HomeMy WebLinkAboutMARS LANDING 12.12.2019 - PDP190013 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 2 - ECS REPORTEcological Characterization Study
SE Corner of Skyway Drive and Gateway Center Drive
And
SW Corner of College Avenue and Skyway Drive
Fort Collins, Colorado
In Support of Article 3 General Development Standards,
Division 3.4 Environmental, Natural Area, Recreational and
Cultural Resource Protection Standards
City of Fort Collins, Colorado
prepared for:
Mark Johnson, RLA
8605 Explorer Dr. Suite 250
Colorado Springs, CO 8092
prepared by:
Wildlife Specialties LLC
PO Box 1231,
Lyons, CO 80540 December 12, 2019
1
Table of Contents
Section / Title Page
1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................2
2.0 Environmental Setting ...............................................................................................................................................3
3.0 Proposed Development .............................................................................................................................................3
4.0 Survey Methods ..........................................................................................................................................................3
5.0 Ecological Characterization Report .......................................................................................................................4
5.1 Wildlife Use of the Area ......................................................................................................................................4
5.2 Wetlands ..................................................................................................................................................................5
5.3 Prominent Views ...................................................................................................................................................5
5.4 Native Vegetation ..................................................................................................................................................5
5.5 Significant Non-Native Tree Species................................................................................................................5
5.6 Bank, Shoreline or High Water Mark ...............................................................................................................5
5.7 Sensitive or Specially Valued Species ..............................................................................................................5
5.8 Special Habitat Features ......................................................................................................................................6
5.9 Wildlife Movement Corridor ..............................................................................................................................6
5.10 General Ecological Function ............................................................................................................................6
5.11 Issues with Timing of Development Activities ............................................................................................6
5.12 Natural Habitat or Feature Requiring Mitigation ........................................................................................7
6.0 Conclusions & Recommendations ........................................................................................................................7
7.0 References...................................................................................................................................................................7
Appendix A ..................................................................................................................................................................... 29
List of Figures/Photos
Number / Title Page
Figure 1. Parcel Locations. ............................................................................................................................................8
Figure 2. East Parcel Natural Habitats and Features. ..............................................................................................9
Figure 3. West Parcel Natural Habitats and Features. .......................................................................................... 10
Photos................................................................................................................................................................................
11
List of Tables
Number / Title Page
Table 1. Federal Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Plant and Wildlife Species Potentially
Occurring near Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO .................................................... 14
Table 2. Migratory Birds of Conservation Concern............................................................................................... 16
Table 3. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Endangered, Threatened, and Species of Special Concern ............ 18
Table 4. City of Fort Collins List of Sensitive Wildlife Species ......................................................................... 22
2
1.0 Introduction
This Ecological Characterization Study (ECS) was prepared to identify important City of Fort Collins
Natural Habitats and Features at two parcels, the SE corner of Skyway Drive and Gateway Center
Drive and the SW corner of Skyway Drive and College Avenue in Fort Collins, Colorado (Figure 1).
Specifically, these parcels are located in the NE ¼ of the SE ¼, Section 11 of Township 6 North Range
69 West of the sixth prime meridian.
Article 3 of the City of Fort Collins (City) General Development Standards section 3.4.1 Natural
Habitats and Features states that if development is proposed within five hundred (500) feet of an area or
feature identified as a natural habitat or feature on the city’s Natural Habitats and Features Inventory
Map (completed in 1999), or if any portion of the development site possesses characteristics (including,
without limitation, wetlands, riparian areas or foothills forest) which would have supported their
inclusion on the Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map, and such areas are discovered during
site evaluation and/or reconnaissance associated with the development review process then a
comprehensive ecological characterization study of the entire property must be prepared by a qualified
consultant and submitted to the City for review.
Article 3 of the City of Fort Collins (City) General Development Standards section 3.4.1 Natural
Habitats and Features identifies the following 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 shrubland; and
h) Foothills forest.
Article 3 of the General Development Standards section 3.4.1 Natural Habitats and Features identifies
the following Special Features:
a) Significant remnants of native plant communities;
b) Potential habitats and known locations of rare, threatened or endangered species of plants;
c) Potential habitats and known locations of rare, threatened or endangered species of wildlife;
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 one (1) acre or greater 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; and
n) Irrigation ditches that serve as wildlife corridors.
The east parcel contains several Special Features including a Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
nest, a Black-tailed Prairie Dog (prairie dogs - Cynomys ludovicianus) colony greater than one (1) acre
in size, potential wetlands (non-jurisdictional), and a stand of mature Plains Cottonwood (Populus
deltoides) trees (Figure 2). The west parcel includes a portion of the North Louden Ditch (a wildlife
3
movement corridor previously identified by the City) and potentially wetlands in the storm water
retention pond (Figure 3). This ECS is in response to the presence of the prairie dogs, Red-tailed Hawk
nest, and potential wetland within the east parcel as well as the North Louden Ditch and potential
wetland in the west parcel.
