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Home My WebLink AboutWoodland Analysis " ) NELSON & FRANKENBERGER A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION ATTORNEYS AT LAW JAMES J. NELSON CHARLES D. FRANKENBERGER JAMES E. SHINA VER LARRY 1. KEMPER JOHN B. FLA 1T OF COUNSEL JANE B. MERRILL 3105 EAST 98TI1 STREET SUITE 170 iNDiANAPOLiS, iNDIANA 46280 317-844-0106 FAX: 317-846-8782 www.nf-Iaw.com September 22, 2006 Via Hand Delivery Matt Griffin Scott Brewer City of Carmel - Department of Community Services One Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032 RE: Wayne Beverage/Guilford Partners, LLc - Park Place PUD 06080036PUD Submission of Woodlands Analysis and Wetlands Study Dear Matt and Scott: Enclosed please you will find a copy of the Woodlands Analysis and Wetlands Study that we discussed at the T AC meeting earlier this week. Please contact me with any questions. Very truly yours, NELSON & FRANKENBERGER JESlbd Enclosure 1\ L> / f RECEIVED GEP 2 ;2 \ DOCS H:\brad\Zoning & Real Estate Matters\WLB\Guilford Partners Cannel\Griffin 091806.doc - -' .~ l' . Tree Care Landscaping Consulting Services Woodland Analysis For: WLB Associates, Inc. 16656 Brownstone Court Westfield, Indiana 46074 By: Judson R. Registered Consulting American Society of Co Patrick Grecu, Natural R Indiana Acaedited Horticulturl June 20, 2006 4721 East 146th Street, Carmel, IN. 46033. 317.846.3778 ranch lnc. Tree Care Lands(~aping Consulting Sel"Viees June 20, 2006 WLB Associates, Inc. 16656 Brownstone Court Westfield, Indiana 46074 Re: Cinergy Property The following is the requested Woodland Analysis for the Cinergy property located in Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana. Please refer to the aerial photo and the photo documentation (appendix A and B) when reading this report. This report contains lists of all flora and fauna discovered during the inspection (appendix C). This property is currently undeveloped and is surrounded by commercial, residential, and industrial properties. The greatest portion of this property is open field dominated by grasses and wildflowers. There are three small ponds located on the property as well as three wooded areas. A creek runs through the woodland in the northeast portion of the property. The topography on the site is relatively flat with little change in elevation. The property can be divided into four major areas: the woodland in the southeast portion (Section A), the woodland in the northeast portion (Section B), the wooded area in the central portion (Section C), and the open fields (Section D). There are number of trees on this property that would have value in a landscape setting and the wooded areas on the property are important for natural resource protection (Carmel Creek) and for wildlife habitat. The preservation of these woodlands benefits not only the local wildlife but the future residents of the community. The wooded area that surrounds Carmel Creek helps prevent soil erosion and protects the water quality of the stream. As always, any trees that are preserved should be properly managed prior to clearing or construction including early fertilization, pruning and crown cleaning to reduce risk and liability. Trees should also be protected during all phases of development and construction to maximize their chances of survival. Please contact us if there are any questions about this work. We appreciate this opportunity to work with you. Thank you, \ \. ~\,:) Judson R. Sc President, Vi . Registered Co American Socie ---"} \._f (t..../ d! J .... . . ..., Ii . ..tet. .,-",'''''' ,C-', ,.-.1, ',..111,,- ..1 . '. ". / 1~' r ,rV~~-' r ../. ~. Y._) , Patrick Grecu, Natural Resource Specialist Indiana Accredited Horticulturist # 1418 4721 East 146th Street, Carmel, IN. 46033. 317.846.3778 y Location Cinergy Property This property is located along the east side of Guilford Road north of 116th Street (north of the Cinergy/Duke Energy building in the northeast comer of 116th and Guilford Road) in Carmel, Indiana. Assignment and Scope of Work 1. Inspect the property and provide an analysis of the natural resources. 2. Mark these natural resources on an aerial photo. 3. Rate the wooded areas. 4. Note and mark any unusual or exceptional trees or landmarks. 5. Record species of flora and fauna found on site. 6. Photo-document property if requested. Limitations Inspections were conducted June 13, 2006. As such, they are limited by the time frame and present field conditions. These are not long-term observations that would be needed to fully represent the full spectrum of plants and animals, which use the land over the course of the year and the changing seasons. Early spring, late summer, and fall blooming plants, as well as 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 This property is currently undeveloped and is surrounded by commercial, residential, and industrial properties. The greatest portion of this property is open field dominated by grasses and wildflowers. There are three small ponds located on the property as well as three wooded areas. A creek runs through the woodland in the northeast portion of the property. The topography on the site is relatively flat with little change in elevation. The property can be divided into four major areas: the woodland in the southeast portion (Section A), the woodland in the northeast portion (Section B), the wooded area in the central portion (Section C), and the open fields (Section D). Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB AssociateslCinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 3 of 23 . Specific Area Descriptions (~ maD and Dhotos in Aooendix A & B) 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. Section A: South Woodland This section is located in the southeast portion of the property. The majority of the growth in this woodland is young with a few larger trees present throughout this section. A group of mature white pine and Scotch pine is present in the north portion of the woodland. Invasive honeysuckle is present around the edges of the woodland and in the interior of this woodland where there are openings in the canopy. The understory growth in this wooded area is extremely thick and includes Virginia creeper, poison ivy, wild grape, and black raspberry. Tree species present in the understory include ash, Ohio buckeye, red elm, hackberry, and Osage orange. This section of the property would be classified as "Young Woodland" according to Carmel's Subdivision Control Ordinance ROsa III definitions (7.05.07). Trees present in this area include: . Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) . Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) . Ash (Fraxinus spp.) . Black walnut (Juglans nigra) . Osage orange (Madura pomitera) . White mulberry (Horus alba) . White pine (Pinus strobus) . Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) . Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) . Black cherry (Prunus serotina) . Pin oak (Quercus palustris) . Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) . American elm (Ulmus americana) . Red elm (Ulmus rubra) Section B: Northeast Woodland This section is located in the northeast portion of the property and surrounds Carmel Creek, a stream that meanders through the area. There are paths that have been cleared through the wooded area at some point and are mostly field grasses and weedy growth. This wooded area is mostly young growth with a few larger trees spread throughout the woodland. This area has very dense ground layer and understory growth that includes young black locust, ash, black cherry, American elm, and red elm. A group of pines are located in the northern portion along the cleared path in the northeast comer of the property. Honeysuckle and white mulberry are present throughout this section and throughout the property. This section of the property would be classified as "Young Woodland" according to Carmel's Subdivision Control Ordinance ROsa III definitions (7.05.07). Trees present in this area include: . Boxelder (Acer negundo) . Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) . Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) . Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) . Ash (Fraxinus spp.) . Black walnut (Juglans nigra) . Osage orange (Madura pomifera) . White mulberry (Morus alba) · White pine (Pinus strobus) . Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) . Sycamore (Platanus ocddentalis) . Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) · Black cherry (prunus serotina) . American elm (Ulmus americana) . Red elm (Ulmus rubra) Section C: West Central Woods This section is located in the west-central portion of the property near Guilford Road. The small wooded area is located near a drainage area and includes many weak wooded trees such as silver maple, cottonwood, Siberian elm, and boxelder. This woodland is mostly young growth and is characterized by dense growth. This section of the property would be classified as "Young Woodland" according to Carmel's Subdivision Control Ordinance ROsa III definitions (7.05.07). Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB AssociateslCinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 4 of 23 .; Trees present in this area include: . Boxelder (Acer negundo) . Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) · Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) . Ash (Fraxinus sp.) · Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) · Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) . Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) Section D: ODen Fields This section comprises the majority of the acreage and is mostly open fields dominated by grasses and field weeds. A tree line is present along the eastern border of the property but many of the trees may not be on this property. A row of spruce and pine has been planted along the southwestern portion that borders Guilford Road. Three small ponds are located in this section and are surrounded by weedy, weak wooded tree species. This section would be classified as "Undefined Open Space" according to Carmel's Subdivision Control Ordinance ROsa III definitions (7.03). Trees present in this area include: · Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) · Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) . White mulberry (Morus alba) · Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) · Black