HomeMy WebLinkAboutPARAGON POINT PUD PHASE FIVE PRELIMINARY - 48 91K - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTSurvey for the Federally Threatened
Ute Ladies' -Tresses Orchid (Spiranthes diluvalis)
at the Paragon Point V Site
Fort Collins, Colorado
prepared by
Riverside Technology, inc.
2821 Remington Street
Fort Colleens, Colorado 80525
prepared for
Kay Force
Jim Sell Design Inc.
117 East Mountain Avenue
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
October 1994
APPENDIX A
Spiranthes diluvialis Documentary Photographs
I
I
1. Photograph of Spiranthes diluvialis in an irrigated field located just east of the City of
Boulder Open Space Office (Boulder, Colorado). Photograph taken by Stephen W.
Johnson on August 27, 1993. Known site verified by Tamara Naumann, Spiranthes
diluvialis expert with the City of Boulder Open Space Department.
2. Photograph of Spiranthes diluvialis in an irrigated field located on theeast side of South
Boulder Creek. Photograph taken by Stephen W. Johnson on August20, 1993. Known
site verified by Tamara Naumann, Spiranthes diluvialis expert with the City of Boulder
Open Space Department.
MgNT OFT
4 United States Department. of :the Interior
q $ FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
.j Ecological ScrVica
44 _ q Colorado. Field Office
MgRCH 3 n 730 Simms Street, Suite 290 .
Coldut, Colorado 80401
IN REPLY REFFR TO:
ES/CO: ES/Species/Plants/
• . Spiranthes diluvialis/
n r
^3 Survey Reports >i40f.�:.1715
Mail Stop 65412
Mr. Stephen 'W.-Johnson
Water. Quality Hydrologist .
i Riverside Technology, inc:,'
2821 Remington Street
Fort Collins; Colorado 80525
,
=s Dear Mr. Johnson:
Based on the authority conferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 15.31. et. seq.), the Service reviewed.'the survey.
:1
report you prepared: for, the, proposed disturbance .of wetlands for the real estate development
J named. Paragon Point V in the.southern portion of the City: of Fort .Collins (SW'1a Sec6on`7,
j Township 6 North, Range 68. West) in Larimer County, Colorado.:
The. Service finds the. report acceptable and agrees that the Spiranthes diluvialis is not present
within the subject areas where, the survey was. performed. Thus, the Service concurs with your
determination that the proposed wetland disturbance should not adversely affect the continued.
existence of this orchid.
We appreciate your interest in conserving rare species. If the Service can be of further
assistance, please contact Bernardo Garza at (303) 231-5280
-Sincerel
% Ile)
l
LeRoy Carlson
'i/•'..h.n.in Riol A. 6snPrvicnr.. .. .. -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................1
1.0 NAME AND QUALIFICATIONS OF SURVEYOR..........................................................
I
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION..................................................................................................
2.1 Proposed Impact to Site...............................................................................................
2.2 Project Location .............................................
..............................................................
2
2
2
3.0 DATES SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED.............................................................................
2
4.0 ECOLOGICAL AND SITE FEATURES.............................................................................2
4.1 Evaluate Whether a Survey is Needed . •2
4.2 Spiranthes diluvialis Habitat Criteria ......................... ................... ...... .• 3
_
-
..
4.3 Survey Area............................................................................................................... 4
4.4 Site Ecological Features...............................................................................................4
4.4.1 Overstory and Understory Vegetation.............................................................4
4.4.2 Plant Community and Description...................................................................4
-
4.4.3 Ecological condition/Management History .....................................................
4.4.4 Geomorphology...............................................................................................5
4.4.5 Soils
5
.................................................................................................................
4.4.6 Hydrology
........................................................................................................6
4.4.7 Other Relevant Site Features...........................................................................
6
5.0 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................
"" 7
6.0 LIST OF PREPARERS........................................................................................................
