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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRENNAT SUBDIVISION - FDP200006 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS REPORTECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION STUDY FOR THE RENNAT PROPERTY IN FORT COLLINS, COLORADO Prepared for: Post Modern Development, Inc. 144 North Mason Street, Suite 5 Fort Collins, CO 80524 Prepared by: Professional Wetlands Consulting, Inc. 20 Rim Road Boulder, CO 80302 July 25, 2019 Introduction This Ecological Characterization Study documents the ecological characteristics for the Rennat residential development project area located on 57.83 acres of land on the west side of Timberline Road at Zephyr Road in Fort Collins, Colorado. This study conforms to Section 3.4.1 (D) (1) of the Land Use Code of the City of Fort Collins regarding the preparation of an Ecological Characterization Study (ECS). Methods Background and data review was conducted prior to field work to gather existing information and assist in the evaluation of sensitive and natural biological resources within the project. The data review included an evaluation of online resources, review of agency publications, and coordination with agency staff to determine the presence or potential occurrence of sensitive natural and biological resources at the project. The background review for the Rennat property included: · USFWS Federally Listed and Proposed Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Species and Critical Habitat in Larimer County as identified by the USFWS Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC) Official Species List and Critical Habitat Mapper; · Review for the potential occurrence of Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and BGEPA protected species, as identified on the IPAC Trust Resources Report; · Completion of an online Colorado Natural Heritage Program database search for the presence of statewide species for Larimer County, Colorado, Potential Conservation Areas, and Rare and Imperiled Animals, Plants, and Plant Communities, animals and plants of Special Concern; · Colorado Parks and Wildlife Threatened and Endangered List including USFWS and Colorado State Threatened, Endangered, and species of Special Concern; · Species identified as in need of protection in the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Policy Plan and City of Fort Collins Land Use Code, Natural Habitats, and Features considered sensitive; · Review of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soils and ecological site data to identify soils and habitats present within the vicinity capable of supporting sensitive or specially valued species (Completed November 11, 2015); · Review of the USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Wetlands Mapper for the occurrence of known or suspected U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional wetlands and waterbodies; · Review of soils surveys and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service National List of Hydric Soils to aid in the determination for the presence of wetlands; · Review and analysis of current and historical aerial photography; 1 · Field survey and site review of the Rennat property was conducted by David Steinmann with Professional Wetlands Consulting, Inc. on June 10th, 2019, and a field meeting was held that day with Stephanie Blochowiak from the City of Fort Collins. The field survey work included walking the entire project area for the purpose of identifying wetlands, sensitive and specially valued species, habitat capable of supporting these species, avian roosting and nesting sites, general wildlife habitat, existing vegetation, and other natural or naturalized features which could support wildlife. Wetlands were delineated following the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987), and the boundaries of the wetlands were flagged and surveyed. Site Description The proposed Rennat project encompasses 57.83 acres of agricultural plains grassland with an old livestock pond and wetlands on the west side of the site (Figure 1). The Rennat project is bounded by roads, residential development, and undeveloped land. Railroad tracks border the west property boundary. The primary use of the land has been agricultural, with hay meadows and livestock pasturing occurring. The Rennat project is located in Section 7, Township 6 North, Range 68 West of the 6th Principal Meridian in Larimer County, Colorado. Photographs are on Figures 2 - 4. The elements of the Ecological Characterization Study are summarized in this section in the order listed in Section 3.4.1 (D) (1) of the Land Use Code. According to the City of Fort Collins Natural Habitat and Features Map, the Rennat project site contains aquatic habitat and non-native grasslands. The aquatic habitat is the small livestock pond. The pond was dry at the time of the field survey in June of 2019. The wetlands surrounding the pond also qualify as a Natural Habitat and Feature. There is an irrigation ditch that flows across the subject property from west to east and this ditch is a Special Feature. The majority of the Rennat project