herbicide Recommendations for Russian Olive (CDA, 2015c) Herbicide Rate Application Timing and Restrictions Cut stump treatment: Apply to the cambial layer of the tree immediatley after the cut-stump treatment and to roots above the soil surface. Basal bark treatment: Spray the roots above the soil surface, root collar, and lower trunk to a height of 12-15" above the ground until they are wet but not dripping, Glyphosate (Redeo- approved aquatic label)1 Undiluted (100% solution) or 50% solution in basal bark oil. Cut stump treatment: Apply to the cambial layer of the tree immediatley after the cut-stump treatment and to roots above the soil surface. Diluted solutions require regular agitation. Treat summer to fall, with fall being the most effective. 2These are non-selective products and will kill any vegetation contacted. Triclopyr (Garlon 4, Remedy) 20-30% solution in basal bark oil. The herbicide Pathfinder comes pre-mixed in oil and does not require dilution. 5.0 LITERATURE CITED AND DATA SOURCES Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. 2015. Ecological Characterization Study (ECS) for the Salud Family Health Center Project at the Former Forney Industries Site. August 26, 2015. Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. 2021. Salud Family Health Center Natural Habitat Buffer Zone Monitoring Plan. March, 2021. City of Fort Collins. 2021. Land Use Code. March 5, 2021. Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) – Conservation Services. 2008. Canada thistle identification and management. Factsheet. Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) – Conservation Services. 2009. Common Mullein identification and management. Factsheet. Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) – Conservation Services. 2015a. Field bindweed identification and management. Factsheet. Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) – Conservation Services. 2015b. Leafy spurge identification and management. Factsheet. Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) – Conservation Services. 2015c. Russian Olive identification and management. Factsheet. Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) – Conservation Services. 2019. Cheatgrass identification and management. Factsheet. Colorado State University Extension. 2013. Canada thistle. Fact Sheet No. 3.108. Siegel, S. and Donaldson, S. 2003. Measures to prevent the spread of noxious and invasive weeds during construction activities. University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet FS-0359. Salud Family Health Center Natural Habitat Buffer Zone Monitoring Plan March, 2021 PO Box 272150 Fort Collins, CO 80527 i Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1 2.0 Existing Conditions ...................................................................................................................... 3 3.0 NHBZ Goals and Objectives .......................................................................................................... 4 4.0 Monitoring and Reporting Protocol ................................................................................................ 5 4.1 Schedule ............................................................................................................................... 5 4.2 Vegetation Ground Cover Sampling Methodology ..................................................................... 5 4.3 Permanent Photo Points ......................................................................................................... 6 4.4 Success Criteria ..................................................................................................................... 6 5.0 Literature Cited and Data Sources ................................................................................................ 7 Salud Family Health Center Natural Habitat Buffer Zone Monitoring Plan 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Salud Family Health Center (Applicant) is a new medical and dental outpatient clinic proposed for development in northwest Fort Collins at 1830 West Laporte Avenue. The project would involve the relocation of an existing building just a few feet west of its current position, so that it no longer overlaps the floodplain, which would then serve as a permanent clinic after renovation. The project would also include construction of off-street parking and a public street for access. Development is planned to occur in several phases, which will be submitted to the City of Fort Collins (City) in separate Development Plans. This document is associated with the Proposed Development defined by the Salud Family Health Center (Salud) Final Development Plan (FDP) submitted to the City in June, 2020 (Ripley Design). The Salud project is located on a 12.5-acre parcel (Site) divided into 6 lots; the Proposed Development would occur entirely within the boundaries of Lot 4. An Ecological Characterization Study (ECS) of the Site was conducted in 2015, as required by Article 3, Section 3.4.1 of the City of Fort Collins (City) Land Use Code (LUC). The ECS (Cedar Creek 2015) identified several natural habitats and/or habitat features on Site which stipulate a Natural Habitat Buffer Zone (NHBZ) to mitigate potential impacts on ecological character and quality. Those identified include the Larimer County Canal No. 2 (Canal) and the woodland habitat along its banks, which together comprise a woodland riparian corridor; upland woodland habitat; and two large, isolated tree stands located to the north of the riparian corridor. Additionally, a raptor nest was observed in the trees adjacent to the Canal in the corner of Lot 4, which would stipulate a seasonal timing restriction on