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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAbney Glen Flora and Fauna Reportv ch e Care ►dscaping tsulting Services April 04, 2005 _-V ,,;,-., Paul Shoopman Indiana Land Development R������ 8170 Zionsville Road , co Indianapolis, IN 46268`� ' Re: Filo Property Mr. Shoopman, The following is the City of Carmel's required Flora and Fauna Analysis for the Filo property located at 11850 Shelborne Road in Hamilton County, Indiana. Please refer to the aerial photo and the photo documentation (appendix A and C) when reading this report. This report contains lists of all flora and fauna discovered during the inspection. The Filo property can be divided into 3 distinct compartments: the grassy field, the open lawn with widely scattered trees, and the semi -forested area. Long Branch creek runs through all 3 compartments. The forested area is rated as "Woodland, Young" according to Carmel's ROSO III. Long Branch Creek is rated as "Priority Open Space" according to Carmel's ROSO III definitions (7.05.03). The rest of the property is rated as "undefined Open Space". The Filo property was historically a forested area. It has now been cleared to various degrees. Most of the property is mown with scattered individual trees, shrubs, and clumps of trees. There are many nice trees from saplings to 12" dbh scattered around the property. There are multiple opportunities to develop unique and interesting features that will make this development a special place to live, including a pond with waterfalls, an orchard, multiple small and large trees, and the creek. All trees that are to be preserved should be protected during construction. They should also be inspected, pruned and cleaned up to remove any broken limbs and reduce potential risk. 4721 East 146t" Street, Carmel, IN. 46033. 317.846.3778 Long Branch Creek is an important natural resource for all the people in this area. Anything that happens to the creek affects people beyond the boundaries of this property. It is important to protect the functions of this creek. No flora or fauna of federal or state concern were noted during this inspection. Please contact us if there are any questions about this work. We appreciate this opportunity to work with you. Thank you, 3eft ey Maddox, Ecologist Vine & Branch Inc. ISA Certified Arborist #IN-1482 Vi hic. ,are cap ing lting Services Flora and Fauna Study For: Indiana Land Development 8170 Zionsville Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 Re: Filo Property B1 Judson I Registered Consuls American Society of an Jeffrey Maddox, Ecologist ISA Certified Arborist #IN-1482 April 04, 2005 4721 East 146th Street, Carmel, IN. 46033. 317.846.3778 www.vineandbranch.net Location The Filo property is 38.2 acres located at 11850 Shelborne Road, Hamilton County, Indiana. Also described as NE1/4, SE 1/4, T18N, R3E. Assignment and Scope of Work 1. Inspect the property and provide an analysis of the natural resources to fulfill the City of Carmel's required "Flora and Fauna Study" for the Subdivision Control Ordinance, No. Z-160, Chapter 7, Open Space Standards for Major Subdivisions (ROSO III). 2. Mark these natural resources on an aerial photo. 3. Rate the wooded areas according to Carmel's ROSO III criteria. 4. Note and mark any unusual or exceptional trees or landmarks. 5. Record species of flora and fauna found on site. 6. Photo -document this work if requested. Limitations Inspections were conducted only during the time period of February 08, 2005, and April 01, 2005. As such, they are limited by that time frame and present field conditions. These are not long-term observations needed to represent the full spectrum of plants and animals, which use the land over the course of the year and the changing seasons. Summer and fall blooming plants, and migrating animals, are some of the categories that are not represented in this report. Methodology All areas in the scope of work were inspected on foot. Tallies of the tree species were taken by species and size. The property was separated into different areas defined by changes in tree, plant, or land cover characteristics. These areas are plotted on the aerial photo attached as Appendix A. All animals and birds seen, heard, or found evident by sign were noted. Plants seen along the way were also noted. All plants, animals and other life noted during the inspection are listed in the appendices. More complete lists could be obtained through more intensive investigations. Findings The Filo property is currently a single home site. The topography is slightly rolling