2.0 Environmental Setting
The east and west parcels are located in south Fort Collins within a strip of land between South College
Avenue and Gateway Center Drive (east and west respectively), and Skyway Drive and West Trilby
Road (north and south respectively). The property has historically been used for livestock grazing
(primarily cattle and horses). A large self-storage facility is located between the east and west parcel
and residential development is to the north and west with open lands located to the south. Specifically,
Skyway Drive defines the northern boundary, College Avenue the east, non-native disturbed uplands to
the south and Gateway Center Drive to the west. The project area was historically converted from
native shortgrass prairie into pasture. The project area is fallow land that is currently not grazed by
livestock with no native plant communities present though there are remnant individual native plant
species present. Vegetation within the project area is dominated by invasive non-native plant species
including crested wheat grass (Agropyron cristatum), smooth brome (Bromus inermis), field bindweed
(Convolvulus arvensis), leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), and cheatgrass (downy brome – Bromus
tectorum). Leafy spurge is designated as a “List B” species on the Colorado Noxious Weed Act. It is
required to be eradicated, contained, or suppressed depending on the local infestations.
No jurisdictional wetlands, wetland plants, or habitats associated with wetlands per the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (Corps) are found within the project area. The City follows Land Use Code
3.4.1(D)(2) that allows utilization of the "standards and guidelines and/or professional
recommendations of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the
Colorado Natural Heritage Program, and/or the Colorado Division of Wildlife” in identifying wetlands,
thus wetlands may be present in the areas identified in Figures 2 and 3. At the time of the survey there
was no flowing or standing water in the North Louden Ditch, the storm water retention pond, and the
potential wetland shown in Figure 2 in the east parcel.
3.0 Proposed Development
Development of these two parcels is not planned; these parcels are being assessed for the possibility of
providing an area for mitigation associated with the proposed development of the parcel of land located
between Mars Drive and the west parcel.
4.0 Survey Methods
The project area was visited the morning of December 11, 2019 by Jerry Powell, Certified Ecologist, to
document wildlife use and habitat, the current plant community, and identification of Natural Habitats or
Features. A pedestrian survey via north-south running transects was completed to as closely as possible
document any sensitive features or habitats and to count prairie dog burrows/holes. Digital photos of the
project area were taken for inclusion in this ECS. The boundaries of the active Black-tailed Prairie Dog
colonies (north and south of the North Louden Ditch) near the west parcel were marked on October 14,
2019 by walking the edge of the active colony (determined by the presence of burrows and areas where
the vegetation was cropped short) and using a Global Positioning System (GPS) to record the
boundaries. The resulting information was used in ArcGIS to map the location of the prairie dogs in the
fall of 2019 to show the current location of the colony.
Sources of information on the habitat requirements for wildlife species presented in the above lists come
from the 2
nd
Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas (Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership 2016), Mammals of
4
Colorado 2
nd
Edition (Armstrong et al. 2011), Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado (Hammerson,
1999), and Colorado’s Little Fish (Woodling, 1985). Online resources consisted of the Colorado Parks
and Wildlife website, NatureServe (2019), USDA Forest Service species technical assessments, and
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listing documents. Likelihood of presence or absence was based on each
species specific habitat requirements and habitat types found within the project area as well as proximity
to human activity.
Wildlife species designated as federally listed threatened, endangered and candidate species (as well as
Designated Critical Habitats) with potential habitat near the project area was determined via the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service’s Information, Planning and Conservation (IPaC) website (USFWS 2019 –
accessed December 11, 2019, Appendix A) The IPaC tool also identified migratory birds of
conservation concern potentially present within the project area; and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s
(CPW 2019) list of state threatened, endangered, and species of special concern.
5.0 Ecological Characterization Report
The following subsections are presented in the order identified by the City in Article 3 of the City of
Fort Collins General Development Standards section 3.4.1(D) (a-l).
5.1 Wildlife Use of the Area
Wildlife use of the area is limited because of the location of the project area, surrounding land uses, and
non-native low diversity plant community. Wildlife species capable of existing within or using the
project area are limited to those species that are either habitat generalists capable of existing in modified
urban environments (e.g. prairie dogs), or species which use a wide variety habitats for foraging over a
large area (e.g. Red-tailed Hawk – Buteo jamaicensis).
The dominant mammalian wildlife species within the east parcel is the Black-tailed Prairie Dog.
Numerous burrows are located within the east parcel; none are present within the west parcel. In
addition to the prairie dogs on site, prairie dogs are present south of the east parcel and south and east of
the west parcel. The Eastern Cottontail Rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) was observed on both parcels.
These prairie dogs and rabbits support predators (e.g. hawks) and species that are dependent on prairie
dogs (e.g., burrowing owls) for burrows. Red Foxes (Vulpes Vulpes) were observed using piping
associated with the storm water detention pond located on the west parcel.
No other mammals or their sign (scat, tracks, etc.) was observed. It is probable however that several
small mammalian carnivores/scavengers including Coyotes (Canis latrans), Raccoons (Procyon lotor),
and Striped Skunks (Mephitis mephitis) use both parcels as part of their home ranges.
Within the stand of Plains Cottonwood trees on the east parcel a pair of Red-tailed Hawks have nested
for several years (Photo 1). These trees also provide habitat for nesting and foraging by other avian
species including the Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis). Non-native trees are scattered along the
eastern border of the east parcel and are thick and dominant on the west parcel (Photo 2). Species
observed within both parcels include Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and Chinese Elm (Ulmus
parvifolia), both of which are invasive species. Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina), non-native to Colorado
and invasive, also was noted as present at the west parcel. These non-native trees, especially where
thick on the west parcel, likely provide suitable avian nesting and foraging habitat. It is likely that the
American Robin (Turdus migratorius), Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto – a non-native
invasive species), Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria), and Western Kingbird. Though they have not been
5
observed, it is likely that based on the available habitat both Vesper Sparrows (Pooecetes gramineus)
and Western Meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta) could nest within the east parcel.