site is an agricultural field with non-native grasses that was used to support livestock and haying. (a) Wildlife The wildlife value of the project site is moderate due to the Rennat project’s suburban location, the proximity to major roads, railroad tracks, lack of native vegetation, and the past agricultural disturbances. The site was historically used for agriculture, with livestock grazing and haying being the most recent activities. The Rennat project is mostly treeless and the land consists principally of an open field with non-native grasses and other exotic species. Trees are growing along the irrigation ditch and on the island in the middle of the wetland area. Most wildlife use at the site can be expected to be transitional and moving through the property, except for rodents and small mammals that may occupy the property year round. Large and small mammals, birds and insects likely travel along the irrigation ditch corridor. Wildlife will utilize the wetlands and the irrigation ditch more than other parts of the property. 2 Mammals such as eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus), mice, voles, fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), foxes, racoons, coyotes, and deer likely utilize the Rennat project area during all seasons. Common reptiles such as garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis), bull snakes, and lizards also utilize the site. Structural habitat and cover are not present at the site for most species. The open meadows are regularly cut and hayed which limits wildlife habitat. Wildlife values are low to moderate and include feeding, watering and cover. The only wildlife observed onsite were rabbits. Seasonal and/or year-round use can be expected by a number of birds including American robins (Turdus migratorius), mourning doves (Zenaidura macroura), magpies (Pica pica), swallows, crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), chickadees, juncos, sparrows, and ravens (Corvus corax). No raptor nests were observed at the site or in any of the trees in the wetlands and along the ditch. Raptors utilize the site for hunting rabbits, rodents, birds and small animals. No waterfowl were observed. (b) Wetlands Wetlands occur on the west side of the site where there are wet meadow and emergent wetlands surrounding an old livestock pond. There was no water in the pond at the time of the field visit. The boundaries of the wetlands were flagged and surveyed, as shown on Figure 1. The total area of the wetlands is 8.37 acres. The wetlands are moderate to high quality wetlands with a diversity of native vegetation. Wetlands will be preserved and protected, and there is a 100' wetlands buffer zone. Dominant wetlands vegetation at the Rennat property includes plains cottonwood trees (Populus deltoides), peachleaf willow trees (Salix amygdaloides), sandbar willows (Salix exigua), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), smartweed (Polygonum species), spikerush (Eleocharis palustris), curly dock (Rumex crispus), duckweed (Lemna species), Nebraska sedges (Carex nebrascensis), hard stem bulrushes (Schoenoplectus acutus), three square (Schoenoplectus americanus), baltic rushes (Juncus balticus), scouring rush (Equisetum hyemale), and cattails (Typha latifolia). Hydric soils are present in the wetlands, with soil colors corresponding to 10yr 3/2, and 10yr 2/2 on the Munsell Soil Color Charts. Redoxymorphic features are generally present in the wetland soils, and soil texture is sandy loam with gravel and cobbles. Wetlands hydrology sources include irrigation ditch water, stormwater drainage, and groundwater seepage. The Rennat property wetlands are classified as Palustrine, Emergent Wetland. Functions and values of the wetlands include shoreline anchoring, within basin food chain support, flood storage, groundwater discharge, wildlife habitat, passive recreation, long term nutrient retention, and short term nutrient retention. The Colorado Division of Water Resources does not have records or other information regarding the existing pond that have been identified to date. Recently, the pond has been dry with no water. 3 (c) Prominent Views There are no prominent views from or across the property because the land is relatively flat with no hilltops or ridgelines. There are views of the foothills to the west. Development of the site will not interfere with or obstruct any prominent views. (d) Native Trees and Vegetation The site has native cottonwood trees and peach leaf willow trees along the irrigation ditch and on the island in the middle of the pond. The majority of the property is an open field that has been used for agriculture purposes. There is native wetlands vegetation growing in the wetlands on the property, as listed above. Vegetation in the open field areas is dominated by non-native species. There are some native upland grasses in the upland fields, although most upland vegetation is non- native and introduced. The most abundant native upland vegetation on the property is western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii). Native vegetation is a minor and non-dominant component of the total vegetation