7
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A Spiranthes diluvialis Documentary Photographs
APPENDIX B Paragon Point V Site Map
10.94 A291 (PPV -orchid) 11
INTRODUCTION
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) "Interim Survey Requirements for
Spiranthes diluvialis," the Fort Collins, Colorado site discussed in this report did not need to be
surveyed for Spiranthes diluvialis. The site is below 6,500 feet elevation and is located along Fossil
Creek, a perennial tributary of the Cache La Poudre River, which in turn is a tributary of the South
Platte River. The site does not lie within the 100-year floodplain of Fossil Creek. According to the
USFWS, to require a Spiranthes diluvialis survey, the site would need to be in the 100-year
floodplain of a perennial tributary of the South Platte River. However, Mr. Robert L. Wilkinson,
Senior Environmental Planner for the City of Fort Collins,' indicated that a Spiranthes diluvialis
survey was required by the City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department. A survey was
therefore conducted on August 18, 1994. No occurrences of Spiranthes diluvialis were found.
This report is written to document the results of the Spiranthes diluvialis survey.
1.0 NAME AND QUALIFICATIONS OF SURVEYOR
The Ute ladies' -tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis) survey was conducted by Stephen W. Johnson
and William Schenderlein, both of Riverside Technology, inc. (RTi). Mr. Johnson has botanical
expertise and training through his B.S. in biology from the University of Arizona and his M.S. in
Plant Ecology from Colorado State University. He has conducted plant surveys in the
Colorado/Wyoming area since 1979. Over the past four years, Mr. Johnson has conducted wetland
delineation studies in southeastern Wyoming, southern California, and the front range of Colorado.
Mr. Schenderlein is an Environmental Engineer who is currently training under Mr. Johnson on
several S. diluvialis surveys. He also assists in writing and preparing the technical reports
documenting the results of these activities. Mr. Schenderlein's qualifications include a B.S. in
Chemistry, an M.S. in Environmental Engineering, and over two years of water quality -related work.
A survey was conducted on August 12, 1994, to document the blooming of S. diluvialis in Fort
Collins area. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Schenderlein met with Ms. Ellen Wheeling at a location
northwest of Fort Collins where S. diluvialis is known to occur. Ms. Wheeling is a botanist with the
City of Fort Collins, under contract to locate S. diluvialis on lands proposed for development. This
survey was to verify that local S. diluvialis were blooming concurrent with the survey described in
this report. Several blooming S. diluvialis plants were located in a wet meadow dominated by sedges
- (Scirpus-spp.); rushes-(Juncus-spp.),-and red top (Agrostis alba). The wet -meadow -hydrology -is
supported by leakage from an adjacent irrigation ditch. The blooming of S. diluvialis was
documented, but individual plants were not photographed. In a survey on August 20, 1993, Mr.
Johnson met with a S. diluvialis expert, Ms. Tamara Naumann of the City of Boulder Open Space
Department, to become acquainted with the appearance and known locations of S. diluvialis. As Ms.
Naumann shared her expertise on the ecology, likely occurrences, and flowering of this federally
threatened plant species, over twenty individuals of S. diluvialis were identified in the floodplain of
South Boulder Creek and in other areas around Boulder. Ms. Naumann also provided Mr. Johnson
with information on how to document correct identification of S. diluvialis. Photographs of S.
diluvialis plants near Boulder, Colorado, are included in Appendix A.
10.91 A291 (PPV- onhid)
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 Proposed Impact to Site
The study site consists of a proposed filing called the 'Paragon Point Phase V Site" (referred to
hereafter as the Paragon Point V site). The Paragon Point V site is currently slated for proposed real
estate development; if the site is developed, it will contain a multi -family residential development.
s 2.2 Proiect Location
Because Paragon Point V is the last phase of the development, a plat of the development will actually
show this phase as containing all the open space park area in the interior of the development and
along Fossil Creek. The developed portion, however, will consist of only about 2 acres along Lemay
Avenue. This area was the target area of the S. diluvialis survey. A larger area of approximately
1000 feet by 600 feet was surveyed for S. diluvialis. A map of .the surveyed portion of the Paragon
Point V site is provided in Appendix B. The section is located in the northeast corner of the
intersection of Trilby Road and Lemay Avenue. The boundaries are Trilby Road to the south, Lemay
Avenueto the west, Paragon Point IV to the north, and Fossil Creek to the east. The Paragon
Point V site is located in the southwest corner of the southwest quarter of Section 7, Township 6
North, Range 68 West, City of Fort Collins, County of Larimer, State of Colorado.