No other evidence of wildlife use of these parcels was noted and no additional wildlife species were
observed within the parcels.
Aside from the Natural Habitats and Special Features described herein, neither parcel features any
unique (e.g. fens) or critical (e.g. mule deer winter range) wildlife habitat. There are no bodies of water
for use as waterfowl concentration areas.
5.2 Wetlands
Potential wetlands may occur on both parcels (Figures 2 and 3).
5.3 Prominent Views
Development of these parcels is not proposed and therefore there are no impacts to any prominent views
from other nearby properties.
5.4 Native Vegetation
No intact native vegetation communities are present within the project area. Remnant native species are
present, but both parcels are dominated by non-native upland species.
5.5 Significant Non-Native Tree Species
The City defines significant trees in the Land Use Code as trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH)
of six inches and greater. No non-native trees of this size were observed during the survey.
5.6 Bank, Shoreline or High Water Mark
No perennial streams, bodies of water, or wetlands are present within the project area. Therefore, there is
not bank, shoreline, or high water mark within the project area.
5.7 Sensitive or Specially Valued Species
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Information for Planning & Conservation (IPaC) website identified nine
vertebrate species that have historically or presently have the potential to occur within or near the
parcels. Table 1 lists these species and indicates their potential to occur within the parcels; the parcels
do not provide habitat for any of these species. Additionally, water depletions (aside from historically
allocated) are not proposed that would impact any of the Laramie River/Platte River system listed fish
species. Additionally, there is no federally Designated Critical Habitat within or near the parcels.
The IPAC list of Trust Resources identified 11 Migratory Birds of Conservation Concern that could
potentially breed within the parcels (Table 2). Based on available habitat types, only the Western
Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) could potentially be present.
Species identified by the CPW (CPW 2019) as state sensitive, their habitat requirements, and their
potential for occurrence within the parcels is presented in Table 3. The Burrowing Owl has potential
habitat (prairie dog burrows) within the project area; suitable habitat is not present for any other species
presented in Table 3.
6
Table 4 provides The City of Fort Collins’ list of wildlife species of concern along with the likelihood of
these species occurring within the parcels. Of these species listed, only the Black-tailed prairie dog
currently is present within the project area. The Plains Cottonwood trees do provide potential nesting
habitat for the Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni), though it is unlikely they would nest near the Red-
tailed Hawk nest. No other species or habitat for species listed in Table 4 is found within the parcels.
Red Foxes were observed at the west parcel within the storm water detention pond. Further
investigation showed tracks leading into water piping associated with the storm water detention system
(Photo 3). It is not uncommon for Red Foxes and other small carnivores to use these types of
structures. It is likely that the Red Foxes are using this underground pipe network as a den site. No
additional key wildlife production areas, wintering areas and migratory feeding areas for waterfowl;
key use areas for wading birds and shorebirds; key use areas for migrant songbirds; key nesting areas
for grassland birds; fox and coyote dens; mule deer winter concentration areas; key areas for rare,
migrant or resident butterflies; areas of high terrestrial or aquatic insect; remnant native prairie habitat;
mixed foothill shrubland; foothill ponderosa pine forest; plains cottonwood riparian woodlands; or
other sensitive features are found within either parcel.
5.8 Special Habitat Features
Special Habitat Features at the east parcel include the prairie dog colony (greater than one [1] acre in
size), a Red-tailed Hawk nest (active in the 2019 breeding season), mature Plains Cottonwood trees,
and potential wetlands. The west parcel includes a portion of the North Louden Ditch (a wildlife
movement corridor previously identified by the City) and potential wetlands as well as one large
mature Plains Cottonwood tree. No additional Special Habitat Features are present.
5.9 Wildlife Movement Corridor
Often times irrigation ditches mimic natural drainage features by providing water for the establishment
of riparian habitat. The diversity created by the presence of the water in the plant community is
reflected in the animal community. Wildlife occupy different niches and niche overlap is reduced by
diversity in structure (tall and short plants) and use (day versus night) within the riparian corridors. The
North Louden Ditch within the west parcel has no riparian habitat. It provides extremely limited cover
and forage for wildlife; however it may act as a movement corridor within the general area. Neither
parcel, because of their location in the City and the lack of natural movement corridors between areas
of higher quality habitat, do not contain any seasonal (i.e. migration) wildlife movement corridors.
5.10 General Ecological Function
The general ecological function of these parcels is to provide habitat for species capable of existing in a
very modified and urban environment that is void of an intact native plant community. The dominance
of invasive non-native plant species diminishes the general ecological function and value of these
parcels, but they are both still important to those species currently using them.
5.11 Issues with Timing of Development Activities
If these parcels were to be used for mitigative actions associated with other nearby development, no
clearing, grubbing, or general earth work should occur without a nest clearance survey if these activities
occur during the avian nesting season of March 1 through August 31.
The presence of the prairie dogs does create potential nesting habitat for the Western Burrowing Owl.