cherry (Prunus seratina) . Black willow (Salix nigra) Discussion This property is mostly open field with a few areas of woodlands. Three small ponds are located on the property all located in the open fields present throughout the property. The woodland areas on the property are important for wildlife habitat and help buffer this development from neighboring properties. The majority of the woodlands are young growth, but do include many nice, mature white pine and Scotch pine located in a few of the wooded areas that are nice specimens. Section A is a young woodland that has very thick weedy growth along the woodland edge. The interior of the woodland has very thick growth as well including honeysuckle, Virginia creeper, poison ivy, wild grape, and greenbriar. There are not many large canopy trees in this woodland, as most of the trees in this area are less than 12" in diameter at breast height (dbh) and include young ash, Osage orange, black cherry, elm, white pine, Scotch pine, black walnut, and Ohio Buckeye. Although this area is not of particularly high quality it is still provides a habitat for local wildlife. Section B is a heavily wooded area that surrounds Carmel Creek as it makes its way across the northeast corner of the property. There are a few large trees scattered throughout this section but is mostly very young growth (less than 12" dbh) of ash, hackberry, American and red elm, black locust, and boxelder. A large clearing has been made through this wooded area and has allowed grasses and a heavy growth of field weeds to take over the cleared space. A handful of mature pines are located in the northern part of this section and appear to be in good condition. Heavy understory growth is present in all areas of this woodland. This is an important area to preserve because it helps maintain the water quality of the creek and it provides a wildlife habitat. Section C is a small wooded area along Guilford Road that borders a small drainage ditch feeding in to the small pond on in the northern portion of the property. This woodland is mostly weak wooded tree species including silver maple, cottonwood, ash, boxelder, and hackberry. This area is also mainly thick young growth. This area could provide a buffer area between this development and neighboring properties or between areas within this property. Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB AssociateslCinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 5 of 23 -, Section 0 comprises the vast majority of the acreage on the property and includes three small ponds. This area is covered by various grasses, field weeds, and wildflowers. There are scattered groupings of young trees in this section and are mostly cottonwood, black willow, black locust, and white mulberry. A row of pine is located in the center point of the property between Sections Band C, and a line of spruce and pine is present along Guilford Road in the southern portion. A few areas in the northern portion of the property are completely devoid of vegetation. This area provides a wildlife habitat and offers weedy tree species the opportunity to inhabit the open areas on the property. Planning for the preservation of these trees would increase the value of the property and the marketability of the site. They are an asset to the community. Any trees that are to be preserved near future home sites should be individually assessed to determine the health and structural integrity of each tree. Proper care will help maximize the long-term health of the tree and to minimize potential risks. Conclusion This property is currently undeveloped and is surrounded by commercial, residential, and industrial properties. The greatest portion of this property is open field dominated by grasses and wildflowers. There are three small ponds located on the property as well as three wooded areas. A creek runs through the woodland in the northeast portion of the property. The topography on the site is relatively flat with little change in elevation. The property can be divided into four major areas: the woodland in the southeast portion (Section A), the woodland in the northeast portion (Section B), the wooded area in the central portion (Section C), and the open fields (Section D). There are number of trees on this property that would have value in a landscape setting and the wooded areas on the property are important for natural resource protection (Carmel Creek) and for wildlife habitat. The preservation of these woodlands benefits not only the local wildlife but the future residents of the community. The wooded area that surrounds Carmel Creek helps prevent soil erosion and protects the water quality of the stream. As always, any trees that are preserved should be properly managed prior to clearing or construction including early fertilization, pruning and crown cleaning to reduce risk and liability. Trees should also be protected during all phases of development and construction to maximize their chances of survival. '~~"J.:<':<':"~--,.._,_.-_. -:..' .