with elevation changes of less than 15 feet over the whole property. Long Branch Creek flows from east to west through the property and the land rises up from the creek to form a wide valley. The soils are well drained forest soils. Miami and Crosby silt loams are the predominant soil types. Surrounding land uses are mostly large estates with single homes. Recently a denser sub -division has been developed immediately to the west of this property. The Filo property can be divided into 3 distinct compartments: the grassy field, the open lawn with widely scattered trees, and the semi -forested area. Long Branch creek runs through all 3 compartments. (See appendix A) The Filo property was historically a forested area. It has now been cleared to various degrees to the present day conditions listed above. The Filos have planted many trees throughout the property including many non-native pines and spruces. The native tree species present are Vine & Branch, Inc. Indiana Land Development Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 JCM 04.04.2005 317.846.1424 Page 4 of 20 typical of the beech -maple woods that dominated this region in the past. There are multiple, very large beech trees scattered throughout the property. The clearing has resulted in a changing forest structure. The beech -maple domination that is typical of a closed forest system is being replaced with an ash -elm -black cherry composition as a result of the clearing activities. The Filos have obviously spent considerable time making this a nice home setting. They have planted trees, dug ponds and installed waterfalls. Most of the property is mown with scattered individual trees, shrubs, and clumps of trees. There are many nice trees from saplings to 12" dbh scattered around the property. Specific Area Descriptions The following descriptions will list the general description of each area including dominant tree species and any other conditions or flora/fauna not found on the rest of the property. Unless otherwise noted, the trees and plants listed below were found on each of the areas and throughout the entire property. COMPARTMENT A: SCATTERED CLUMPS OF TREES see photos 6-15 a 2Rendix B This compartment is essentially the backyard of the Filo's home. The forest was cleared here and individual, very large beeches were left. As saplings sprouted under the canopy of these beeches, they were left to grow. The result is patches of woods that consist of a large, declining beech tree surrounded by many small saplings and small trees. These areas are defined by mown paths around and between each patch. Some patches are fair quality and some are poor quality. This area is rated as "Woodland, Young" according to Carmel's ROSO III definitions. The patches in the northeastern quarter of this compartment are generally better quality. There are several very nice trees in this area including one gigantic ash, several 10-16" oaks and tulip poplars. There are many saplings including: sugar maple, ash, black cherry, and elms. The flora layer within these patches is remarkably intact with a good quality of spring ephemeral wildflowers. They are being slowly invaded by weedy species and in some patches, by non-native species of shrubs and roses. There is also a constructed pond and a series of waterfalls. The pond is stocked with bass and other fish and is actively visited by herons and muskrats. The dam and the overflow spill into Long Branch Creek. The series of waterfalls is very well done and nicely vegetated with water loving plants. A small orchard occupies the southwestern corner of this compartment. Long Branch Creek has a well wooded corridor in this compartment. It is important to maintain tree cover over a creek to protect the health of the creek and protect our water quality. Without tree cover, the temperature of the creek rises, the wildlife and diversity of the creek declines, algae and other undesirable plants life grows. The stream loses its ability to function as a water purifier. This area is rated as "Priority Open Space" according to Carmel's ROSO III definitions (7.05.03). The varied habitat of this compartment makes it a prime wildlife area. There is a pond, two flowing streams, large denning trees, woods and shrubbery, an orchard, and evergreens for Vine & Branch, Inc. Indiana Land Development Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 JCM 04.04.2005 317.846.1424 Page 5 of 20 cover. That provides food, shelter, denning sites, foraging areas, and cover. It is no surprise the variety of wildlife noted in this area. COMPARTMENT B: (see photos 1, 2, appendix B