HomeMy WebLinkAboutGATEWAY AT PROSPECT - BDR200010 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS REPORTGateway at Prospect
Ecological Characterization Study
April, 2020
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Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1
2.0 Site Description ........................................................................................................................... 1
3.0 Methods ...................................................................................................................................... 2
3.1 Desktop Review ..................................................................................................................... 2
3.2 Site Assessment ..................................................................................................................... 3
4.0 Ecological characterization ........................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Vegetation ............................................................................................................................. 5
4.1.1 Noxious Weeds ..................................................................................................... 5
4.2 Wetlands ............................................................................................................................... 5
4.2.1 Desktop Analysis ................................................................................................... 5
4.2.2 Field Sampling ...................................................................................................... 6
4.3 Top of Bank Delineation ......................................................................................................... 6
4.4 Wildlife .................................................................................................................................. 7
4.4.1 Big Game .............................................................................................................. 7
4.4.2 Predators .............................................................................................................. 7
4.4.3 Other Mammals..................................................................................................... 7
4.4.4 Raptors ................................................................................................................ 8
4.4.5 Upland Game Birds ................................................................................................ 8
4.4.6 Waterfowl and Shorebirds ...................................................................................... 8
4.4.7 Migratory Songbirds .............................................................................................. 9
4.4.8 Amphibians, Reptiles, and Aquatic Species .............................................................. 9
4.5 Prominent Views .................................................................................................................... 9
4.6 Sensitive and Specially Valued Species .................................................................................. 10
4.7 Wildlife Migration Corridors ................................................................................................... 12
4.8 General Ecological Functions ................................................................................................. 12
4.9 Timing of Development in Relation to Ecological Character ..................................................... 12
5.0 Mitigation measures and Recommendations ................................................................................ 13
6.0 Literature Cited and Data Sources .............................................................................................. 14
Appendix A: Soil Map .............................................................................................. Following Page 14
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In-text Maps and Tables
Map 1. Gateway at Prospect Boundary and Natural Features ................................................................. 4
Table 1. Soils Occurring on the Site ...................................................................................................... 6
Table 2. Special Status Species with Potential to Occur on Site ............................................................ 11
Table 3. Potentially Applicable Buffers ................................................................................................ 13
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Gateway at Prospect
Environmental Characterization Study
Gateway at Prospect
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Gateway at Prospect proposes a phased multi-use development in the northwest corner of the East
Prospect Road and Interstate 25 intersection, consisting of multiple residential, commercial, and open
space parcels. The Site is within 500 feet of known natural habitats of high value to the City of Fort
Collins (City) – Boxelder Creek, prairie dog colonies >1 acre, and irrigation ditches (Lake Canal, Dry
Creek, and Cooper Slough), and associated wetlands. Thus, an Ecological Characterization Study is
required, under Article 3, Section 3.4.1 of the City’s Land Use Code (LUC 3.4.1). LUC 3.4.1 stipulates
buffers of varying sizes be applied the various natural resources present on Site.
This Environmental Characterization Study (ECS; dated April 2020) provides a summary of the initial
findings of field work delineating the top of bank of the waterways on Site and raptor nest surveys
conducted on March 4, 2020. The ECS will be finalized with a supplement after the completion of
additional survey efforts to delineate wetlands, characterize vegetative communities, and estimate prairie
dog populations during the growing season (approximately April 15 to October 31).
Section 2.0 provides a Site description, Section 3.0 presents the methodologies used, Section 4.0 contains
a summary of findings, and Section 5.0 provides potential mitigation measures and recommendations.
Appendix A contains the soil map of the Site.
2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION
The Site is located in eastern Fort Collins in the northwest corner of the Prospect Road and I-25
intersection. The 178.5-acre Site is entirely within Section 16, Township 7 North, Range 68 West, of the
Sixth Principal Meridian. Near the center of the Site the coordinates are 40°34’15.02”N and
105°0’24.97”W, and remains fairly level at an approximate elevation of 4,930 feet with minimal slope.