( t'cic/.d Patrick Grecu Natural Resource Specialist Indiana Accredited Horticulturist #1418 s Copyright @ 2006 Vine & reproduced or distributed the use of the individual or firm to Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB Associates/Cinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 6 of 23 Appendix A: Aerial Photo, Cinergy Property, Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB AssociateslCinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 7 of 23 Photo-documentation. 1. Small pond in southwest portion 2. Small pond in southwest portion Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB AssociateslCinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 8 of 23 3. Edge of woodland 4. View of open field Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB Associates/Cinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 9 of 23 5. North edge of woodland 6. Interior of woodland Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB Associates/Cinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 10 of 23 J 7. Understory in south woodland 8. Interior of south woodland Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB AssociateslCinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 11 of 23 9. Heavy understory growth in south woodland 10. View of open field Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB Associates/Cinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 12 of 23 11. View of northeast woodland 12. Southern edge of northeast woodland Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB Associates/Cinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 13 of 23 ... .. 13. East portion of northeast woodland 14. Neighboring woodland Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB Associates/Cinergy Property PJG 6202006 Page 14 of 23 15. Interior of northeast woodland .,.jj,. 16. Young growth surrounding creek in northeast portion Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB AssociateslCinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 15 of 23 17. Young trees and understory growth in northeast woodland ~ 18. Northeast corner of property Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB Associates/Cinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 16 of 23 19. North edge of northeast woodland 20. Scattered trees in open field Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB Associates/Cinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 1 7 of 23 21. View of central woodland 22. Fallow field in northwest portion Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB Associates/Cinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 18 of 23 .. 23. Small pond in north portion 24. Small pond in north portion Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB AssociateslCinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 19 of 23 25. Trees along Guilford Road 26. Open field in northwest portion of property Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB AssociateslCinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 20 of 23 , , 27. Field in southwest portion 28. Typical field vegetation Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846,1424 WLB AssociateslCinergy Property PJG 6.202006 Page 21 of 23 .... Appendix C: Master Lists of flora and Fauna Found on Site Trees Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) Boxelder (Acer negundo) Silver maple (Arer saccharinum) Sugar maple (Arer saccharom) Hackberry (Celtis ocddenta/is) Gray dogwood (Comus racemosa) Hawthorn (Craetegus spp.) Ash (Fraxinus sp.) Black walnut (Jug/ans nigra) Eastern redcedar (JunipenJs virginiana) Osage orange (Madura pomifera) White mulberry (Moros alba) Norway spruce (Picea abieS) Red pine (Pinus resinosa) White pine (Pinus strobus) Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) Sycamore (Platanus ocddentaliS) Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) Black cherry (prunus serotina) Pin oak (Quercus palustriS) Black locust (Robinia pseudoacada) Black willow (Salix nigra) American elm (Ulmus americana) Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) Red elm (Ulmus rubra) Shrubs Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackil)* Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica)* Black raspberry (Rubus spp.) Vines Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)* Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) Greenbriar (Smilax sp.) Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) Wild grape (Vitus sp.) Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB AssociateslCinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 22 of 23 ____I .. Plant species Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) Thistle (Orsium sp.)* Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota) Daisy fleabane (Erigeron annuus) Fescue grass (Festuca spp.) Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) Annual rye grass (Lolium multifJorom) English plantain (Plantago lanceolata) Bluegrass (Poa spp.) Foxtail (Setaria spp.) Goldenrods (Solidago spp.) Dandelion (Tataxacum offhnale) Clover ( Trifolium sp.) Violets ( VIOla spp.) * = non-native, invasive species Animal species Various bird species Deer Rabbits Raccoons Squirrels Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 WLB AssociateslCinergy Property PJG 6.20.2006 Page 23 of 23