3.0 DATES SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED
The S. diluvialis survey for the Paragon Point V site was conducted on August 18, 1994, which
corresponds to a time period when S. diluvialis was documented to be blooming in the Fort Collins,
Colorado area.
4.0 ECOLOGICAL AND SITE FEATURES
The Paragon Point V site was systematically surveyed on August 18, 1994, for occurrences of S.
diluvialis. A survey methodology, developed to ensure that the survey was adapted to the site,
involved the following steps:
(1) Evaluate whether a survey is needed.
_(2)_Establish_orchid.habitat survey -criteria using current information.
(3) Locate the survey boundaries in the field.
(4) Conduct a field survey and characterize the site ecological features.
The following sections provide details on the described steps above.
4.1 Evaluate Whether a Survey is Needed
According to the USFWS document entitled "Interim Survey Requirements for Spiranthes diluvialis"
(USFWS 1992), surveys are required for appropriate sites below 6,500 feet elevation in the following
areas in Colorado:
(1) Boulder and Jefferson Counties
(2) The South Platte River 100-year floodplain and perennial tributaries from the Front Range as
far east as Brush, Morgan County
10.94 A291(PPV-orchid) 2
(3) The Fountain Creek 100-year floodplain and perennial tributaries from the Front Range to
the southern boundary of El Paso County
(4) The Yampa River 100-year floodplain and its perennial tributaries from Steamboat Springs
west to the Utah border
The Paragon Point V site is below 6,500 feet elevation, but none of the specific requirements are
applicable. The site is in Latimer County and is not in the 100-year floodplain of a perennial
tributary to the South Platte River, Fountain Creek, or Yampa River. The site is located near Fossil
Creek (but not in the 100-year floodplain), which is a perennial tributary of the Cache la Poudre
River, which is in turn a tributary to the South Platte River.
4.2 Sgiranthes diluvialis Habitat Criteria
The USFWS "Interim Survey Requirements for Spiranthes diluvialis" (USFWS 1992) provides
information on the habitat in which this orchid is found. According to the USFWS information, S.
diluvialis is usually associated with alluvial deposits of silty, sandy, gravelly, or cobbly soil and may
also occasionally occur in highly organic soils or peat. S. diluvialis appears to prefer well -drained
soils with fairly high moisture content. Soils preferred by S. diluvialis may be gleyed or mottled but
are not generally highly anaerobic. The species can occur in some disturbed sites (such as old gravel
mines that have been developed into wetlands, and along well -traveled footpaths built on old berms)
and also occurs in grazed pastures with introduced pasture grasses.
Vegetation with which S. diluvialis can be found includes grasses,. sedges and rushes, shrubs, and
riparian trees such as Salix (willow). S. diluvialis rarely occurs in deeply shaded sites and prefers
partially shaded open glades or pastures and glades in full sunlight. Species in the Front Range with
which S. diluvialis is commonly associated, as well as species with which S. diluvialis is not usually
found, are as follows:
VEGETATION WITH WHICH VEGETATION WITH WHICH
S. DILUVIALIS IS USUALLY FOUND S. DILUVIALIS IS NOT USUALLY FOUND
♦ Horsetail (Equisetum spp.)
♦ Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
♦ Verbena (Verbena hastata)
♦ Agalinis (Agalinis tenuifolia)
♦ Lobelia (Lobelia sl*P ilitica)
♦ Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium spp.)
♦ Triglochin (Triglochin spp.)
♦ Carpet bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera)
♦ Reedgrass (Calamagrostis spp.)
