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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.03 Vegetation analysis and weed mgmt plan.pdfEagle Springs Solar March 2011 Appendix C Vegetation Analysis and Weed Management Plan 6 Major Impact Review Appendix C JOHN L. TAUFER & ASSOCIATES, INC. Landscape Architecture / Land Planning March 10, 2011 Molly Orkild- Larson, Senior Planner Garfield County Building and Planning Department 109 W. 8th Street Ste. 400 Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601 Re: Eagle Springs Solar — Vegetative Analysis Major Impact Review - Garfield County, Colorado Dear Molly, Eagle Springs Solar is proposing to develop approximately 73 acres of solar fields on the Eagle Springs Organic LLC ranch property which is located south of County Road 346 and east of County Road 315 (Mamm Creek Road) The entire ranch consists of approximately 230 acres. It is anticipated that the solar fields will be developed in 3 phases. The electricity generated from the solar fields will be used to supply power for the ranch greenhouses and ranch operations while the remainder of the electricity will be routed into the Holy Cross Energy and Excel Energy power grids. The report prepared herewith will address the existing vegetative characteristics of the impacted 73 acres of property. The inventory of vegetative characteristics is broken down by individual parcels as identified in this report as well as on the attached drawings titled Vegetation Map. The reports will coincide with the requirements set forth in the Garfield County Land Use Resolution, 2008. The requirements set forth in the Resolution consists of Landscape Plan, Section 4 -502 C.5; Land Suitability Analysis, Section 4- 502 (D), 11; Impact Analysis, Section 4- 502(E), 3,8 and Article VII, Division 3, Section 7 -305. Proposed Development - Phasing As previously mentioned, Eagle Springs Solar is proposing to install a series of solar panels that measure 33 feet long and 13 feet wide and tall. The panels will be mounted on piers that will allow a 4 foot clearance from the bottom of the panel to the ground. This will allow for snow accumulation underneath the panels and will allow light and moisture penetration to the ground below. Phase 1 installation will include approximately 28 acres of property located in the northwest part of the property and is identified as a portion of the 1/4 pivot area as well as a triangular piece east of an Antero Resources service road. This site is bound by the SO9 Colorado Avenue • Box 223'1 • Glenvrvood 9prings, CO 031 002 (970) 945 -1337 • FAX (970) 945 -7914 Multi -Trina Irrigation Ditch on the south side and adjoining property to the west and north sides. This phase also includes a 6 acre tract which is located east of the main tract. An Antero Resources service road splits the tract from the main tract. Phase 2 will include 9 acre parcel that is isolated from the aforementioned parcels and is located on the east side of the Eagle Springs Ranch. It is commonly referred to as the `Barley Patch'. Phase 3 will include a 36 acre parcel which is situated south of the Phase 1 tract. It represents the remainder of the V4 pivot area. The property is bound by the Multi -Trina ditch to the north, adjoining property to the west and south and the Antero Resource service road to the east. According to the ranch manager, the Phase 1 tracts have been utilized for livestock grazing purposes in the past few years. While there is pivot irrigation available, with the exception of the 6 acre tract, the irrigation system has not been utilized in the past few years. The Phase 3 tract, south of Phase 1, has pivot irrigation available, but has not been utilized. The 9 acre tract in Phase 2 was disked and cultivated this past year and planted with barley. Irrigation was utilized this past year on this tract. Existing Vegetation Inventory On February 18, 2011 and again on February 25, 2011, I performed an -site inspections to inventory the existing vegetation of the affected areas. Because my inspections occurred during the winter month of February, 1 was not afforded the opportunity to inspect the vegetation during the normal growing season. 