development if determined to be active. A follow-up survey was conducted in March 2021 to confirm that Site conditions are consistent with those described in the ECS, survey for potential raptor nesting activity, and conduct a noxious weed survey to supplement the list of those reported in 2015. The FDP presents the NHBZ delineations on Site stipulated by LUC standards compared to the NHBZ delineations proposed by the Applicant, the latter which was modified in accordance with LUC guidelines. Approval of the proposed NHBZ delineation is contingent upon the Applicant completing additional mitigation requirements prescribed by the City’s Environmental Planning Department. Mitigation measures have been designed for the Site to meet the goal of improving the ecological function and enhancing the habitat quality in the NHBZ’s, primarily by means of restoring a native vegetation community and utilizing monitoring and management strategies to increase the likelihood of ascertaining restoration success. This Natural Habitat Buffer Zone Monitoring Plan (Plan) presents a monitoring approach which has been designed to ascertain successful restoration in the NHBZ’s. The objective of this Plan is to describe the methods and procedures that will be used to facilitate the assessment of restoration establishment and progress, identify of potential issues, and gather information to inform adaptive management activities. Implementation of these guidelines is recommended to reduce the cost and improve the quality of restoration outcomes in a manner that allows for flexibility when deciding between comparable treatments based on site-specific conditions. Weed management is discussed within the broader context of our proposed approach in this document and detailed more specifically in the Weed Management Plan (2021) prepared as a supplement to this Plan. 2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS Results of the 2015 and 2021 field evaluations indicate the majority of the Site can be characterized by non-native grasslands, portions of which are co-dominated by alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and may be better described as a hayfield. Dominant species include crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), smooth brome (Bromus inermis), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), and alfalfa. Smaller populations of prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), kochia (Bassia scoparia), prostrate knotweed (Polygonum aviculare), and other weedy species (some noxious) occur in varying sizes across the uplands. Sporadic tree stands and larger stretches of upland and riparian woodlands characterize a smaller portion of vegetation on Site. These are comprised of a variety of native and non-native tree species, the more frequently occurring being Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), boxelder (Acer negundo), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). Vegetation communities in Lot 4 are consistent with those observed throughout the Site. Upland vegetation can be characterized by either a smooth brome/alfalfa-dominated community or non-native grassland community, interspersed by noxious and weedy species. Upland woodlands, including those connected to riparian woodlands and isolated stands on Site, are comprised of boxelder, crack willow (Salix fragilis), Siberian elm, netleaf hackberry (Celtis reticulata), and several other species. Riparian woodlands are dominated by Siberian elm and cottonwoods intermixed with a variety of other species. A shrubby understory is below, dominated by American plum (Prunus americana), common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), and chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). The Canal is largely forested, with banks dominated by reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) and smooth brome. A variety of noxious weeds were identified on Site during the 2015 ECS evaluation. Weed conditions were surveyed again in 2021 to better inform the Weed Management Plan. Results of these surveys are described in the Weed Management Plan supplementary to this document. 3.0 NHBZ GOALS AND OBJECTIVES In accordance with City of Fort Collins guidelines (LUC 3.4.1), the NHBZ’s should be managed in accordance with the following goals: 1. Preserve or enhance the ecological character or function and wildlife use of the natural habitat or feature and to minimize or adequately mitigate the foreseeable impacts of development. 2. Preserve or enhance the existence of wildlife movement corridors between natural habitats and features, both within and adjacent to the site. 3. Enhance the natural ecological characteristics of the Site. If existing landscaping within the NHBZ is determined by the decision maker to be incompatible with the purposes of the buffer zone, then the applicant shall undertake restoration and mitigation measures such as re-grading and/or the replanting of native vegetation. 4. Provide appropriate human access to natural habitats and features and their associated NHBZ’s in order to serve recreation purposes, provided that such access is compatible with the ecological character or wildlife use of the natural habitat or feature. The landscaping plan for the Site describes the seed mix and plantings that will be implemented in the NHBZ’s. The monitoring and reporting approach presented in this Plan is designed to support the meeting of goals through quantitative evaluation of revegetation establishment and progression in the NHBZ’s. Results of this approach can be used to identify problem areas or potential issues early in the restoration process, inform adaptive management activities (i.e. weed management, soil amendments), and assess progress towards the meeting of success criteria indicative of favorable NHBZ restoration. 