The Site is bordered by I-25 to the east, Prospect Road to the south, the Cooper Slough and a residential
neighborhood to the west, and the Lake Canal to the north. The Frontage Road bisects the southeastern
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portion of the Site. The majority of the Site south of Dry Creek and east of the Frontage Road is
currently an irrigated agricultural field while the area between Lake Canal and Dry Creek is not developed
in any way. The neighborhood west of the Site purchased a 100-foot buffer from their property line to
preserve as a neighborhood open space (Cooperslough Open Space – 970.482.6079) that encompasses
the majority of the Site’s western border.
Boxelder Creek is a perennial first-order stream flowing from north to south and eventually draining into
the Cache la Poudre River, while Lake Canal and Dry Creek are irrigation ditches that may or may not
convey perennial flow. Cooper Slough conveys water underground and does not have an ordinary high
water mark and/or top of bank, but does have wetlands associated with it.
Black-tailed prairie dogs (prairie dogs; Cynomys ludovicianus) occupy much of the area between Lake
Canal and Dry Creek, as well as two patches south of Dry Creek along Boxelder Creek.
3.0 METHODS
3.1 Desktop Review
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 state-wide species and natural community
tracking list for Larimer County;
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Threatened and Endangered Species List;
• City’s Natural Areas Species of Concern list (Restoration Plan 2016-25, 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.
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3.2 Site Assessment
Field surveys for the ECS focused on top of bank delineation, raptor nest survey, prairie dog colony
delineation, identification of potential wetland areas to be surveyed at a seasonally appropriate time, and
initial evaluation of wildlife habitat and utilization. Subsequent field surveys will qualitatively evaluate
significant plant communities and noxious weeds, delineate wetlands, detail additional wildlife use (i.e.,
songbird and burrowing owl surveys), provide prairie dog population estimates, and confirm the top of
bank delineations.
Top of bank for this study was identified following identification of the bankfull dimensions. The bankfull
stage is the dominant channel-forming flow over time and has a recurrence interval of approximately 1.5
years. Bankfull flows may occur every other year or even several times within a year (CDPHE 2012).
Following identification of bankfull dimensions, the top of bank was determined by locating the first major
break in the slope of the stream banks above the stream’s bankfull level. Pin flags were placed at the top
of bank and recorded with a handheld GPS device.
Surveys for the ECS were conducted by Cedar Creek’s Range/Wildlife Ecologist, Mr. Scott Benton, who
has 15 years of experience as an environmental consultant, performing numerous wetland delineations,
wildlife (bird, reptile, mammal, and fish) surveys, and vegetative inventories, as well as becoming familiar
with the majority of regulatory requirements for development projects. Mr. Benton also completed a
Masters of Science in natural resources from University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in 2015.
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Table 1: rea G Identified Wetlands & Waters - 2013 / 2016
Lower
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4.0 ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION
4.1 Vegetation
Additional field surveys are required during the growing season (April to October) to appropriately
describe the vegetative communities on Site.
4.1.1 Noxious Weeds
Additional field surveys are required during the growing season (April to October) to appropriately
inventory noxious weeds and their distribution on Site. During the March 2020 field surveys a total of six
noxious weeds were observed – Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense, B-List), broadleaved pepperweed
(Lepidium latifolium, B-List), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis, C-List), nodding plumeless thistle
(Carduus nutans, B-List), common mullein (Verbascum thapsus, C-List), and whitetop (Cardaria draba, B-
List).
4.2 Wetlands
4.2.1 Desktop Analysis
CWI and NWI depict a total of 8.28 acres of PEM1A and 3.17 acres of PSSC wetlands intertwined along
Boxelder Creek on and immediately adjacent to the Site (Map 1). A PEM1A wetland is a freshwater
emergent wetland characterized by persistent, herbaceous hydrophytic vegetation and experiences
temporary flooding by surface water during the growing season. A PSSC wetland is a freshwater
forested/shrub wetland characterized by dominant woody vegetation and surface water present early in
the growing season. NWI is based on historical aerial imagery and is primarily used for preliminary
desktop analyses of an area and is superseded by ground truthing; full wetland delineation is needed at a
seasonally appropriate time. Top of bank delineation efforts conducted in March 2020 did not reveal any
wetlands beyond the banks of Dry Creek or Lake Canal.