cover in the upland field areas. (e) Non-native Trees and Vegetation Non-native vegetation is the dominant upland plant cover at the Rennat property. There are Russian olive trees (Elaeagnus angustifolia) growing along the ditch and on the pond island. The non-native Russian olive trees do not provide significant wildlife habitat benefits nor do they contribute significantly to the site’s ecological, shade, canopy, aesthetic or cooling values. Non-native willow trees also occur on the property. The majority of the Rennat property is an abandoned and weedy agricultural field. The dominant non-native upland vegetation includes smooth brome (Bromus inermis), meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata). Other introduced species that are present include Canadian thistle (Cirsium arvense), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), chicory (Cichorium spp.), ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), burdock (Arctium lappa), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), musk thistle (Carduus nutans), crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), bluegrass (Poa pratensis), and knapweed (Centaurea species). 4 (f) Top of Bank, Shoreline and High Water Mark of Perennial Water The site does not contain any perennial water sources. The aquatic pond and irrigation ditch are both seasonal and do not hold water year round. The 50' buffer zone from the top of the bank for the irrigation ditch is shown on Figure 1. According to FEMA, the Rennat project is outside of the floodplain as shown at the following link: http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/what-we-do/stormwater/flooding/floodplain-maps-documents. (g) Sensitive and Specially Valued Species There are no known occurrences or habitats for sensitive and specially valued species on the Rennat project site. The USFWS Information, Planning and Conservation System (IPAC) was accessed to determine species of concern in Larimer County, which include the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei), Ute lady’s tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis) and Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis), all of which are associated with riparian and wetland areas. Additionally, the site was closely examined for potential habitat for the above listed species. No known occupied habitat or potential habitat occurs at the Rennat site for the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse, the Ute Ladies’ Tresses Orchid, or the Colorado Butterfly Plant. The proposed site development will not adversely impact any listed Threatened & Endangered species. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, all trapping for the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (PMJM) in Fort Collins has been negative. Typical habitat for PMJM is composed of well- developed willow and riparian vegetation with adjacent, relatively undisturbed grassland communities and a water source. Riparian habitat should include a combination of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Based on these habitat requirements and the negative trapping data, the PMJM does not occur on the site and development of the Rennat project will not adversely affect PMJM. The Ute lady’s tresses and the Colorado butterfly plant do not occur on the site. The closest known occurrences of these plants are near the northwest boundary of Fort Collins (Ute lady’s tresses) and at the City-managed Soapstone Prairie Natural Area near Wyoming (Colorado butterfly plant). Suitable habitat is not present within the Rennat project area for either of these listed plant species. (h) Special Habitat Features At the Rennat property, the surveyed wetlands and the aquatic pond on the west side of the site both qualify as Natural Communities or Habitats. The only Special Feature observed at the Rennat project is the irrigation ditch that serves as a wildlife corridor. 5 The Natural Habitat and Features Map provided by the City of Fort Collins identifies the following Natural Communities, Habitats and special features: Natural Communities or Habitats: a) Aquatic (e.g., rivers, streams, lakes, ponds). b) Wetland and wet meadow. c) Native grassland. d) Riparian forest. e) Urban plains forest. f) Riparian shrubland. g) Foothills forest Special Features as outlined in the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code are: a) Significant remnants of native plant communities. b) Potential habitats and known locations of rare, threatened or endangered plants. c) Potential habitats and known locations of rare, threatened or endangered animals. d) Raptor habitat features, including nest sites, communal roost sites and key concentration areas. e) Concentration areas for nesting and migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. f) Migratory songbird concentration areas. g) Key nesting areas for grassland birds. h) Fox and coyote dens. i) Mule deer winter concentration areas. j) Prairie dog colonies over fifty (50) acres in size. k) Concentration areas for rare, migrant or resident butterflies. l) Areas of high terrestrial or aquatic insect diversity. m) Areas of significant geological