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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFRONT RANGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SOUTH PARKING LOT EXPANSION - SPAR - SPA130004 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTEcological Characterization Study Front Range Community College Parking Improvement Project Prepared for: OZ Architecture 3003 Larimer Street Denver, CO 80205 Prepared by: Wildland Consultants, Inc. 1001 Jefferson Drive Berthoud, Colorado 80513 September 2013 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ………………………………………………………………….. 1 2.0 Vegetation and Wetlands ……………………………………………………. 1 2.1 Rare Plant Species …………………………………………………………… 2 3.0 Wildlife Description …………………………………………………………. 3 3.1 Species and Habitats …………………………………………………………. 2 3.2 Wildlife Corridors ……………………………………………………………. 3 3.3 Rare Wildlife Species ………………………………………………………… 3 4.0 Views …………………………………………………………………………. 4 5.0 Project Impacts ………………………………………………………………. 4 6.0 Conclusions, Proposed Mitigation ……………………………………………. 5 7.0 References …………………………………………………………………….. 5 Attachment A- Site Photographs, Site Plan, Aerial Site Map, Natural Habitats and Features Map 1 Ecological Characterization Study – Front Range Community College Parking Improvements 1.0 Introduction The Front Range Community College (FRCC) Parking Improvement project is located in southwest Fort Collins, Colorado. The proposed parking lot project is located on a total of approximately 3.37 acres. Open space/park areas are proposed for buffers for streets, adjacent housing, and the irrigation ditch bordering the south side of the property. The site is bounded on the north by existing parking for the FRCC campus, the south by an unnamed irrigation ditch, and the west by South Shields Street. The development site is surrounded by existing residential and commercial development. Current land uses on the site include open space and pasture. A Site Plan, Aerial Site Map, and Natural Areas and Features Map are provided in Attachment A. The Fort Collins Land Use Code (Section 3.4.1) recommends that an Ecological Characterization Study be completed for projects that are within 500 feet of any natural habitat or feature mapped on the Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map. There are no natural habitats or features or designated Natural Areas within 500 feet of the project (Attachment A, Natural Aras and Features Map). The Ecological Characterization study is also recommended if the site includes areas of unique plant life or wildlife habitat (City of Fort Collins, 2013). The 3.37 acre development site includes an irrigation ditch that supports woody vegetation and narrow wetlands. The Ecological Characterization study was completed by Mr. Eric Berg of Wildland Consultants, Inc. (WCI). Mr. Berg is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and Certified Professional Wetland Scientist. 2.0 Vegetation and Wetland Description Vegetation on the site is dominated by seeded pasture that was used historically for hay and grazing. Dominant plants include seeded species like smooth brome grass (Bromus inermis), crested wheatgrass (Agropryon cristatum) and a few other species. Weedy species including field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serulia), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), and Canada thistle (Cirsium arvensis) are present. There are no native plant communities present on the development site. Site photos are included in Attachment A. A formal wetland delineation has not been completed on the site. NWI mapping does not show any wetlands within the development boundaries (NWI 2013). However, the field review of the site found narrow wetlands present associated with the south unnamed irrigation ditch and along a drainage ditch adjacent to the north site boundary (See Attachment A Site Photos, Site Aerial Map). The south irrigation ditch goes underground at the east site boundary and comes above ground at the west site boundary. 2 It is believed the ditch connects with Mail Creek. The north drainage ditch runs through the FRCC campus and it believed connects with Mail Creek. The south irrigation ditch support a narrow strip of wetland vegetation (approximately 3- 5 feet wide). Dominant plants include: cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides), peach leaf willow (Salix amygdaloides) and a few other species. Woody riparian vegetation is present along the south and western sections of the ditch. Upland species adjacent to the channels included smooth brome, and other grasses and forbs. The north drainage ditch supports cordgrass, reed canary grass and a few stands of cattails. Wetland hydrology is evident in the ditch and drainage channel. Flowing and standing water are present. Wetland soils are also present within channel bottoms (low chroma colors, soil mottling, high organic matter). Water sources include irrigation flows and drainage flows. The jurisdictional status (are these channels under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)) is not known. However, the drainages likely do meet the vegetation, soils and hydrology characteristics to be classified as wetlands. No wetlands or natural features are mapped on the site by the City of Fort Collins (City of Fort Collins 2013). However, mapping on the Natural Habitat and Features map is not entirely accurate in this area (See Attachment A Site Aerial). 