CWI and NWI do not depict the wetlands along Cooper Slough that were observed during March 2020
surveys, or the stormwater easement along the southern border of the Site. Cooper Slough wetlands will
require delineation.
Soil types occurring on the site are summarized in Table 2 and depicted on the soil map in Appendix A.
Soils according to WSS are generally gently sloping, well-drained loams and clay loams, and not hydric.
The exception is the Fluvaquent type, a hydric soil characterized as a poorly drained alluvium found
between Dry Creek and Lake Canal in the northwest corner of the Site. Field surveys will determine if
wetlands are present in this area.
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Historical imagery dating to 1999 does not reveal any major changes in vegetation, topography, or
stream/ditch channels that would indicate previously existing wetlands or different hydrological regime.
4.2.2 Field Sampling
Wetlands will be delineated at a seasonally appropriate time (i.e., during the growing season) when
proper plant identification is possible in accordance Army Corps of Engineer methodologies.
4.3 Top of Bank Delineation
Top of bank of Boxelder Creek, Dry Creek, and Lake Canal is displayed in Map 1. Confirmation of top of
bank delineation through vegetation observation would be helpful during the growing season. Boxelder
Creek displayed an incised channel along much of its length, where the bankfull stage is at a lower
elevation than the top of either stream bank, but not in the northeastern stretch from Northern Colorado
Motorsports to I-25. Flood events allow Boxelder Creek to access to the adjacent floodplain in flow
events with more than 1.5 year intervals in both the northeastern stretch and the stormwater easement
at the extreme southern reach on Site, but not adjacent to the agricultural fields.
The top of bank of Dry Creek and Lake Canal, both maintained irrigation ditches, is clear and obvious.
Both Dry Creek and Lake Canal pass underground at their eastern extremes on Site but also have
overflow structures that occasionally convey water to Boxelder Creek at times of high flow. Lake Canal
Table 1 Gateway at Prospect - Soils Occurring on the Site
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Soil Map Unit Number
and Name
Description Hydric Acres %
22 - Carusco clay loam,
0-1% slopes
Somewhat poorly drained clay loam; depth to water table about
24-48 inches.
No 22.1 12.4
24 - Connerton-Barnum
Complex, 0-3% slopes
Well-drained loam and sandy loam; depth to water table more
than 80 inches.
No 5.5 3.1
33 - Fluvaquents, nearly
level
Poorly drained sandy/clayey alluvium; depth to water table about
12-42 inches.
Yes 7.5 4.2
35 - Fort Collins loam, 0-3%
slopes
Well-drained loam and clay loam; depth to water table more than
80 inches.
No 0.4 0.2
54 - Kim loam, 3-5% slopes
Well-drained loam and clay loam; depth to water table more than
80 inches.
No 3.9 2.2
73 - Nunn clay loam, 0-1%
slopes
Well-drained clay loam; depth to water table more than 80 inches. No 1.4 0.8
74 - Nunn clay loam, 1-3%
slopes
Well-drained clay loam; depth to water table more than 80 inches. No 0.6 0.3
76 - Nunn clay loam, wet,
1-3% slopes
Somewhat poorly drained clay loam and clay; depth to water table
more than 80 inches.
No 88.0 49.3
98 - Santanta Variant clay
loam, 0-3% slopes
Somewhat poorly drained clay loam; depth to water table more
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intersects with Boxelder Creek in the extreme northeast corner of the Site at I-25; Dry Creek intersects
with Boxelder Creek immediately west of Northern Colorado Motorsports (Map 1).