or paleontological interest. n) Irrigation ditches that serve as wildlife corridors. (i) Wildlife Movement Corridors The irrigation ditch along the northern boundary of the site is a wildlife corridor that can be followed by small mammals, birds, insects, butterflies and pollinators. There are trees and shrubs along the ditch, and the ditch provides seasonal water. The top of bank of the ditch was surveyed and a 50' buffer zone from the ditch is provided for. (J) General Ecological Functions The Rennat site consists of plains grassland that provides bird and wildlife habitat as well as agricultural benefits. The wetlands on the west side also help to filter sediment and nutrients in runoff from the property, and they provide flood storage during heavy rainstorms. The majority of the Rennat project site consists of agricultural fields dominated by non-native plants, with low to moderate wildlife habitat value that is characteristic of agricultural land. 6 (k) Timing of Development in Relation to Ecological Character The primary concern for the timing of development is the protection of nesting birds that may occur at the Rennat project. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, it is unlawful for anyone to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter or offer for sale, purchase or barter, any migratory bird or the parts, nests or eggs of such a bird. The removal of any trees should be timed to avoid disturbing nesting birds, with the nesting period being February 1 to July 31. (l) Mitigation Measures No mitigation measures are currently proposed because the wetlands will be preserved, and the only impacts to the irrigation ditch will be from the Zephyr Road improvements which will impact a short section of the ditch near the east end. Potential restoration opportunities include creating new wetlands to filter stormwater runoff, restoration of native grasslands, and planting native trees. Summary No significant ecological resources will be adversely impacted by the proposed development of the Rennat project. The wetlands are being protected and preserved, and the irrigation ditch will remain along with the majority of the trees. Site development and construction will be timed to avoid disturbing any nesting birds that may occur at the site. The buffer zones for the wetlands and the irrigation ditch will provide additional protection for the Natural Communities and Habitats and the Special Features identified at the Rennat property. 7 References Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 2015. Colorado Threatened and Endangered List. Available at http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/SOC-ThreatenedEndangeredList.aspx. Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP). 2015. CNHP Conservation Status Handbook (Tracking List), Statewide species and natural community tracking list for Larimer County, Colorado (September 2014 update). Available online at: http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/download/list.asp. City of Fort Collins. 2007. Fort Collins Natural Areas Program, Wildlife Management Guidelines. Fort Collins Colorado. Available online at: http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/plans-policies.php City of Fort Collins. 2015a. City of Fort Collins Land Use Code (November 25, 2015 update). Available at: https://www.municode.com/library/co/fort_collins/codes/land_use?nodeId=18006 City of Fort Collins. 2015b. FCMaps. Available at: http://www.fcgov.com/gis/mobile-links.php United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. USACE. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Great Plain Region (Version 2.0). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center. Vicksburg, MS.\ United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2014. National List of Hydric Soils, http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/use/hydric/. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2015. Web Soil Survey. Available at http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm United States Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2014. National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Map. Available at http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper. USFWS. 2015a. Critical Habitat Online Portal. Available at: http://ecos.fws.gov/crithab/. USFWS 2015b. Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC) USFWS Listed Species occurring within vicinity of Project. Available online at http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/. W i l d l i f e M a n a g e m e n t G u i d e l i n e s , C i t y o f F o r t C o l l i n s . http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/pdf/wildlife-management-guidelines.pdf 8 Figure 2. Photographs of the Rennat property wetlands looking north (top), and west. Figure 3. Photographs of the wet meadow wetlands looking east with plains cottonwood trees and willow trees (top), and looking north towards the irrigation ditch. Figure 4. Looking south towards the wetlands with non-native thistles in foreground (top), and looking east at the non-native grassland habitat at the Rennat project site.