Federal and state laws prohibit the harming or killing of Burrowing Owls and the destruction of active
7
nests. Because Burrowing Owls often hide in burrows when alarmed, it is not practical to haze the birds
away from prairie dog towns prior to construction activity. Because Burrowing Owls will retire into
burrows when alarmed, it is possible to inadvertently kill burrowing owls during earth moving for
construction. If earth moving activities (which may require minimal prairie dog control) occur between
March 15 and October 31 a Burrowing Owl survey, per Colorado Parks and Wildlife protocol, is
necessary. If earth moving activities (and if necessary minimal prairie dog control) occur out of the
March – November period surveys are not necessary. If Burrowing Owls are located greater than150
feet from the edge of disturbance associated with earth moving activities no limitations are placed on
what type of and where work can be completed.
5.12 Natural Habitat or Feature Requiring Mitigation
No mitigation would be necessary since these parcels would not be developed but would be
ecologically enhanced.
6.0 Conclusions & Recommendations
Both the east and west parcels contain at least one special habitat or feature as defined by the City Land
Use Code. Overall both parcels are of low quality wildlife habitat in an increasingly urban setting
surrounded by residential and commercial development. The ecological value of these parcels could be
enhanced and suitable wildlife habitat for a broader range of species is possible. The preservation of
the east parcel would benefit the local Red-tailed Hawk population by allowing these birds to continue
to nest in a land scape where suitable nest sites are annually decreasing.
If earth disturbing activities or clearing/grubbing of vegetation occurs during the avian nesting season
(March 1 – August 31) surveys for active nests are required. Additionally, if earth moving activities
(which may require minimal prairie dog control) occur between March 15 and October 31 a Burrowing
Owl survey is required.
The potential wetlands displayed herein have not been delineated nor determined to be present. The
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has determined that no jurisdictional wetlands are present within either
parcel; however wetlands as defined by other agencies or organizations may be present. Additional
delineation of these potential wetlands is warranted.
7.0 References
Armstrong, D.M., Fitzgerald, J.P., and C.A. Meaney. 2011. Mammals of Colorado. 2
nd
Ed., Denver
Mus. Nat. Hist. and Univ. Press of Colorado. Niwot, CO. 620 pp.
Hammerson, G.A. 1999. Amphibians and reptiles in Colorado. Univ. Press of Colorado and Colo.
Div. Wildl. Niwot, CO. 484 pp.
Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership. 2016. 2
nd
Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. Colorado Breeding Bird
Partnership and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 727 pp.
Woodling, J. 1985. Colorado's little fish: a guide to the minnows and other lesser known fishes in
the state of Colorado. CDOW Denver, CO. 77 pp.
Source: Getmapping, Esri, Aerogrid, DigitalGlobe, IGN, GeoEye, IGP, swisstopo, i-cubed, and USDA, the GIS USGS, User AEX, Community
Skyway Drive
Mars Drive
¯
1 Scale: Inch = 1:166 2,000 Feet
Dec. 2019
Prepared www.wildlifespecialtiesllc.By: Wildlife Specialties com LLC
Legend
East Parcel
West Parcel
S. College Avenue
Figure 1. Parcel Locations
Gateway Center Drive
b [
Source: Getmapping, Esri, Aerogrid, DigitalGlobe, IGN, GeoEye, IGP, swisstopo, i-cubed, and USDA, the GIS USGS, User AEX, Community
Skyway Drive ¯
Prepared www.wildlifespecialtiesllc.By: Wildlife Specialties com LLC
S. College Avenue
Scale: 1:1,250
1 Inch Dec.Feet = 625 2019
Natural Figure Habitats 2. East & Parcel Features
Legend
BTPD
Cottonwoods
Mixed Non-native Trees
b [RTHA Nest
Wetland
East Parcel
Source: Getmapping, Esri, Aerogrid, DigitalGlobe, IGN, GeoEye, IGP, swisstopo, i-cubed, and USDA, the GIS USGS, User AEX, Community
Skyway Drive
Mars Drive
¯
Prepared www.wildlifespecialtiesllc.By: Wildlife Specialties com LLC
Gateway Center Drive
Scale: 1:1,000
1 Inch Dec. = 2019 83 Feet
Natural Figure Habitats 3. West & Parcel Features
Legend
N Louden Ditch
Mixed Non-native Trees
Wetland
2019 Fall BTPD Colony
West Parcel
11
Photos
Photo 1: Looking north at the Red-tailed Hawk nest in the stand of Plains Cottonwood trees
located in the east parcel.
12
Photo 2: Looking along the North Louden Ditch on the west parcel at the thick brush.
13
Photo 3: Red Fox tracks leading into and out of underground piping.
14
Table 1. Federal Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Plant and Wildlife Species Potentially
Occurring near Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status
Habitat
Requirements
Potential for
Occurrence
Flowering Plants
Gaura neomexicana var.
coloradensis
Colorado
Butterfly Plant
T Wetland habitats
along meandering
stream channels
among native
grasses.
No potential for
occurrence.
Phacelia formosula North Park
Phacelia
E Found only in North
Park of Jackson
County.
No potential for
occurrence.
Spiranthes diluvialis Ute ladies'-
tresses Orchid
T Commonly
associated with
alluvial banks,
floodplains, or ox-
bows associated
with perennial
streams
No potential for
occurrence.
Platanthera praeclara Western Prairie
Fringed Orchid
T Water-related
activities/use in the
N. Platte, S. Platte
and Laramie River
Basins may affect
listed species in
Nebraska.