4.4 Wildlife
Additional surveys will be necessary to appropriately characterize wildlife and insect pollinator use of the
Site at a seasonally appropriate time.
The greater habitat diversity found along Boxelder Creek, the wetlands, and the perennial water present
in Dry Creek and Lake Canal are likely to support a greater number of wildlife species, however habitat
quality of Boxelder Creek is lowered by the presence of noxious weeds, urban location, and proximity to
the I-25 corridor.
4.4.1 Big Game
Three big game animals could potentially frequent the property and adjacent area year round –
pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana), white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and mule deer
(Odocoileus hemionus). The value of the Site and adjacent areas to big game is low due to the urban
location and proximity to the I-25 corridor, and will continue to decline as urban development increases.
No crucial big game habitats are recognized on Site. Boxelder Creek, Dry Creek, and Lake Canal could
provide some marginal cover/shelter for big game, and the agricultural fields could provide some cover
and/or feed when crops are mature.
4.4.2 Predators
Mid-sized predators including red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and coyote (Canis latrans) would be expected to
occasionally frequent the Site and adjacent properties. Mink (Neovison vison), long-tailed weasel
(Mustela frenata), and badger (Taxidea taxus) would be less common visitors. Despite supporting prey
species on the Site (prairie dogs and voles, Section 4.4.3), the value to predators is still relatively low due
to the urban location and proximity to the I-25 corridor, and will continue to decline as urban
development increases.
4.4.3 Other Mammals
A total of 11.6 acres of active black-tailed prairie dog colonies were delineated (Map 1). Further field
work is needed to provide a population estimate of prairie dogs for the ECS Supplement. Other mammal
observations in March 2020 include indirect sign of raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the form of scat and
tracks along the water bodies, as well as direct observation of field voles (Microtus sp.).
Prairie dog burrows provide valuable habitat and prey base for a variety invertebrates, raptors, reptiles,
and other mammals. A variety of small and medium sized mammal species are known to occur locally,
although not observed during field surveys – eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) and various small
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rodents including mice, rats, ground squirrels, and chipmunks. Such prey species are cyclically common,
widespread throughout the region, and are important food sources for raptors and other predators.
Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) thrive in urban areas and semi-urban areas. Muskrat (Ondatra
zibethicus) and beaver (Castor canadensis) could potentially utilize Boxelder Creek, but the likelihood is
low. Various bats could also frequent adjacent Boxelder Creek, Dry Creek, and Lake Canal. Two
common bat species that are consistently found in Fort Collins and roost primarily in trees are hoary bats
(Lasiurus cinereus) and silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans).
4.4.4 Raptors
A red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and American kestrel (Falco sparverius) were observed on Site in
March 2020. No nests were observed on Site or in trees adjacent to site (nest survey was completed
prior to leaf-out). The presence of prairie dogs provides potential burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)
habitat. Any additional observations of raptors will be provided in the ECS Supplement.
Raptor species known to occur in the region include turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), bald eagle
(Haleaeetus leucocephalus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysateos), ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis),
Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), rough-legged hawk (Buteo
lagopus), and prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus). Some of these species are year round residents, some
are seasonal visitors, and some are migrants. Additional owl species which could potentially frequent the
property include the barn owl (Tyto alba), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), long-eared owl (Asio
otus), and short-eared owl (Asio flammeus). There is no suitable habitat for the northern goshawk
(Accipiter gentilis), screech owl (Megascops spp.), or peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). There is no
suitable bald eagle winter roost habitat.
4.4.5 Upland Game Birds
Observations of upland game birds will be provided in the ECS Supplement.
Four species of upland game birds have the potential to occur on Site – mourning doves (Zenaida
macroura), wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), gray (or Hungarian) partridge (Perdix perdix), and ring-
necked pheasant (Phasianellus colchicus).
4.4.6 Waterfowl and Shorebirds
Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) were observed utilizing Dry Creek,
Boxelder Creek, and upland areas in March 2020. Any additional observations of waterfowl and shore
birds will be provided in the ECS Supplement.