1 was able to identify those species that were visible and identifiable but the inventory may be lacking some species that were not present and identifiable at the time of inspection. I observed that the majority of the affected tracts had been cleared and grubbed for agricultural and/or livestock grazing purposes. The existing vegetation on the 28 acre, Phase 1 tract, consists of Cheatgrass ( liromus tectorunt), Western Ragweed ( Ambrosia psilostachya ). Western Wheatgrass ( Pascopyrum smithii), Russian Knapweed (Acroptilon repens), and Hoary Cress (Centaurea diffiusa). While Cheatrass is the predominate vegetative cover, intermittent groupings of Russian Knapweed, Hoary Cress and Western Ragweed are scattered across the tract. The predominate vegetation adjacent to the Milti -Trina irrigation ditch consists of Western Wheatgrass, Russian Knapweed and Western Ragweed. Russian Knapweed is also found along side of the dirt road that follows the southern and western boundary of the tract while Western Ragweed is present along the Antero Resources service road on the east side of the tract. Western Ragweed is present along the northern fence line. 2 The predominate vegetative cover on the 6 acre tract in Phase 1 is similar to the 36 acre tract. While Cheatrass is the predominate vegetative cover, intermittent groupings of Russian Knapweed, Hoary Cress and Western Ragweed are scattered across the tract. As previously mentioned, the Phase 2, 9 acre tract, was disked in 2010 and as a result, the tract is void of vegetative cover other than the stems of the harvested barley. There is a presence of Western Ragweed along the fenceline which borders the east side of the tract. The existing vegetation on the 36 acre, Phase 3 tract, is consistent with the vegetation on the adjoining 28 acre tract. Again the predominate vegetation consists of cheatgrass. The presence of Russian Knapweed, Hoary Cress and Western Ragweed are scattered across the site. A thick stand of Western Ragweed is present along the Antero Resources service road and around the pivot irrigation water source. Russian Knapweed is found alongside the interior service roads. Occasional stands of Wheatgrass are found in depressions along the drainage swales that run east to west. Groupings of Western Sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata) and Rabbitbrush ( Chrysothamnus nauseosus) are located along the southern fenceline. Revegetation of Disturbed Areas Areas disturbed by construction activity will be revegetated with grasses that are compatible with the vegetation that currently is present on the Eagle Springs Organic LLC ranch property. Disturbed areas will be seeded with the following seed mix and at the rate specified: SEEDING SCHEDULE Description Lbs/PLSIAcre* Intermediate Wheatgrass ` Oahe ' Western Wheatgrass ` Arriba' Slender Wheatgrass ` San Luis' Sheeps Fescue `Covar' Blue Gramma ` Hachita' Sand Dropseed Perennial Ryegrass `Low Grow' Annual Ryegrass • Lbs. /Pure Live Seed /Acre 5.0 4.0 3.0 1.5 1.5 0.5 2.0 3.0 20.5 Lbs.IPLS /Aere Seed will be sown by either hydraulic, hand broadcast or brillion seed drilling. A fiber or straw mulch shall be applied in conjunction with the seeding operation. 3 Impacts of Land Use On Existing Flora The installation of solar panels will not have a short or a long term effect on the flora associated with the aforementioned tracts of property. The panels will be mounted at a height 4 feet above the ground surface and the panels will be angled at approximately 33 degrees. This will allow light and moisture to penetrate the ground surface. In addition, the revegetation of disturbed areas associated with the installation will improve the overall vegetative characteristics of the property. By introducing a more diverse plant community, the undesirable vegetation found on these tracts will be forced to compete with the more desirable vegetation. The undesirable plants will be forced out thus leaving a more healthy plant community. Landscape Plan The only landscaping that Eagle Springs Solar is proposing is the reseeding of the disturbed areas of the tracts. The aforementioned tracts are located on a mesa above the valley floor and are not visible from any county or state roads. If you have questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Sincerely, John L. Taufer, Landscape Architect 4 JOHN L. TAUFER & ASSOCIATES, INC. L€3ndecepe Architecture / Lend planning March 10, 2011 Steve Anthony, Director Garfield County Vegetation Managnent 0298 County Road 333A Rifle, Colorado 81650 Re: Eagle Springs Solar — Weed Management Plan Major Impact Review - Garfield County, Colorado Dear