This compartment is extends from the front of the house, eastwards to Shelborne road. It is a very large mown lawn with widely scattered trees. The trees range in size from 6" dbh to 30" dbh. There are multiple planted trees including white pines, Norway spruce, blue spruce, and hawthorns. There are scattered native trees including sycamores and willows down by the creek, white ash and black walnuts. This area is rated as "'Open Space" according to Carmel's ROSO III definitions. There are also a number of very large beeches that are scattered throughout. Unfortunately, they are all well past prime and are falling apart. COMPARTMENT C: This is the mown fescue field that occupies the entire northern half of the property. There are no trees anywhere except along a very thin edge of the creek. There is nothing here but fescue grass and the occasional weed. This area is rated as "undefined open space" according to Carmel's ROSO III definitions. Discussion ROSO III, 7.05.03 is designed to protect the water processing functions of a stream or waterway. At the very least, the remaining wooded portions of Long Branch Creek should be protected and a 40 foot from center buffer established. It would be best for the community's health if the entire length of the stream were restored to its original wooded state. There are multiple opportunities to develop unique and interesting features that will make this development a special place to live. The pond and the waterfalls could be part of a park. The orchard could also be used. There are many small trees and a few large trees that could be planned around and protected to add an invaluable feature to the design. Trees, especially large trees are proven to increase the marketability and price of a community. Large trees cannot be replaced and are thus invaluable - literally. Any large trees that are to be preserved should have individual health assessments done to minimize future risks and to maximize the long-term health of these trees. A tree preservation plan should be written once the trees to be preserved are identified. The tree preservation plan will assure the trees are given the care before, during, and after construction that they need to survive. Vine & Branch, Inc. Indiana Land Development Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 JCM 04.04.2005 317.846.1424 Page 6 of 20 Conclusion The Filo property can be divided into 3 distinct compartments: the grassy field, the open lawn with widely scattered trees, and the semi -forested area. Long Branch creek runs through all 3 compartments. The forested area is rated as "Woodland, Young" according to Carmel's ROSO III. Long Branch Creek is rated as "Priority Open Space" according to Carmel's ROSO III definitions (7.05.03). The Filo property was historically a forested area. It has now been cleared to various degrees. Most of the property is mown with scattered individual trees, shrubs, and clumps of trees. There are many nice trees from saplings to 12" dbh scattered around the property. There are multiple opportunities to develop unique and interesting features that will make this development a special place to live, including a pond with waterfalls, an orchard, multiple trees, and the creek. All trees that are to be preserved should be protected during construction. They should also be inspected, pruned and cleaned up to remove any broken limbs and reduce potential risk. Long Branch Creek is an important natural resource for all the people in this area. Anything that happens to the creek affects people beyond the boundaries of this property. It is important to protect the functions of this creek. I certify that all the statements of fact in this report are true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that they are made in good faith. Jeffrey Maddox, Ecologist Vine & Branch Inc. ISA Certified Arborist #IN-1482 Copyright © 2005 Vine & Branch, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America., no part of this publication may be changed, reproduced or distributed without written permission of Vine & Branch Inc. This report and the information it contains are CONFIDENTIAL, for the use of the individual or firm to whom it is addressed, and their assigns. Vine & Branch, Inc. Indiana Land Development Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 JCM 04.04.2005 317.846.1424 Page 7 of 20 Comp. C Mown, grass field - - r _ 0 *... - y•r.•:a........■..... •. r.....•......... r.. •......� pond JW R IS Comp _ a Comp. B ..........,.,............................... F■ilo Property 1 — 15 photo point locations Appendix B: Photo -documentation - - - r--•--••-••� %FNwll lawn wain scattered trees and Long Branch Creek running through it. .