No potential for
occurrence.
Fishes
Oncorhynchus clarki ssp.
stomias
Greenback
Cutthroat Trout
T High altitude cold
streams.
No potential for
15
Table 1. Federal Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Plant and Wildlife Species Potentially
Occurring near Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status
Habitat
Requirements
Potential for
Occurrence
along the Arkansas
River valley.
Grus americana Whooping Crane E Breed in shallow,
grassy wetlands
interspersed with
grasslands or
scattered evergreens,
may use crop fields
for foraging.
No potential for
occurrence.
Mammals
Zapus hudsonious
preblei
Preble’s Meadow
Jumping Mouse
T Riparian areas with
lush vegetation.
No potential for
occurrence.
Gulo gulo luscus North American
Wolverine
PT High altitude
spruce-fir forest and
alpine areas with
little human
disturbance.
No potential for
occurrence.
Lynx canadensis Canada Lynx T High altitude
spruce-fir forests.
No potential for
occurrence.
Insects
Capnia arapahoe Arapahoe
Snowfly
C Cold, clean, well-
oxygenated streams
and rivers
No potential for
occurrence.
E = Endangered; T = Threatened; PT = Proposed Threatened; C = Candidate for Federal listing.
16
Table 2. Migratory Birds of Conservation Concern
Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Species
Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Areas along rivers or lakes with
large trees for nesting and
roosting.
None
Burrowing Owl
Athene cunicularia
Open areas with suitable small
mammal burrows.
Suitable habitat present.
Cassin’s Sparrow
Aimophila cassinii
Heavily grazed grasslands of
eastern Colorado where cholla
cactus, yucca, rabbitbrush, or sand
sage provides shrubby overstory
(Wickersham 2016).
None
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
Open and semi-open country
featuring native vegetation. Avoid
developed areas and uninterrupted
stretches of forest. Found
primarily in mountains up to
12,000 feet, canyonlands, rimrock
terrain, and riverside cliffs and
bluffs. Nest on cliffs and steep
escarpments in grassland,
chapparal, shrubland, forest, and
other vegetated areas.
None
Lark Bunting
Calamospiza melanocorys
Heavily grazed grasslands of
eastern Colorado where cholla
cactus, yucca, rabbitbrush, or sand
sage provides shrubby overstory
(Wickersham 2016).
None
Lesser Yellowlegs
Tringa flavipes
Breeds only in Alaska through
Quebec.
None
Long-billed Curlew
Numenius americanus
Expansive blocks of native
shortgrass prairie.
None
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Calidris pusilla
Breeds in sub-arctic tundra and
overwinters along the coasts of
17
Table 2. Migratory Birds of Conservation Concern
Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Species
Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence
mountain parks – usually distant
from trees.
18
Table 3. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Endangered, Threatened, and Species of Special Concern
Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Species Status* Habitat Requirements
Potential for
Occurrence
Fish
Arkansas Darter
Etheostoma cragini
ST
Found only in tributaries of the
Arkansas River.
None
Brassy Minnow
Hybognathus hankinsoni
ST
Found in S. Platte and
Republican Rivers.
None
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus clarki pleuriticus
SC
Found in the Colorado River
Basin.
None
Colorado Roundtail Chub
Gila robusta
SC
A large river fish found in
western Colorado.
None
Common Shiner
Luxilus cornutus
ST
Found in tributary streams of the
S. Platte River.
None
Flathead Chub
Platygobio gracilus
SC
Found in mainstems of turbid
streams and rivers.
None
Iowa Darter
Etheostoma exile
SC
Found in some plains streams in
northeastern Colorado.
None
Lake Chub
Couesius plumbeus
SE
Extirpated in Colorado
(Woodling 1985).
None
Mountain Sucker
Catostomus playtrhynchus
SC
Found in smaller rivers and
streams in northwestern
19
Table 3. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Endangered, Threatened, and Species of Special Concern
Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Species Status* Habitat Requirements
Potential for
Occurrence
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
SC Large, mature cottonwoods or
pines near large water bodies.
None
Burrowing Owl
Athene cunicularia
ST Nest in rodent burrows in
grasslands, shrublands, deserts,
and grassy urban areas (golf
courses).
Suitable habitat
present.
Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse
Tympanuchus phasianellus
columbianus
SC Sagebrush shrublands. None
Ferruginous Hawk
Buteo regalis
SC Vast expanses of ungrazed or
lightly grazed grassland and
shrubland and shortgrass prairie.
None
Greater Sage-Grouse
Centrocercus urophasianus
SC Sagebrush shrublands in
northwestern Colorado.
None
Greater Sandhill Crane
Grus canadensis tabida
SC Breed in wetland habitats,
particularly flooded fields and
beaver ponds.
None
Gunnison Sage-Grouse
Centrocercus minimus
SC Sage communities in the
Gunnison Basin.
None
Lesser Prairie-Chicken
Tympanuchus pallidicinctus
ST Optimal habitat is midgrass to
tallgrass prairie for nests and
winter cover.
None
Long-Billed Curlew
Numenius americanus
SC Shortgrass prairie. None
Mountain Plover
Charadrius montanus
SC Grazed shortgrass prairie and
fallow fields.
