| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.95 |
| Liaison | Susan Powers |
| Submission Date | Feb. 12, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Clarkson University
OP-11: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Susan
Powers Director of the Institute for a Sustainable Environment ISE |
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:
Clarkson’s property includes forests, creeks, vernal ponds, NWI wetlands and the Raquette River, a major tributary to the St. Lawrence River. Wildlife that shares these natural ecosystems includes (for example) deer, blue heron, raccoon, beaver, fox, turkeys, groundhogs, a variety of other birds and an occasional black bear. Wetlands on our property and west of campus are legally protected.
Date Revised: March 21, 2016
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:
Intermittent surveys conducted by students and researchers. The students and researchers draft management plans. The most recent assessment was in Spring 2014. An interdisciplinary class was created with a Sustainability Fund Grant for assessment and documentation.
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
Vernal pools, beaver wetlands, riparian zone, old growth hemlock forest (assessment by Jon Rosales, a researcher from St. Lawrence University), Valued plant species also find their homes in our wild areas: 'yellow lettuce' (Lacttuca hirsute) is endangered in New York State and a Pyrola and a Botrychium fern are state heritage list plants.
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
~350 acres are considered (internally) to be Forever Wild. This area includes walking and biking trails, an overlook at the wetland and a Heron rookery.
There are also 37 acres along the waterfront that are maintained for walking and wildlife viewing.
Clarkson University is committed to employ strategies to efficiently use its land resources for development; promote a pedestrian and bicycle friendly campus; and strategically preserve its woodlands, wetlands, and waterways to maintain the campus image and provide for ecological diversity. Clarkson encourages a park concept and retention of natural species and habitat. The Design Teams shall emphasize the natural beauty of its woodlands, wetlands, and waterways while following Clarkson’s landscaping requirements, see Chapter 4, DIV32 Site Improvements.
Date Revised: March 21, 2016
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.