The Site provides some value to resident or water-obligate migratory stopovers, waterfowl, and
shorebirds in the form of cover and food sources provided by perennial/semi-perennial waterbodies
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(Boxelder Creek, Dry Creek, Lake Canal, wetlands). Such species include American wigeon (Anas
Americana), wood duck (Aix sponsa), gulls, belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), swifts, and swallows.
The Site and adjacent areas is not a concentration area for migratory or nesting waterfowl or shorebirds,
however Canada geese (Branta canadensis) could occasionally glean agricultural leftovers from the
cultivated fields in large numbers.
4.4.7 Migratory Songbirds
Observations of migratory songbirds will be provided in the ECS Supplement.
Nesting activity, whether on the ground or in trees/shrubs, is likely to be limited to portions of the
Boxelder Creek corridor, trees on the Site perimeter, and the less disturbed areas between Dry Creek and
Lake Canal. Foraging grounds and cover for a number of species, including woodpeckers, sparrows, and
black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), are possible in the same areas.
4.4.8 Amphibians, Reptiles, and Aquatic Species
No amphibians, reptiles, or aquatic species were observed in March 2020. Additional seasonally-
appropriate surveys are needed to appropriately characterize these species on Site.
Boxelder Creek, Dry Creek, and Lake Canal provides some marginal perennial aquatic habitat, suitable for
species like crayfish. The lack of deep water limits the presence and diversity of fish and
macroinvertebrates. The wetlands and stormwater easement on-Site and adjacent to the Site provide
potential habitat for locally common riparian amphibian and reptiles, including the western chorus frog
(Pseudacris triseriata), bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), plains spadefood (Spea bombifrons),
Woodhouse’s toad (Bufo woodhousei), and tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum). Less common
riparian species include the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), wandering (terrestrial)
gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans), western painted turtle (Chrysemsys picta bellii), eastern
snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina serpentina), and ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata). The
presence of small mammals provides suitable prey base for other common upland reptile species,
including the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), eastern yellow-bellied racer (Coluber constrictor
flaviventris), and plains hog-nosed snake (Heterodon nasicus).
4.5 Prominent Views
Prominent views across the Site will be evaluated after leaf out in Spring/Summer 2020. Views across
the Site to the east are immediately met with the I-25 corridor, to the north views are met with industrial
use, and to the south views across the Site views are dominated by Prospect Road. The prominent
across the Site is to the west towards the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
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4.6 Sensitive and Specially Valued Species
A current list of federally threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate species, and designated
critical habitat that may occur within the boundary of the Site and/or may be affected by the proposed
development was obtained from the USFWS IPaC website (2020). Table 2 lists the species and their
designated and proposed critical habitats. No USFWS designated critical habitat occurs in or near the
Site. Suitable habitat for CPW, Larimer County, and City species of concern/interest is limited due to the
habitat alteration resulting from current land uses, including the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus
hudsonius preblei).
The black-tailed prairie dog is listed as a Species of Concern by CPW and as a Species of Interest by the
City. Prairie dogs are present on Site as discussed prior, which also allows for the potential use of
burrows by the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), considered Threatened by CPW and a Species of
Interest by the City. Further surveys to provide a prairie dog population estimate and burrowing owl
presence/absence will be provided in the ECS Supplement.
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Table 2 Gateway at Prospect - Special Status Species with Potential to Occur on the Site
Species
Federal
Status
1 Habitat
Habitat
Present?