None
Plains Sharp-Tailed Grouse
20
Table 3. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Endangered, Threatened, and Species of Special Concern
Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Species Status* Habitat Requirements
Potential for
Occurrence
semidesert shrublands, and
grasslands.
River Otter
Lontra canadensis
ST Large waterways throughout
Colorado.
None
Swift Fox
Vulpes velox
SC Short and mid-grass prairies of
the Great Plains.
None
Townsend’s Big-eared Bat
Corynorhinus townsendii
SC Occupies semidesert shrublands,
pinon-juniper woodlands, and
open montane forests.
None
Amphibians/Reptiles
Boreal Toad
Bufo boreas boreas
SE High altitude wetlands, ponds,
etc.
None
Couch's Spadefoot
Scaphiopus couchii
SC Eastern Colorado plains. None
Great Plains Narrowmouth Toad
Gastrophryne olivacea
SC Extreme southeastern Colorado. None
Northern Cricket Frog
Acris crepitans
SC Found in Yuma, Weld and
Morgan Counties at elevations
between 3,500–3,600 feet.
None
Northern Leopard Frog
Rana pipiens
SC Wet meadows and the banks of
and shallows of marshes, ponds,
lakes, streams, irrigation ditches.
None
Plains Leopard Frog
Rana blairi
SC Eastern Colorado and
southeastern Colorado.
None
Triploid Checkered Whiptail
Cnemidophorus neotesselatus
SC Foothills of the Rocky
Mountains in Fremont County
eastward to Pueblo and Stone
City in Pueblo County.
None
21
Table 3. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Endangered, Threatened, and Species of Special Concern
Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Species Status* Habitat Requirements
Potential for
Occurrence
Phrynosoma modestum Otero County.
Massasauga
Sistrurus catenatus
SC Occurs in shortgrass prairie
habitats in southeastern
Colorado.
None
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
SC Restricted to aquatic, wetland
and riparian habitats at
elevations below 6,000 feet:
seldom found at isolated ponds.
None
*SE = State Endangered. ST = State Threatened. SC = State Special Concern (not a statutory
category)
22
Table 4. City of Fort Collins List of Sensitive Wildlife Species
Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Species Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence
Fish
There is no aquatic habitat within these parcels, thus there are no fish present.
Birds
American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus
Vast expanses of ungrazed
or lightly grazed grassland
and shrubland with varied
topography, including hills,
ridges and valleys.
None
American Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus anatum
Nests on ledges of high
cliffs.
None
American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Nest on islands.
None
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Large, mature cottonwoods
or pines near large water
bodies.
None
Barrow’s Goldeneye
Bucephala islandica
Nests in a suitable nest
cavity near water.
None
Black Tern
Chlidonias niger
Prefer marsh complexes of
at least 50 acres with open
water and fields for feeding.
None
Black-necked Stilt
Himantopus mexicanus
Black-necked stilts are
wetland obligates.
None
Bobolink
Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Grassland obligates
associated with native
mixed-grass and tallgrass
prairie.
None
Brewer’s Sparrow
Spizella breweri
Sagebrush shrublands. None
Burrowing Owl
Athene cunicularia
Nest in rodent burrows in
grasslands, shrublands,
23
Table 4. City of Fort Collins List of Sensitive Wildlife Species
Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Species Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence
Calcarius ornatus Great Plains; found only in
northern Colorado.
Ferruginous Hawk
Buteo regalis
Vast expanses of ungrazed
or lightly grazed grassland
and shrubland and shortgrass
prairie.
None
Flammulated Owl
Otus flammeolus
Depend on cavities for
nesting, open forests for
catching insects, and brush
or dense foliage for roosting
at altitudes between 6,000 –
10,000 ft.
None
Forster’s Tern
Sterna forsteri
Most often associated with
emergent marsh habitat.
None
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
Golden Eagles live in open
and semi-open country
featuring native vegetation
across most of the Northern
Hemisphere. They avoid
developed areas and
uninterrupted stretches of
forest. They are found
primarily in mountains up to
12,000 feet, canyonlands,
rimrock terrain, and
riverside cliffs and bluffs.
Golden Eagles nest on cliffs
and steep escarpments in
grassland, chapparal,
shrubland, forest, and other
vegetated areas.
None
Grasshopper Sparrow
Ammodramus savannarum
Open grasslands and prairies
with patchy bare ground.
None
Greater Sandhill Crane
Grus canadensis tabida
Breed in wetland habitats,
particularly flooded fields
and beaver ponds.
None
Lark Bunting
Calamospiza melanocorys
24
Table 4. City of Fort Collins List of Sensitive Wildlife Species
Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Species Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence
Least Tern
(interior population)
Sterna antillarum
Rivers with broad exposed
sand bars. None
Lewis’s Woodpecker
Melanerpes lewis
Open pine forests, burnt over
area that provide snags and
stumps, riparian areas and
pinyon/juniper woodlands.
None
Loggerhead Shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
Shortgrass prairie. None
Long-Billed Curlew
Numenius americanus
Shortgrass prairie.
None
Mccown’s Longspur
Calcarius mccownii
Endemic to the shortgrass
prairie ecosystem; need
heavily grazed cattle
pastures with low density
vegetation (Wickersham
2016).
None
Mountain Plover
Charadrius montanus
Breeds on open plains at
moderate elevations. Winters
in short-grass plains and
fields, plowed fields, and
sandy deserts.
