2019-05-14_PERMIT FILE - M2019025 (16)

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ATTACHMENT D 6.5.3 Results Wetland F has an appropriate landform, hydrology and soil type to potentially support the Ute ladies' tresses orchid and Colorado butterfly plant. However, the existing plant community suggests it is not suitable habitat. Specifically, the common associates are not present, and instead the moist soil habitat at the periphery of the wetland is dominated by aggressive introduced species such as quackgrass, teasel, intermediate wheatgrass, and prickly lettuce. 6.6 Wetland G 6.6.1 Location,Vegetation and Hydrology Wetland G (0.04 acre) is located in a poorly-defined swale just west of the Ditch Wetland (Photo 14). Wetland G is dominated by reed canarygrass, and was heavily grazed at the time of the delineation. Other common species include quackgrass, fowl bluegrass, meadow fescue, Canada thistle, and intermediate wheatgrass. The Swale containing Wetland G appears to be an old, abandoned river channel that is influenced by seasonally high groundwater table near the river. 6.6.2 Ecological Condition and land Use History As noted above, this wetland was heavily grazed at the time of the delineation and is dominated by aggressive introduced plants. 6.6.3 Results Wetland G is not suitable habitat for the Colorado butterfly plant or Ute ladies' tresses orchid due to heavy grazing and the presence of introduced species and weeds at the margins, and dense growth of reed canarygrass inside the wetland boundary. 6.7 Ditch Wetland 6.7.1 Location, Vegetation and Hydrology The Ditch Wetland is located along an irrigation return flow ditch that conveys water from the Hill & Brush Ditch south through the project site to the Big Thompson River. This linear wetland measures approximately 4,148 square feet (0.10 acre) (Photo 3). The Ditch Wetland is lined by areas of reed canarygrass, with a small amount of threesquare bulrush and the forbs blister buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus) and threelobe beggarstick (Bidens tripartita). Meadow fescue and intermediate wheatgrass occur along the margins. The aquatic forb American speedwell (Veronica americana) grows in the shallow water of the ditch. Water flowing from the Hill and Brush Ditch to the Big Thompson River creates saturated soil conditions for wetland development along the ditch banks. At the time of the delineation, the Hill and Brush Ditch had pooled water from recent heavy rains that was spilling over into the ditch wetland and flowing south to the Big Thompson River. 6.7.2 Ecological Condition and Land Use History The Ditch Wetland is a man-made feature that is periodically maintained and heavily grazed by cows. 6.7.3 Results The ditch wetland is not suitable habitat for the Colorado butterfly plant or Ute ladies' tresses orchid. 6