2.1 Rare Plant Species The wetland zones along the unnamed drainages provide marginal/poor potential habitat for the Ute ladies’ tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis) and Colorado butterfly plant (Guara neomexicana). The orchid has been documented in areas with seasonally wet soils and wet meadows near springs, lakes, or perennial streams and their associated flood plains below 6,500 feet above sea level in the South Platte River Drainage (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1992). The Colorado butterfly plant typically grows on sub- irrigated alluvial soils in floodplains and drainage bottoms and in depressions along slow- moving streams (Fertig 2000, O’Kane 1988). Because these drainages are manmade, and vegetation along the drainages has been controlled (by mowing or herbicides) in the past it is unlikely that either rare plant species is present. In addition, there are no known populations of these plants located nearby within the City of Fort Collins. WCI ecologists did not observe either species on the site during the September field reconnaissance. 3 3.0 Wildlife Description 3.1 Species and Habitat The project area provides habitat to wildlife species adapted to pasture/grasslands, and urban areas. Wildlife species likely to use the area periodically include: red fox, coyote, raccoon, striped skunk; a variety of small mammals (deer mouse, meadow vole, house mouse, cottontail rabbit); a variety of birds (meadow lark, mourning dove, American robin, common grackle, common flicker, yellow warbler, house finch, English sparrow, black-billed magpie, starling, American kestrel, great horned owl, great blue heron, and many others); a few reptiles (western terrestrial garter snake, gopher snake) and amphibians (tiger salamander, plains spadefoot toad) (Andrews and Righter 1994, Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife 2013, Fitzgerald et al. 1998, Hammerson 1999). The site does not include any mapped key or important wildlife habitats (Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife 2013). The south drainage ditch does provide potential nesting habitat to a variety of passerine bird species. The wetland and limited riparian vegetation associated with the south drainage ditch provides a wildlife habitat area in an urban environment. Wildlife species or signs of species observed on the site during a fall 2013 field reconnaissance included: English sparrow, yellow warbler, common flicker, black- capped chickadee, starling, magpie, mourning dove, American kestrel, great horned owl, deer mouse, meadow vole, raccoon, striped skunk, cottontail rabbit, and red fox. The development site does not support a black-tailed prairie dog colony. There are no known raptor nests on the development site or adjacent areas. However, thick leaf cover during the field review prevented a definitive search for raptor nests. Great blue herons may forage occasionally along the unnamed south drainage ditch. 3.2 Wildlife Corridors The unnamed south irrigation ditch provides a narrow wildlife movement corridor that is generally limited to the development site. Raccoons, skunks and other urban adapted species use the drainage to move through the site. The south irrigation ditch does not continue above ground upstream to the west. The ditch goes underground at the east edge of the site (as a result of the existing Clarendon Hills Development). The ditch does appear again about 370 feet to the northeast after being fragmented by the subdivision. From here the ditch runs along the south side of the FRCC campus before disappearing again. The north drainage ditch is landscaped and supports a narrow wetland of 2-3 feet wide. This north drainage is paralleled by a concrete trail. The ditch runs through the developed FRCC campus. This ditch provides a limited wildlife movement corridor because of landscaped vegetation and intensive human use. 4 3.3 Rare Wildlife Species The site provides poor potential habitat to Federally Listed Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei). The nearest quality potential habitat is present along the Cache la Poudre River. Preferred habitat for the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse includes thick shrubby riparian habitat along area streams and rivers (Armstrong et al. 1997). The nearest occupied habitat for the Preble’s mouse is along the Cache la Poudre River upstream of LaPorte. Bald eagles (delisted but protected by the Bald Eagle Protection Act) may be present foraging in the general area during the winter periods. The area is mapped as part of overall bald eagle winter range (Colorado Division of Wildlife 2013). Bald eagle winter concentration areas are mapped along the Cache la Poudre River. There are no nests or bald eagle winter roost sites on or near the proposed development. 4.0 Views The area surrounding the site is already heavily developed with commercial and residential properties bordering all sides of the development. The proposed development will be visible from surrounding roads. Offsite views towards the mountains from the south and east will altered by project construction. 