None
Northern Bobwhite
Colinus virginianus
Often found in riparian
habitats.
None
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis
Predominantly uses
ponderosa pine, but will also
use Douglas fir, various
pines and aspens.
None
Northern Harrier
Circus cyaneus
Spring & fall migrant in
western valleys mountain
parks, and eastern plains in
CO inhabiting grasslands,
agricultural areas, marshes
& tundra in fall; 3,500-
25
Table 4. City of Fort Collins List of Sensitive Wildlife Species
Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Species Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence
communities.
Pinyon Jay
Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus
Pinyon woodlands.
None
Piping Plover
Charadrius melodus
Only breeds in southeastern
Colorado at large reservoirs.
None
Plains Sharp-Tailed Grouse
Tympanuchus phasianellus
jamesii
Rolling hills with scrub oak
thickets and grassy glades. None
Prairie Falcon
Falco mexicanus
Grasslands, shrub-steppe,
deserts, and other open areas
of the West up to about
10,000 feet elevation.
None
Rufous Hummingbird
Selasphorus rufus
Migrates south down the
Rocky Mountains in late
summer and early fall after
leaving northern breeding
grounds.
None
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeus
Open habitats including
grasslands, marsh edges,
shrub-steppes, and
agricultural lands.
None
Snowy Egret
Egretta thula
Nest in colonies in trees and
shrubs, forage in aquatic
habitats.
None
Swainson’s Hawk
Buteo swainsoni
Associated with croplands,
shelterbelts, and other
agricultural lands.
Potential nesting habitat present.
Upland Sandpiper
Bartramia longicauda
Breed on native prairie,
mountain meadows, and
blueberry barrens.
None
Veery
26
Table 4. City of Fort Collins List of Sensitive Wildlife Species
Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Species Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence
Tringa semipalmata restricted to Jackson County
and the San Luis Valley.
Willow Flycatcher
Empidonax trailii
Riparian thickets in the
foothills and montane zones
and willow-dominated open
valleys and mountain parks
– usually distant from trees.
None
Wilson’s Phalarope
Phalaropus tricolor
Emergent Wetlands.
None
Mammals
Abert’s Squirrel
Sciurus aberti
Ponderosa pine forests. None
Bighorn Sheep
Ovis canadensis canadensis
Rocky areas with cliffs.
None
Bison
Bison bison
Vast expanses of unbroken
prairie.
None
Black-footed Ferret
Mustela nigripes
Prairie dog colonies at least
50 acres in size.
None
Black-tailed Prairie Dog
Cynomys ludovicianus
Open prairie grasslands,
disturbed areas, fallow and
mowed agriculture fields.
Present within project area.
Dwarf Shrew
Sorex nanus
In Colorado found in the
Southern Rocky Mountains
at elevations above 5,500 ft.
None
Fringed Myotis
Myotis thysanodes
Coniferous woodlands and
shrublands below 7,500 ft.
rocky outcroppings in mid-
elevation ponderosa pine,
pinyon/juniper, oak, &
mixed conifer woodlands,
grasslands, deserts, &
shrublands.
None
Hoary Bat
27
Table 4. City of Fort Collins List of Sensitive Wildlife Species
Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Species Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence
Olive-backed Pocket Mouse
Perognathus fasciatus
In Colorado restricted to
grasslands along the western
margin of the plains and to
shrub-grasslands of the
northwestern part of the
state.
None
Preble’s Meadow Jumping
Mouse
Zapus hudsonius prebleii
Riparian habitats with
appropriate shrub
component and available
uplands for foraging.
None
River Otter
Lontra canadensis
Large waterways throughout
Colorado.
None
Sagebrush Vole
Lemmiscus curtatus
Found in northwestern
Colorado in sagebrush
dominated habitats.
None
Swift Fox
Vulpes velox
Short and mid-grass prairies
of the Great Plains.
None
Townsend’s Big-eared Bat
Corynorhinus townsendii
Occupies semidesert
shrublands, pinon-juniper
woodlands, and open
montane forests.
None
Amphibians/Reptiles
Northern Leopard Frog
Rana pipiens
Wet meadows and the banks
of and shallows of marshes,
ponds, lakes, streams,
irrigation ditches.
None
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Restricted to aquatic,
wetland and riparian habitats
at elevations below 6,000
feet: seldom found at
isolated ponds.
None
28
Table 4. City of Fort Collins List of Sensitive Wildlife Species
Skyway Drive and College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO
Species Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence
Terrapene ornata prairie in eastern Colorado.
29
Appendix A
USFWS IPaC Report for the SW Corner of Skyway Drive and South College Avenue,
Fort Collins CO
Lined Snake
Tropicdoclonion lineatum
Most abundant in
southeastern Colorado in
damp sites in flat plains
grasslands, canyon bottom
grasslands, riparian areas,
and grassy vacant lots and
gullies in cities.
None
Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Found in a wide variety of
habitats including shortgrass
prairie, sandhills, shrubby
hillsides, canyons and arid
river valleys.
None
Ornate box turtle Sandhills and shortgrass None
Lasiurus cinereus
Generally a solitary species.
In Colorado, the species is
frequently detected in
ponderosa pine forests where
large deciduous trees are
lacking. Can occur in any
appropriate treed habitat.
None
Northern Pocket Gopher
Thomomys talpoides macrotis
Many habitat types including
agricultural lands, pasture
lands, semidesert
shrublands, and grasslands.