Determination
North Platte, South Platte, and Laramie River Basin Species
Least Tern
Sterna antillarum
Piping Plover
Charadrius melodus
Whooping Crane
Grus americana
Pallid Sturgeon
Scaphirhynchus albus
Western Prairie Fringed Orchid
Platanthera praeclara
Mammals
Canada Lynx
Lynx canadensis
North American Wolverine
Gulo gulo luscus
Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse
Zapus hudsonius preblei
Birds
Mexican Spotted Owl
Stri occidentalis lucida
Fish
Greenback Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus clarkii stomias
Insects
Arapahoe Snowfly
Arsapnia arapahoe
Flowering Plants
Colorado Butterfly Plant
Gaura neomexicana v. coloradensis
North Park Phacelia
Phacelia formosula
Ute Ladies'-tresses
Spiranthes diluvialis
Source: USFWS 2018
1DL = Delisted, E = Federally Endangered, T = Federally Threatened, PT = Proposed Threatened, C = Candidate
T
This species inhabits cold water streams and lakes with
adequate stream spawning habitat during spring.
No No Effect
No No Effect
Stoneflies are primarily associated with clean, cool,
running waters.
C
PT
Deep, persistent, and reliable snow cover. No No Effect
No No Effect
Seasonally moist soils and wet meadows of drainages
below 7000' elevation.
T
E
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4.7 Wildlife Migration Corridors
The Site is located in mostly developed areas of the City and surrounded by commercial and residential
development, the I-25 corridor, and active agricultural fields. It is highly unlikely that the Site serves as a
significant migration corridor for sensitive, unique, or regionally protected wildlife. However, Boxelder
Creek, Lake Canal, and Dry Creek provide some migratory benefit to resident urban-adapted wildlife such
as red foxes, raccoons, coyotes, and skunks, and provides temporary stopover habitat for migrating
birds. Canada geese likely glean agricultural remains in the crop fields. Resulting changes to wildlife
corridor quality should be minimal because the property is located in a developed area where wildlife are
already accustomed to structures, roads, bridges, fences, buildings, and other habitat modifications.
4.8 General Ecological Functions
The general ecological functions provided by the Site have been reduced by multiple human-induced
stressors including agricultural production, adjacent residential development, and commercial
development. The minor riparian habitat supported by Boxelder Creek, the wetlands on- and off-Site,
and the stormwater easement along the southern border provide some degree of shading, cover, and
nesting opportunity for a variety of wildlife species (particularly amphibians), flood abatement, water
infiltration, and aesthetic appeal.
4.9 Timing of Development in Relation to Ecological Character
The MBTA specifically protects migratory birds and their nests from possession, sale, purchase, barter,
transport, import, export, and take. The regulatory definition of take (50 CFR 10.12) means to pursue,
hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt these actions. Burrowing owls, a
migratory species, have the potential to nest on-site given the presence of black-tailed prairie dogs and is
a species protected by federal, state, county, and City statutes.
It is recommended that ground-disturbing activities be conducted from late summer to late winter to
avoid the avian nesting and breeding season. If that is not compatible with construction schedules,
additional surveys are recommended prior to commencement of ground-disturbing activities to insure
compliance with the MBTA. Burrowing owl surveys, based on Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife
recommendations, are recommended between March 15 to October 31 to determine their presence or
absence.
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5.0 MITIGATION MEASURES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Table 3 (below) outlines potential mitigation measures and standards as defined by LUC 3.4.1 and CPW
recommendations. A 100 foot buffer is applied to the top of bank of both Boxelder Creek and Dry Creek,
while a 300 foot buffer is required for Cooper Slough. Clarification as to where the buffer along Cooper
Slough is likely needed, for instance to a centerline or to edge of wetlands. Delineation of all wetlands on
and off Site are needed as their boundaries could affect the extent of buffers within the Site.
Potential mitigation measures include maintaining the overall buffer zone acreage requirements, shifting
lot locations away from natural features, and placement of open space, recreational areas, or other areas
acceptable to the City within the buffer zone. Planting of native trees, shrubs, and vegetative
communities in the buffer zones is recommended according to a natural habitat buffer zone plan, as well
as noxious weed control through the development of a weed management plan.