5.0 Project Impacts Project construction would result in the conversion of approximately 3.37 acres of pasture land to urban uses. Wetlands and Riparian Zones- The south drainage ditch would remain undisturbed (Attachment A-Site Plan). Buffer zones of approximately 22 feet to 75 feet are proposed from the ditch center to the edge of parking curb. The north drainage would remain undisturbed (except for 2 road crossings) within an existing FRCC open space/park area. Prior to any work in the drainage channels the ACOE would be consulted regarding jurisdictional status. If needed a formal wetland delineation would be completed, and appropriate permits would be obtained from the ACOE. All trees and shrubs along the south drainage would be preserved. Wildlife- Project construction would result in the conversion of approximately 3.37 acres of seeded pasture to a parking lot. The wetland vegetation (including trees and shrubs) along the south drainage would remain intact. Urban adapted wildlife species would be expected to continue to use the drainage. Species more sensitive to human disturbance (raptors for 5 example) may use the area with less frequency. No impacts to regional wildlife movement in southwest Fort Collins are anticipated with project construction. Development buffer zones from the south drainage ditch will protect existing vegetation and habitat. Rare Species- The project is not expected to impact any Federally listed, or special status wildlife or plant species. The site provides poor potential habitat to the Federally listed Preble’s meadow jumping mouse. Impacts are not expected to occur to the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse with project construction. No impacts to the Ute ladies’ tresses orchid and Colorado butterfly plant are expected to occur with project construction. The drainages provide marginal potential habitat for these species. No nearby locations for these species are present. No trees would be removed that provide potential nesting sites for passerine birds along the south drainage ditch. 6.0 Conclusion, Proposed Mitigation Project construction would result in the conversion of approximately 3.37 acres of seeded grassland/pasture to urban uses. The developer proposes the following general mitigation measures for the project. These will be refined for later submittals:  The ACOE will be consulted to determine if the north drainage on the site is jurisdictional. Appropriate permits will be obtained if needed from the ACOE. If needed wetland mitigation will be completed according to ACOE and the City of Fort Collins requirements.  The south irrigation ditch will buffered from the edge of the parking lot (buffer zone of 22 -75 feet). The north drainage will remain undisturbed in an existing FRCC open space corridor. The south drainage buffer will remain a natural area with no formal landscaping. Additional seeding of appropriate upland grasses will be completed as needed. Additional plantings of native shrubs and trees will be completed in this area.  All trees and shrubs along the north drainage will remain intact, except for removal at the 2 road crossings. 7.0 References Andrews, R. and R. Righter. 1992. Colorado Birds. Museum of Natural History, Denver, CO. 442pp. Armstrong, D.M., M.E. Bakeman, N.W. Clippinger, A. Deans, M. Marguiles, C.A. Meaney, C. Miller, M. O’Shea-Stone, T.R. Ryon, and M. Sanders. 1987. Report on Habitat Findings of the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse. Presented to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Colorado Division of Wildlife. 6 City of Fort Collins. 2013. City of Fort Collins Natural Habitats & Features Inventory Map. GIS Data City of Fort Collins. 2013. City Code Section 3.4.1. Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. 2013. NDIS GIS Data. Fertig, W. 2000. Status Review of the Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis). Report prepared for the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department by the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, Laramie, WY. Fitzgerald, J.P., C.A. Meaney, D.M. Armstrong. 1994. Mammals of Colorado. Denver Museum of Natural History and University Press of Colorado. 467pp. Hammerson, G.A. 1999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado. Colorado Division of Wildlife. Denver, CO. 130pp. NationalWetland Inventory Mapping. 2013. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NWI GIS Data. O’Kane, S.L. 1988. Colorado’s rare flora. Great Basin Naturalist 48(4):434-484. Spackman, S., B. Jennings, J. Coles, C. Dawson, M. Minton, A. Kratz, and C. Spurries. 1997. Colorado Rare Plant Field Guide. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. 7 Attachment A Site Photographs, Site Map, Site Aerial, Natural Habitats and Features Map Photo 1. View along north wetland/drainage from near the NE site corner. Photo 2. View of seeded grass/pasture to west from near NE site corner. 8 Photo 3. View of south drainage from east site boundary, culvert where drainage goes underground. Photo 4. View to west of south drainage where it ends at east site boundary. 9 Photo 5. View of wetland vegetation and riparian vegetation south drainage. Photo 6. View of wetland and riparian vegetation, south drainage. 10 Photo 7. View of south drainage to the west, from near site center. Photo 8. View to east of south drainage from west side. 11 Photo 9. View of very west end of south drainage where it comes above ground. Photo 10. View to west from near SW site corner. 12 Photo 11. View to south along Shields from near SW site corner. Photo 12. View to east across center of site from west boundary. 13 Photo 13. View to east across site from near NW site boundary. Photo 14. View to east along north drainage and wetland from near NW site boundary. OCTOBER 2, 2013 6 EXPANDED PARKING PLAN 1:100 254 Parking Spaces Permeable Pavers for Water Quality 30’ Setback Storm Water Ponds 164 Parking spaces 100’ Setback