-. vvuIraN UNICHIL d Vine &Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development 317.846.1424 JCM 04.04.2005 Page 9 of 20 Eno, 111l.;- ; :Jjj. P12 ',I I 11 All A 8. COMP. A. Wooded natrhac {-i- - �':i�FY`�'Rr 4��. A";�r�i•'�, r�Ei'�• y���•. �' � .� ~ � f � � . MA Rh t fQp• � ' �;+rr�•� �"i3w A' @i mac, �, / !e/ T,gf/�� 1 •• 10. cmmn_ n MY;WN ON Al t7w YJ 1�:P% i T.1 r. M. rw V 5, al Ire, rl �RN�t 4� T e. ry lip Ac-AT - --..��.....� ■vrrc' FIUIIO. Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development 317.846.1424 JCM 04.04.2005 Page 16 of 20 Appendix C: Master list of flora and fauna species found on site Trees Ash, white (Fraxinus americana) Beech, American (Fagus grandifoliata) Birch, river (Betula nigra) Black cherry (Prunus serotina) Black walnut (Juglans nigra) Boxelder (Acer negundo) Cottonwood (Popu/us de/toides) Elm, American (Uimus americana) Elm, red (Uimus rubra) Fruit species (Ma/us spp)* Hackberry (Ceitis occidenta/is) Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) Hickory, bitternut (Carya cordiformis) Hickory, shagbark (Carya ovata) hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) Maple silver (Acersaccharinum) Maple, red (Acer rubrum) Maple, sugar (Acersaccharum) Mulberry, white (Morus aiba)* Oak, pin (Quercus palustris) Oak, red (Quercus rubra) Oak, white (Quercus alba) Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) Osage orange (Mac/ura pomifera)* Pine, black/Austrian (Pinus nigra) Pine, Scotch (pious syivestris) Pine, white (Pinus strobus) Spruce, Colorado "blue" (Picea pungens) Spruce, Norway (Picea abies) Sycamore (Piatanus occidenta/is) Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) Willow (Salix species) * = non-native species Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development 317.846.1424 JCM 04.04.2005 Page 17 of 20 5h- Elderberry, (Sambucus canadensis) European honeysuckle, (Lonicera maakir) Tartarian honeysuckle, (Lonicera tatarica) Gray dogwood, (Corpus racemosa) Dogwood, red osier (Cornus stolonifera) Rose, multiflora (Rosa multifiora) 5erviceberry (Amelanchier candensis) 5picebush (Lindera benzoin) Vines Virginia creeper, (Parthenocissus quinquefolia} Grape vines, ( Vitus spp,) Poison ivy, ( Toxicodendron radicans) Greenbrier (Smilax spp.) Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development 317,846.1424 JCM 04.04.2005 Page 18 of 20 Plants (This list only represents a small portion of the flora on this site due to a limited time frame for Feld investigations) Anemone (Anemone spp.) Asters, (Aster species) Aven s, (Geum canadense) Bedstraws (Galium spp.) Blackberry, (Rubes allegheniensis) Bottlebrush grasses (Hystrix spp.) Burdock, (Arctiurn minus)* Canada thistle cirsium arvense Common milkweed (Asdepias syriaca) Dandelions Taraxacum officinale Dogbane (Apocynum sibiricum) Dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) euon mus - Euro can honeysuckle Lonicera maackii Field thistles (cirsium spp) Garlic Mustard Allar+a etiolata Goldenrods, (Solidago spp.) goose berrylblack currant (Ribes lacustre) Grass, blue grass (Poa spp,) Grass, fescue (Festuca spp.)* Grass, foxtail (Setaria spp.) Greenbrier (Smilax spp.) Ironweed, ( Vernonia altisssima) Isopyrumlfalse rue anemone (lsopyrum biternatum) Lettuce (Prenanthes spp.) Mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum) Mermaid weed (Proserpinaca palusturis) Mullien Verbascum tha sus multiflora rose Rosa multiflora Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) Queen Anne's lace, (Daucus carota)* Ragworts (Senecio spp.) Raspberries, (Rubus occidentalis) Rue anemone (Anemonella thalictroides) Sedges (Carex spp.) Self heal (Prunella vulgaris) Spring beauty (Claytonia caroliniana) Spring cress (Cardamine bulbosa) Sweet Cicely (dsmorhiza claytonii) Toadstool trillium (Trillium sessilifolium) toothwort (Dentaria lacinata) Trout lilies (Erythronium americanum) Vine & Branch, inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.848.1424 Indiana Land Development JCM 04.04,2005 Page 19 of 20 Violefs Viola s Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) Virginia stickseed (Hackelia virginiana) Wild grape (Vitus spp.) wild garlic (Allium canadense) Winter Cress (&rbarea vulgaris)* Animals Muskrat Chipmunks Raccoons Squirrels Opossum Rabbits Moles Great Blue Heron Blue jays Cardinals Chickadees Juncos Grackles Woodpeckers Red tailed hawk Robins Rufus -sided towhee Titmouse Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 Indiana Land Development JCM 04.04,2005 Page 20 of 20