The presence of black-tailed prairie dogs necessitates the creation of a mitigation plan to map out the
removal or relocation of potentially impacted individuals and prevent re-colonization at a later time (LUC
3.4.1 (A)(2)(j)). Buffer distances around colonies are by site anlaysis. Burrowing owl surveys are
required if ground disturbance and/or prairie dog euthanization occurs March 15 – October 31. If
burrowing owls are observed on Site, CPW recommends a 150’ buffer around the utilized burrows.
Light spillage is a potential impact to the natural resources on Site, as per LUC 3.2.4(D)(6).
Table 3 Gateway at Prospect - Potentially Applicable Buffers
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Natural Habitat or Feature Buffer Zone Standard
Irrigation ditches that serve as wildlife corridors 50 feet
Wetlands < 1/3 acre in size 50 feet
Wetlands > 1/3 acre in size, without significant use by waterfowl 100 feet
Boxelder Creek 100 feet
Cooper Slough 300 feet
Dry Creek 100 feet
Prairie dog colonies Site Analysis
Burrowing Owl-occupied burrows 150 feet
2
1
Buffer Zone Table, Land Use Code 3.4.1(E)(2)(c)
2
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommendations
Isolated Areas
Stream Corridors
Special Habitat Features / Resources of Special Concern
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6.0 LITERATURE CITED AND DATA SOURCES
City of Fort Collins – Natural Areas Department. 2016. Restoration Plan 2016-2025.
City of Fort Collins. 2000. Natural Habitat and Features Inventory Map.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). 2012. Colorado Nonpoint Source
Program 2012 Management Plan, Appendix G.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Threatened and Endangered Species List.
https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/SOC-ThreatenedEndangeredList.aspx. Accessed 3/10/2020.
Colorado Natural Heritage Program. Colorado Wetland Inventory.
https://csurams.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a8e43760cb934a5084e89e
46922580cc. Accessed 3/10/2020.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Web
Soil Survey. Available online at https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/. Accessed 3/10/2020.
USACE. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual.
USACE. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Great Plains
(Version 2.0).
US Fish and Wildlife Service. Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC).
https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/. Accessed 3/10/2020.
US Fish and Wildlife Service. National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Wetlands Mapper.
https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/. Accessed 3/10/2020.
Appendix A
NRCS Web Soil Survey Soil Map
The species is limited to eroded soil outcrops composed of
barren exposures of the Coalmont Formation, a coal-
bearing substrate in North Park CO.
No No Effect
No No Effect
An early successional plant (although probably not a
pioneer) adapted to use stream channel sites that are
periodically disturbed. It occurs on subirrigated, alluvial
soils on level or slightly sloping floodplains and drainage
channels.
T
No No Effect
Nesting/roosting habitat typically occurs either in well-
structured forests with high canopy cover, large trees, and
other late seral characteristics, or in steep and narrow
rocky canyons formed by parallel cliffs with numerous
caves and/or ledges within specific geological formations.
T
No No Effect
Lush vegetation along watercourses or herbaceous
understories in wooded areas near water.
T
T
No No Effect
Moist boreal/subalpine forests in the W. US with cold,
snowy winters and a high-density snowshoe hare prey
base.
T
No water
depletion
No Effect
No Effect
No water
depletion
Sandy beaches, sandflats, dredge islands, and drained
river floodplains.
2The bald eagle was removed from the fedarl list of T&E species in 2007, but it continues to enjoy protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)and Bald
and Golden Eagle Portection Act (BGEPA).
Sparsely vegetated sandbars on large rivers and
sand/gravel pits.
No Effect
No water
depletion
E
No Effect
No water
depletion
Tall grass prairie on unplowed, calcareous prairies, and
sedge meadows. Upstream depletions to the Platte River
system in Wyoming may affect the species in NE.
T
No Effect
No water
depletion
Large, free-flowing, warm-water, and turbid rivers with a
diverse assemblage of physical habitats.
E
E
Wetlands, inland marshes, lakes, ponds, wet meadows
and rivers, and agricultural fields.
than 80 inches.
No 49.1 27.5
Total 178.5 100.0
1
Web Soil Survey (WSS), Natural Resources Conservation Service