♦ Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
♦ Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
♦ Tamarisk or salt -cedar (Tamarix
ramosissima)
♦ Greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus)
♦ Teasel (Dipsacus sylvestris)
♦ Common reed (Phragmites australis)
According to the Soil Survey of Lorimer County Area, Colorado (USDA 1980), two dominant soils
exist in the Paragon Point V survey area; a deep, poorly drained clay (Longmont clay) and a deep
well drained clay that formed in alluvium (Nunn clay loam). The Nunn clay loam at the survey site
should be able to support S. diluvialis.
The site consists of dominantly upland vegetation and invader forbs with a small area (approximately
5,000 to 10,000 square feet) of dominant hydric vegetation. Upland vegetation includes smooth
10.94 A291 (PPV -orchid) 3
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brome (Bromus inermis), and wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.). Hydric vegetation consists of stands
of inland saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), saltmarsh sandspurry (Spergularia marina), and fox -tail
barley (Hordeum jubatum). None of the vegetation species found in the survey area are known to
occur with S. diluvialis, therefore S. diluvialis would not be expected to be found in the area. The
site has seen significant historic disturbance and contains apparent introduced pasture grasses and a
Fn black -tailed prairie dog colony.
On February 25, 1991, jurisdictional wetland areas were found to be present in the survey area and
were delineated by Cedar Creek Associates, Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado. At the time of the
S. diluvialis survey, the wetland habitat area appeared to be confined to a much smaller area then
illustrated in the 1991 jurisdictional wetland survey. Because the 1991 survey is outdated (greater
than 3 years old), a new wetland delineation survey is planned for October 1994.
4.3 Survey Area
The site was surveyed on August 18, 1994, by Stephen Johnson and William Schenderlein of RTi.
The first step of the survey was to determine the boundaries of the site using the U.S.G.S.
topographic map for Fort Collins, City of Fort Collins plats, and a map provided by Jim Sell
Design, Inc. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Schenderlein walked the perimeter of the Paragon Point V survey
area to help define the survey boundary.
Since the previously delineated wetland boundary could not be found, the entire area was surveyed,
with the two surveyors (Mr. Johnson and Mr. Schenderlein) spaced approximately 10 feet apart and
traversing the area in an approximate east then west direction. Surveys extended to at least the
survey area boundaries to ensure adequate coverage. If, based on observed vegetation and
hydrology, an area seemed more conducive to supporting S. diluvialis habitat, it was traversed more
slowly, with the space between the surveyors narrowing. Areas with the highest potential for
S. diluvialis occurrence were surveyed on hands and knees.
4.4 Site Ecological Features
The site ecological features are described in the order suggested by the survey report outline in the
USFWS "Interim Survey Requirements for Spiranthes diluvialis."
—� 4.4.1-Overstor-y-and-Understor-y Vegetation --
There is no overstory vegetation present in the Paragon Point V survey area. The understory at the
site consists of dominantly upland vegetation and invader forbs and a small area (approximately
5,000 to 10,000 square feet) of dominant hydric vegetation. Upland vegetation includes smooth
brome (Bromus inermis), summer -cypress (Kochia scoparia), and .wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.).
Hydric vegetation consists of stands. of inland saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), saltmarsh sandspurry
(Spergularia marina) and fox -tail barley (Hordeum jubatum). Disturbances to the Paragon Point V
site includes a black -tail prairie dog colony.
4.4.2 Plant Community and Description
The vegetation at the site falls into two vegetation communities: an upland vegetation zone and a
hydric vegetation zone. The vegetation in each of these zones is described above under "Overstory
and Understory Vegetation."
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4.4.3 Ecological Condition/Management History
The area contains a sparse cover of upland grasses and invader forbs The site has seen significant
alteration from its native prairie origin and no longer reflects native conditions. Extensive historic
grazing by livestock has led to the virtual elimination of native grasses and, in an effort to recover
the carrying capacity of the land, past landowners have apparently implemented range improvement
practices. Evidence of these practices is reflected in the vegetation species composition existing at
present. No distinct stream channel goes through the site; hydrology for the site is mainly ground-
water -based with occasional ponding of storm runoff. Runoff from nearby roads and construction
areas may supplement the hydrology of the area. The hydrology of the site was previously supported
by a stock watering pond adjacent to the site, but this pond was apparently drained and filled within
the last 3 years.
