HomeMy WebLinkAboutFORT COLLINS RESCUE MISSION - FDP230022 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 2 - Environmental Report
Technical Memo
PO Box 272150
Fort Collins, CO 80527
11Date: February 17, 2023
To: City of Fort Collins, Planning, Development, and Transportation, Environmental Department
From: Cedar Creek Associates, Inc.
Subject: 1311 North College Ecological Characterization Study
This Ecological Characterization Study (ECS) Memo is submitted to address City of Fort Collins
Land Use Code (Section 3.4.1) requirements to identify habitats and natural resource areas on or
within proximity of proposed developments. The Project Site is comprised of parcels 9702100007 and
9702100918 and is situated between Willox Lane and Hickory Street to the north/south. Mason street
generally runs along the Project Site ’s eastern boundary (Figure 1). Ecological characteristics were
evaluated on September 13, 2022.
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;
• T he Colorado Natural Heritage Program database statewide 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 -2025, 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.
The following provides a summary of information required by Fort Collins Land Use Code under
3.4.1 (D) (1) items (a) through (k).
ECOLOGICAL STUDY CHARACTERIZATION CHECKLIST
(a & j – General Ecological Function and Wildlife Use). Dominant vegetation supported in
the uplands are non-native pasture species such as smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and orchard
grass (Dactylis glomerata) along with non-native forbs such as alfalfa (Medicago sative) and prickly
lettuce (Lactuca serriola). Non-native species also dominate Dry Creek, which does not exhibit bed
and bank, throughout all strata. Dominant trees include the non-native species crack willow (Salix
fragilis), Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) and white popular (Populus alba) while smooth brome is
dominant in the herbaceous layer.
Wildlife use of the Project Site is low due to the surrounding urban development, seasonal mowing,
and dominance by non-native species. The mature trees located along the drainage channel and
SE boundary of the Project Site provides suitable perching, nesting, and foraging habitat for
songbirds and raptors. No raptors or nests were observed in trees on the property during the site
visit. Future raptor nesting in trees within the Project Site is unlikely due to surrounding human
activities and the lack of suitable, adjacent foraging habitats. Wildlife species capable of existing
within or using the Project Site are limited to those species that are either habitat generalists
capable of existing in modified urban environments or species which use a wide variety of habitats
for foraging over a large area.
According to the NCRS Web Soil Survey, the Project Site is comprised mainly of Nunn clay loam 0 -
1 percent slopes. This is a poorly drained , not highly erosive soil and is not classified as hydric. The
topography of the Project Site is generally level with gradual drainage into Dry Creek.
Attached Photos provide representative views of the Project Site.
A winter raptor nesting survey was conducted on December 5th 2022, which was after leaf fall to
facilitate observation of nests. There were no raptor nests identified on any trees in or adjacent to
the project area.
(b & f – Wetland and Water Delineation) Dry Creek is not considered a wetland by the NWI or
CWI. Additionally, an investigation of the area using methodology described in the USACE wetland
delineation manual show no dominant wetland species. There is no high-water mark or evidence of
flowing water, and no bed or bank is established within the extent of the channel.
(c – Prominent Views) The Project Site does not provide any significant or unobstructed views
of natural areas or other important visual features.
(d – Native Vegetation Summary) Native vegetation is limited on the Project Site and is only
present in a few small patches of Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii ) in the upland pastures
and horse tail (Equisetum sp.) and showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) in the drainage channel .
Other native woody species observed on the Project site include rose (Rosa woodsii), wild licorice
(Glycyrrhiza lepidota) and narrowleaf willow (Salix exigua). A linear stand of cottonwood (Populus
deltoides) trees is also present along the SE boundary of the Project Site but is lacking an
herbaceous understory due to residential development.
(e – Non-native Vegetation Summary) The trees present along the drainage channel and road
provide suitable foraging, perching, and nesting habitat for urban adapted avifauna. They create
shade, provide canopy cover, and offer aesthetic and cooling value. The ec ological value of these
trees is diminished by the proximity to the residences, limited suitable habitat in the surrounding
area and lack of a native herbaceous understory .
(g – Sensitive Species Habitat) Showy milkweed is present in the NW portion of the Project
Site. This genus (Asclepias sp.) serves as the obligate host plant for the Monarch butterfly (Danaus
plexippus), a USFWS candidate species.
The project area was also evaluated with regards to potential habitat for state and federal listed
threatened and endangered species, and it was determined that no suitable habitat exists for
Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei), Ute ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes
diluvialis), or Western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera praeclara).
(h – Special Habitat Features) The most prominent ecological feature on the Project Site is Dry
Creek bisecting the property , which is considered a Natural Habitat Feature by the City of Fort
Collins. In accordance with Section 3.4 .1, this feature requires a 100-foot buffer zone. The channel
is comprised mainly of non-native vegetation and exhibits no indication of flowing water with no
establishment of a stream bed or bank.
(i – Wildlife Movement Corridors) Dry Creek provides some cover and movement potential for
highly mobile, urbanized wildlife species such as mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus ), raccoon
(Procyon lotor), and coyote (Canis latrans). Lack of flowing water, significant native vegetation or
quality surroundi ng habitat limits the Project Sites potential as a wildlife movement corridor.
(k – Timing Issues) Nesting avifauna should be considered during development planning of the
Project Site. Mature trees provide suitable nesting habitat for several species. To the extent possible,
tree removal and ground disturbing activities should be limited during the migratory bird nesting
season (February 1st to July 31st). Raptor avoidance should also be observed and should follow CPW
recommended buffer zones and seasonal restrictions.
(l – Proposed Mitigation) In accordance with Section 3.4 .1, a 100-foot buffer zone around the
Dry Creek is warranted for the Project Site. Impacts to showy milkweed should be avoided, if
possible. However, if they are disturbed, seeding of showy milkweed should be implemented in the
Natural Habitat Buffer Zone as mitigation. Additionally, a qualified biologist should survey any trees
that are slated for removal during the nesting season (from February 1st to July 31st). These surveys
ensure compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by verifying no active bird nests are disturbed.
Dry Creek
1311 North College
Project Area
Project Name:
1311 North College
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1063
Date:
9/13/22
Site ID:
South Pasture
Description:
Representative of the
vegetation community within
the mowed pastures.
Project Name:
1311 North College
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1072
Date:
9/13/22
Site ID:
Cottonwood
Description:
Cottonwood stand along
Mason St.
Project Name:
1311 North College
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1177
Date:
9/13/22
Site ID:
Dry Creek
Description:
Representative of Dry Creek
and associated upland
vegetation communities.
Project Name:
1311 North College
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1179
Date:
9/13/22
Site ID:
Dry Creek
Description:
Representative of Dry Creek
and associated upland
vegetation communities.
Dry Creek
Dry Creek
Project Name:
1311 North College
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1069
Date:
9/13/22
Site ID:
North Pasture
Description:
Representative of the north
pasture un-mowed
vegetation community.
Milkweed present.
Project Name:
1311 North College
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1070
Date:
9/13/22
Site ID:
North Pasture 01
Description:
Representative of the north
pasture non-mowed
vegetation community. Wild
licorice present.
Project Name:
1311 North College
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
IMG_1176
Date:
9/13/22
Site ID:
Dry Creek
Description:
Representative of misuse
within Dry Creek.
Project Name:
1311 North College
Location:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Photo ID Number:
1311 N College12-59-
00
Date:
8/17/22
Site ID:
Dry Creek
Description:
Dry Creek along the eastern
boundary
Dry Creek
Dry Creek