Steve, Eagle Springs Solar is proposing to develop approximately 73 acres of solar fields on the Eagle Springs Organic LLC property which is located south of County Road 346 and east of County Road 315 (Mamm Creek Road). The entire ranch consists of approximately 230 acres. It is anticipated that the solar fields will be developed in 3 phases. The electricity generated from the solar fields will be used to supply power for the organic greenhouses while the remainder of the electricity will be routed into the Holy Cross Energy and Excel Energy power grids. The report prepared, here within, will address the existing vegetative characteristics as well as the weed management plan for the impacted 73 acres of property. The invento of vegetative characteristics is broken down by individual parcels as identified in this report as well as on the attached drawing titled Vegetation Map. Proposed Development .. Phasing As previously mentioned, Eagle Springs Solar is proposing to install a series of solar panels that measure 33 feet long and 13 feet wide and tall. The panels will be mounted on piers that will allow a 4 foot clearance from the bottom of the panel to the ground. This will allow for snow accumulation underneath the panels and will allow light and moisture penetration to the ground below. y Phase 1 installation will include approximately 28 acres of property located in the northwest part of the property and is identified as a portion of the % pivot area as well as a triangular piece east of an Antero Resources service road. This site is bound by the Multi-Trina Irrigation Ditch on the south side and adjoining property to the west and north sides. This phase also includes a 6 acre tract which is located east of the main tract. An Antero Resources service road splits the tract from the main tract. 909 Colorado Avenue • Box 22t 'l • Glenwood Springe, CO 01 602 (970) 945 -1337 it FAX (970) 945 -7914 Phase 2 will include 9 acre parcel that is isolated from the aforementioned parcels and is located on the east side of the Eagle Springs Ranch. It is commonly referred to as the `Barley Patch'. Phase 3 will include a 36 acre parcel which is situated south of the Phase I tract. It represents the remainder of the'/ pivot area. The property is bound by the Multi -Trina ditch to the north, adjoining property to the west and south and the Antero Resource service road to the east. According to the Eagle Springs Organic ranch manager, the Phase 1 tracts have been utilized for livestock grazing purposes over the past few years by the previous ranch owner. While there is pivot irrigation available, with the exception of the 6 acre tract, the irrigation system has not been utilized in the past few years. The Phase 3 tract, south of Phase 1, has pivot irrigation available, but has not been utilized. The 9 acre tract in Phase 2 was disked and cultivated this past year and planted with barley. Irrigation was utilized this past year on this tract. The aforementioned tracts of land were certified organic in August 2010. Existing Vegetation and Noxious Weed Inventory On February 18, 2011 and again on February 25, 2011, I performed on -site inspections to inventory the existing vegetation and identify any noxious weeds of the affected areas tracts. Because my inspections occurred during the winter month of February, I was not afforded the opportunity to inspect the vegetation during the normal growing season. I was able to identify those species that were visible and identifiable but the inventory may be lacking some species that were not present and identifiable at the time of inspection. I observed that the majority of the affected tracts had been cleared and grubbed for agricultural and/or livestock grazing purposes. The existing vegetation on the 28 acre, Phase 1 tract, consists of Cheatgrass ( Bromus tectorum), Western Ragweed ( Ambrosia psilostachya ), Western Wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), Russian Knapweed ( Acroptilon repens), and Hoary Cress ( Cardaria draba). While Cheatrass is the predominate vegetative cover, intermittent groupings of Russian Knapweed, Hoary Cress and Western Ragweed are scattered across the tract. The predominate vegetation adjacent to the Milti- Trina:, irrigation ditch consists of Western Wheatgrass, Russian Knapweed and Western Ragweed. Russian Knapweed is also found along side of the dirt road that follows the southern and western boundary of the tract while Western Ragweed is present along the Antero Resources service road on the east side of the tract. Western Ragweed is present along the northern fence line. The predominate vegetative cover on the 6 acre tract in Phase 1, is similar to the 36 acre tract. While Cheatgrass is the predominate vegetative cover, intermittent groupings of Russian Knapweed, Hoary Cress and Western Ragweed are scattered across the tract. 