4.4.4 Geomorphology
The Paragon Point V survey area lies in a discrete upland valley. Fossil Creek runs along the eastern
edge of the site, the survey area being part of a bench above the creek. The soil type of the area is
composed of alluvial material, suggesting that the bench was possibly once part of the Fossil Creek
floodplain. There is no evidence that the Fossil Creek floodplain still encompasses the bench and
survey area. The survey area is generally flat with slopes of perhaps 0% to 3% dipping eastward
toward Fossil Creek. Embankments from two roads and a residential development border the area on
three sides (Fossil Creek being on the fourth side). The elevation ranges from approximately 4,890
feet to 4,910 feet. There is no evidence of landslide or other movement of the land. The majority of
the site is vegetated.
4.4.5 Soils
According to the Soil Survey of Larimer County Area, Colorado (USDA 1980), the soils at the
Paragon Point V site are characterized as follows.
Longmont clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes:
This nearly level series is on floodplains and upland valleys and consists of deep, poorly drained
soils that formed in alluvium mainly from clay shale. These soils are on floodplains, terraces, and
valleys. In a representative profile the surface layer is light brownish gray clay about 17 inches
thick._ The underlying_ material is mottled pale olive clay. Permeability is "slow, —and -the -available
water capacity is high. Reaction is strongly alkaline above a depth of 40 inches and moderately
alkaline below that depth.
Nunn clay loam, I to 3 percent slopes:
This nearly level series is on high terraces and fans and consists of deep, well drained soils that
formed in alluvium. These soils are on terraces and alluvial fans. In a representative profile the
surface layer is grayish brown light clay loam about 6 inches thick. The subsoil is grayish brown or
pale brown clay loam about 23 inches thick. The underlying material is light yellowish brown clay
loam. Permeability is slow, and the available water capacity is high. Reaction is neutral above a
depth of 10 inches, mildly alkaline between depths of 10 and 24 inches, and moderately alkaline
below a depth of 24 inches.
ia94 A291(PPV. orchid) 5
i
When the landform is a swale, inclusions in the Longmont and Nunn series could be considered
hydric, according to the Larimer County Area, Colorado, Comprehensive Hydric Soils List (SCS
1993).
4.4.6 Hydrology
No distinct stream channel goes through the site; hydrology for the site is mainly ground water -based
with occasional ponding of storm runoff. Runoff from nearby roads and construction areas may
supplement the hydrology of the area. It is very unlikely that flooding from Fossil Creek could
influence the survey area. The hydrology of the site was previously supported by a stock watering
pond adjacent to the site, but this pond was apparently drained and filled within the last 3 years.
4.4.7 Other Relevant Site Features
A site feature of note on the Paragon Point V property is the close proximity of Fossil Creek. Even
though the creek does not presently influence the study area, historical flooding of the site probably
occurred. Also of interest is the amount of disturbance the site has already experienced. Although
the disturbance was not recent, native conditions no longer exist at the site.
10.94 A291 (PPV-orchid) 6
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5.0 REFERENCES
(1) U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service, in cooperation
with Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station. 1980. Soil Survey of Larimer County Area,
Colorado. 174 pp.
(2) USFWS National Wetlands Inventory Map for the Fort Collins, Colorado, Quadrangle.
(3) U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1993. Larimer County Area,
Colorado: Comprehensive Hydric Soils List. 30 pp.
(4) Jim Sell Design Inc. 1994. Blueprint of the site boundaries. Fort Collins, Colorado.
6.0 LIST OF PREPARERS
Riverside Technology, inc.
2821 Remington Street
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
(303) 223-2944 ♦ FAX (303)223-2955
♦ Stephen W. Johnson, Spiranthes diluvialis Surveyor/Water Quality Hydrologist
♦ William K. Schenderlein, Spiranthes diluvialis Surveyor Trainee/Environmental Engineer
10.94 A291 (PPV - orchid) 7