4.0 MONITORING AND REPORTING PROTOCOL The applicant will be responsible for ensuring execution of the monitoring and reporting protocol described below. 4.1 Schedule Surveys will occur twice a year, once in the spring and once in the summer. The spring survey will be implemented across the entirety of the Site; the summer survey will be limited to within the NHBZ’s. 1. In the spring, a qualified ecologist will traverse the entirety of the Site to assess noxious weed conditions on Site and locate noxious weed populations. This should occur prior to implementation of weed management activities, so that the results may be used to inform adaptive management strategies such as treatment method, intensity and frequency of control, and potential problem areas. This effort will result in optimized and targeted weed control efforts and provide sufficient time to manage weeds prior to seed production. 2. In the summer, at the peak of the growing season, a qualified ecologist will implement the quantitative procedure described in section 4.2 in the NHBZ’s undergoing native restoration to measure vegetative ground cover. The ecologist will also traverse the NHBZ’s to identify if there are any problematic areas onsite. During these traverses, the observer is vigilant for: areas of poor seedling emergence, indicators of soil fertility problems, noxious weeds or invasive plant infestation, excessive erosion, and any other similar revegetation / restoration related issues. Annual monitoring will continue for a total of three years following restoration of the NHBZ. A brief annual report containing survey findings, discussion, and necessary recommendations (if any), will be provided to the City of Fort Collins by September 30th of each year. This will give the City of Fort Collins and the Applicant ample time to discuss and implement adaptive management to address any underperforming areas prior to when on-the-ground treatment implementation would be needed, if determined necessary. 4.2 Vegetation Ground Cover Sampling Methodology Cover sampling will be conducted at ten sample points in the southernmost NHBZ along the canal and five sample points in the restored portion of the NHBZ just north of the Canal (Tree Group C). At each sample point, ground cover will be measured using ocular estimates in a 1 meter by 1 meter quadrat. Sample locations will be determined randomly prior to field evaluation. Upon reaching the sample point, the quadrat will be placed on the ground and the ecologist will estimate and record vegetative ground cover by species to the nearest 1%. All species, including noxious and invasive species, and their respective percent ground cover will be recorded. In addition, percent cover of litter, rock, and bare ground exposure will be estimated and recorded; when summed with vegetation estimates, these will produce 100% coverage of ground cover at each sample point. 4.3 Permanent Photo Points Three permanent photo-point (marked with GPS coordinates) on the Site will be established to visually catalog vegetation progress; two in the southernmost NHBZ along the canal and one in the NHBZ just north of the canal. Photo-points should be determined in the field at a location representative of the NHBZ area, each location marked with GPS coordinates, and each designated with a number which will remain consistent throughout the 3-year monitoring period. Each photo-point should be documented during the summer evaluation at the peak of the growing season, for each of the annual monitoring efforts that will follow restoration. At each point, four photos will be collected, one each in a cardinal compass direction (N- E-S-W), using a photo board that is visible in each frame to indicate the photo-point number. 4.4 Success Criteria During the third year of annual monitoring, a determination on if vegetation establishment in the NHBZ’s has been successful will be made by City Planning. This determination will be based on an inspection(s) of the Site and a comparison of restoration performance to success criteria, as indicated by the annual monitoring survey results. The developer and/or landscape contractor is responsible for adequate seedling coverage and growth at the time of final stabilization, as defined by state and local agencies. If final stabilization has not achieved to the satisfaction of the agency, the developer and/or landscape contractor shall be responsible for implementing additional corrective measures to satisfy final vegetative requirements for closeout. Restored vegetation communities should be considered established when: 1. Total vegetative cover (excluding noxious weeds) meets or exceeds 70%, with no bare spots larger than one square-foot; 2. Noxious weed total cover does not exceed 10%; and 3. Vegetation establishment is deemed acceptable by City Planning Services. The City of Fort Collins Environmental Planning Department has the authority to deem revegetation established in lieu of meeting success criteria, as well as withhold approval despite meeting success criteria, if they so choose. 5.0 LITERATURE CITED AND DATA SOURCES Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. 2015. Ecological Characterization Study (ECS) for the Salud Family Health Center Project at the Former Forney Industries Site. August 26, 2015. Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. 2021. Salud Family Health Center Weed Management Plan. March, 2021. City of Fort Collins. 2021. Land Use Code. March 5, 2021. Ripley Design, Inc. 2020. Salud Family Health Center Final Development Plan. June 24, 2020.