2 As previously mentioned, the Phase 3, 9 acre tract, was disked in 2010 and, as a result, the tract is void of vegetative cover other than the stems of the harvested barley. There is a presence of Western Ragweed along the fenceline which borders the east side of the tract. The existing vegetation on the 36 acre Phase 3 tract is consistent with the vegetation on the adjoining 28 acre tract. Again the predominate vegetation consists of cheatgrass. The presence of Russian Knapweed, Hoary Cress and Western Ragweed are scattered across the site. A thick stand of Western Ragweed is present along the Antero Resources service road and around the pivot irrigation water source. Russian Knapweed is found alongside the interior service roads. Occasional stands of Wheatgrass are found in depressions along the drainage swales that run east to west. Groupings of Western Sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentate) and Rabbitbrush ( Chrysothamnus nauseosus ) are located along the southern fenceline. Russian Knapweed ( Acroptilon repens) and 1 -loary Cress ( Cardaria draba) are listed on the Garfield County Noxious Weed List. Weed Management Program The aforementioned tracts of land have been Certified Organic by the USDA and the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Although the use of herbicides is the most effective method in controlling noxious weeds, the use of pesticides/herbicides is prohibited on organic certified lands. Therefore, other biological methods of weed control will be undertaken by Eagle Springs Organic and Eagle Springs Solar. The methods of weed control will include applications of a horticultural biopesticide ( 30/70 mix of vinegar /water) ; mechanical control ( cutting, removal by hand and burning) and livestock grazing ( goats and sheep), Eagle Springs Solar employees will be trained, by Eagle Springs Organic employees, as spray applicators to treat weeds with the 30/70 vinegar mix. They will spray the weeds within the solar fields once a month. The 30/70 vinegar/ water mix has been used by Solar Springs Solar to treat knapweed on other parts of the property. The applications, according to the manager, have been very successful in treating knapweed. A commercial product, Weed Pharm, a horticultural biopesticide, manufactured by Pharni Solutions Inc, was approved, in February 2011, for crop use by the EPA. The active ingredient in Weed Pharrn is a food grade 200 grain vinegar ( equal to 20% acetic acid). Eagle Springs Solar will also utilize their employees to mechanically remove weeds by cutting, hand removal and burning. This will also be done on a periodic basis, 3 Lastly, Eagle Springs Organic will also utilize their herds of goats and sheep to graze the property. They have, at their disposal, 20 goats and 15 kids as well as a small herd of sheep. Eradication of noxious weeds by goat grazing has proven to be a very effective method of biological weed control. Weed control efforts will commence in the early summer of 2011 and will continue throughout the growing season. Revegetation of Disturbed Areas Areas disturbed by construction activity, as well as the Phase 3, 9 acre parcel, will be revegetated with grasses that are compatible with the vegetation that currently is present on the Eagle Springs Organic LLC property. Disturbed areas will be seeded with the following seed mix and at the rate specified: SEEDING SCHEDULE Description Lbs /PLS /Acre* Intermediate Wheatgrass ` Oahe ' Western Wheatgrass ` Arriba' Slender Wheatgrass ` San Luis' Sheeps Fescue `Covar' Blue Gramma ` Flachita' Sand Dropseed Perennial Ryegrass `Low Grow' Annual Ryegrass • Lbs. /Pure Live Seed/Acre 5.0 4.0 3.0 1.5 1.5 0.5 2.0 3.0 20.5 Lbs.IPLS /Acre Seed will be sown by either hydraulic, hand broadcast or brillion seed drilling. A fiber or straw mulch shall be applied in conjunction with the seeding operation. If you have questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Sincerely, John L Taufer, Landscape Architect 4