Roe Ecological Services (ROE) was retained to conduct a wildlife impact assessment for the proposed Riverview Pines development in Estes Park, Colorado. The purpose of this assessment was to determine the potential impact of the proposed development on wildlife on, and immediately adjacent to, the property. The primary focus of the survey was on elk, but other potential species were considered as well.
ROE first ascertained the presence of potential habitat of any federally or state-listed species on, or immediately adjacent to, the property. This was accomplished by referencing the personal knowledge of ROE biologists and the lists of threatened, endangered, and sensitive species for Larimer County, Colorado, provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, and the Colorado Natural Diversity Information Source. ROE biologist, Kelly Roe, visited the site and assessed the habitat, determined wildlife presence/absence, and documented elk use. Potential adverse impacts upon wildlife from the proposed future Riverview Pines development were then evaluated based on:
- The type and level of existing and/or potential wildlife use of the property;
- The type and level of existing and/or potential wildlife use of immediately adjacent properties;
- The fact that many species of wildlife in the Estes Valley are habituated to human presence and human-induced disturbances;
- The fact that many species of wildlife currently utilize the areas between existing residential units;
- Whether wildlife likely to be present will adapt to changes in habitat, movement corridors; and
- The capacity of the proposed development to offset potential adverse impacts.
ROE then presented management recommendations to help mitigate for any potential impacts to elk, deer and other wildlife that would be created by development of the property.