HomeMy WebLinkAboutCROWNE AT SUNIGA - PDP230007 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS REPORT
Technical Memo
PO Box 272150
Fort Collins, CO 80527
Date: February 15, 2023
To: City of Fort Collins, Planning, Development, and Transportation, Environmental Department
From: Cedar Creek Associates, Inc.
Subject: Crowne at Suniga - 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 close proximity of proposed developments. The Project Site is approximately 11.0 acres
(Parcel # 8706300001) and is situated just west of Lemay Avenue and north of Suniga Road (Figure
1). Ecological characteristics were evaluated on February 11, 2023.
A data review was conducted to gather information and assist in the evaluation of potential natural
biological resources within the property. The data review entailed an evaluation of online resources
and publications to determine the presence or potential occurrence of important natural and
biological resources. This data review included:
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Federally Listed and Proposed Endangered,
Threatened, and Candidate Species and Critical Habitat as identified by the USFWS
Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC) Official Species List and Critical
Habitat Mapper;
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)
protected species as identified on the IPAC Trust Resources Report;
• The Colorado Natural Heritage Program database statewide species and natural community
tracking list for Larimer County;
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Threatened and Endangered Species List and High
Priority Habitat database (SB181);
• 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) The project site is comprised
completely of an agricultural habitat type, which offers very limited wildlife value and ecological
function. The attached photos provide representative views of the Project Site. Overall, wildlife use
of the project site is low due to the relatively small size of the project area, surrounding
development, and a lack of native and woody vegetation cover.
(b & f – Wetland and Water Delineation) There are no wetlands or aquatic features within, or
immediately adjacent to, the Project Site. The riverine features displayed on the National Wetland
Inventory were not found onsite.
(c – Prominent Views) The project area does not provide any significant or unobstructed views
of natural areas or other important visual features. The project is primarily surrounded by
residential development and infrastructure.
(d – Native Vegetation Summary) As indicated under (a & i) the project area does not support
any significant native vegetation.
(e – Non-native Vegetation Summary) The site is almost entirely comprised of agricultural or
non-native vegetation, as described in the section above.
(g – Sensitive Species Habitat) There are no sensitive species habitat located in the Project
Site.
(h – Special Habitat Features) The CPW database reveals a bald eagle nest to the east of the
site (Figure 2). No prairie dogs were observed onsite.
(i – Wildlife Movement Corridors) Lake Canal is situated to the north of the proposed
development parcel. It does intersect into the study area, but if a buffer were applied, it would not
encroach on the site.
(k – Timing Issues) Since the potential bald eagle nest is located in a highly developed area, the
CPW guidelines require no permitted, authorized, or human encroachment activities within ¼ mile
radius of active nests from December 1 through July 31. This potential buffer would not encroach
onto the proposed development site. Therefore, no timing restrictions are required for the site.
(l – Proposed Mitigation) No mitigation is proposed for this Project.
Agricultural Habitat Type
Agricultural Habitat Type