None. No mounds seen within
project area.
Catharus fuscescens
Moist deciduous forests with
dense shrubby vegetation. None
Virginia’s Warbler
Vermivora virginiae
Oak forests, pinyon juniper
woodlands, and the brushy
cover of foothills and
montane streamsides.
None
Western Snowy Plover
Charadrius alexandrinus
Sandy open beaches, dry salt
flats, dredge spoils, and river
bars.
None
White-faced Ibis
Plegadis chihi
Wetlands.
None
Willet In Colorado breeding is None
13,000 ft.
None
Northern Pygmy Owl
Glaucidium gnoma
Inhabit conifer forests and
deciduous woodlands in
mountain regions.
None
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Contopus cooperi
Boreal forests between 7,000
– 11,000 ft.
None
Ovenbird
Seiurus aurocapilla
In Colorado are found in
foothills ponderosa pine
None
Grasslands and agricultural
areas, mostly associated with
the eastern plains.
None
Lazuli Bunting
Passerina amoena
Nest in shrubby habitats
including hillsides, riparian
areas, woodlands and
forests.
None
deserts, and grassy urban
areas (golf courses).
None
Cassin’s Finch
Carpodacus cassinii
Breeds in Colorado in high
country areas but also in
Pinyon Juniper woodlands.
None
Cassin’s Sparrow
Aimophila cassinii
Heavily grazed grasslands of
eastern Colorado where
cholla cactus, yucca,
rabbitbrush, or sand sage
provides shrubby overstory
(Wickersham 2016).
None
Chestnut-collared Longspur Tallgrass prairies of the None
Midget Faded Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis concolor
SC Desert lands in northwestern
Colorado.
None
Longnose Leopard Lizard
Gambelia wislizenii
SC Occurs in west-central Colorado
and extreme southwestern
Colorado.
None
Yellow Mud Turtle
Kinosternon flavescens
SC Occurs in eastern Colorado. None
Common King Snake
Lampropeltis getula
SC Occurs in southwestern and
southeastern Colorado.
None
Texas Blind Snake
Leptotyphlops dulcis
SC Occurs in extreme southeastern
Colorado.
None
Texas Horned Lizard
Phrynosoma cornutum
SC Occurs in southeastern Colorado. None
Roundtail Horned Lizard SC Occurs in extreme northwestern None
Tympanuchus phasianellus
jamesii
SE Rolling hills with scrub oak
thickets and grassy glades.
None
Western Snowy Plover
Charadrius alexandrinus
SC Sandy open beaches, dry salt
flats, dredge spoils, and river
bars.
None
Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Coccyzus americanus
SC Found along major river
drainages.
None
Mammals
Black-tailed Prairie Dog
Cynomys ludovicianus
SC Open prairie grasslands,
disturbed areas, fallow and
mowed agriculture fields.
Present
Botta’s Pocket Gopher
Thomomy bottae rubidus
SC Occur in southern Colorado. None
Kit Fox
Vulpes macrotis
SE Deserts of the Southwest. None
Northern Pocket Gopher
Thomomys talpoides macrotis
SC Many habitat types including
agricultural lands, pasture lands,
None
Colorado.
None
Northern Redbelly Dace
Phoxinus eos
SE
Upper reach tributaries of the S.
Platte and Platte River.
None
Plains Minnow
Hybognathus placitus
SE
Prefer main channel areas with
some current and sandy bottoms.
Found in eastern Colorado.
None
Plains Orangethroat Darter
Etheostoma spectabile
SC
Found in small streams of the
Republican Basin.
None
Rio Grande Chub
Gila pandora
SC
Restricted to the Rio Grande
Basin in Colorado.
None
Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout
Oncorhynchus clarki virginalis
SC
Restricted to the Rio Grande
Basin in Colorado.
None
Rio Grande Sucker
Catostomus plebeius
SE
Restricted to the Rio Grande
Basin in southern Colorado.
None
Southern Redbelly Dace
Phoxinus erythrogaster
SE
One population known in
Arkansas River tributary.
None
Stonecat
Noturus flavus
SC
Found in fast water riffles and
runs of streams.
None
Suckermouth Minnow
Phenacobius mirabilis
SE
Found in riffle areas of warm
prairie streams of all sizes.
None
Birds
American Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus anatum
SC Nests on ledges of high cliffs. None
South America. Migrates east of
project area.
None
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopus
Holarctic breeding distribution;
winters along Pacific Ocean into
South America
None
Willet
Tringa semipalmata
In Colorado breeding is restricted
to Jackson County and the San
Luis Valley.
None
Willow Flycatcher
Empidonax trailii
Riparian thickets in the foothills
and montane zones and willow-
dominated open valleys and
None
occurrence.
Scaphirhynchus albus Pallid Sturgeon E Affected by water
depletions in N. &
S. Platte and
Laramie River
Basins.
No potential for
occurrence.
Birds
Sternula antillarum Least Tern E In Colorado, breeds
along sandy
reservoir shores only
along the Arkansas
River valley.
No potential for
occurrence.
Strix occidentalis lucida Mexican Spotted
Owl
T Rocky canyons with
deciduous trees.
No potential for
occurrence.
Charadrius melodus Piping Plover E In Colorado, breeds
along sandy
reservoir shores only
No potential for
occurrence.