| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.26 |
| Liaison | Roxane Beigel-Coryell |
| Submission Date | May 1, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
California State University, Channel Islands
OP-11: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Raudel
Banuelos Associate Director of Building and Grounds Facility Services |
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance?:
A brief description of any legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance on institution owned or managed land:
The CSU Channel Islands University Park (Park) is a regional educational and
recreation area owned and operated by CI. As an extension of the academic campus, the Park embraces the mission, values and objectives of the University. The purpose of the Park is to provide educational and recreational opportunities open to all through habitat restoration activities, maintenance of open spaces, and development of ecological, cultural, and recreational facilities and programs.
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
The methodology(-ies) used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or environmentally sensitive areas and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
CSU Channel Islands conducted an inventory of all current and predicted flora and fauna which is used as a reference for ongoing and future monitoring programs. For instance, the Native Habitat Program. Portions of the Park will be left managed in their natural state, providing an opportunity to preserve and protect native species. The riparian corridor 6 within the Park will be restored and maintained as well. The site will be used for both research and practical, hands-on experience in wetlands restoration by CI’s undergraduate program in Environmental Science & Resource Management as well as an opportunity for community and educational groups to learn more about the environment .
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
The Park has several large open meadow-like areas that provide the flexibility
to serve as open space for single and multi-use opportunities. The University will utilize
these areas as passive spaces. These facilities will provide supportive amenities to those
visiting the walking trails.
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
California State University Channel Islands (CI) is a great place to see and study wildlife. The campus encompasses almost 1200 acres. Of that land, well over 75% will permanently remain essentially undeveloped due to its steep terrain, frequent flooding, or deed restrictions on its use. These areas include wetlands, riparian habit, and the semi arid hillsides. It is home to countless bird species, some of them listed as threatened or endangered.
Even within the developed lands, the University has several areas which have been or soon will be restored to native plantings. These areas include Long Grade Canyon Creek within University Glen and the meadow east of University Drive. Upon completion of the entrance road, an additional 5 acres within the lower portions of the creek will be restored as a native riparian habitat to support nesting of birds, including the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo. Further to the west near Old Lewis Road, a basin will be formed by a new flood control levee, which will allow for an extension of the wetland and pond habitat in the area. This area is already heavily populated by waterfowl and red wing blackbirds.
The University also includes the former Regional Park near the crossing of University Drive over Calleguas Creek. The deed to the University prohibits development of the park for anything but passive recreation and environmental education. It contains wetlands, rocky hillsides, grasslands, coastal sage scrub, and even a small pond. Large portions of the park are in a natural state, while others are ripe for habitat restoration. Most noticeable features of the land are a wide variety of raptor birds and impressive views of the surrounding mountains, the Oxnard Plain, and the ocean. The university is planning to use the land as an outdoor natural area for the enjoyment and study of native habitats. An extensive list of plants and animals observed within the park can be found in appendix A of the 2009 Supplemental Impact Report on the University’s Operations, Planning, and Construction website.
The website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity policies and programs(s) is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.