| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 52.28 |
| Liaison | Jamie Jacquart |
| Submission Date | March 5, 2021 |
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Jamie
Jacquart Assistant Director Sustainability |
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, or regions of conservation importance?:
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
The University has a kettle pond located at the southwestern end of campus and the University owns approximately 50% of the pond's shoreline. Both a dragonfly and flower are native to these areas and are of specific concern within our ecosystem.
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
The New England Bluet is a species of conservation interest In Massachusetts. In 2017 a group of Biology students conducted a study of the Cedar Dell field, and created a specific management plan for this dragonfly.
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
The Cedar Dell pond, a Great Pond by Massachusetts standards, is home to the Plymouth Gentian, which lives at the edges of both ponds and streams that change their level. As such, the University is protecting those areas by not developing them for foot traffic and access to the water in spaces where they grow.
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
Student projects helped to research and create management plans for both the Bluet and the Gentian.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
Specific management plans were identified and shared with the campus facilities operations staff. The spaces where these two live are virtually identical and suggest little activity by people to upset their habitat.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
The university has a comprehensive forest management plan in place. Habitat is protected and often expanded in instances where threatened species are identified.
Estimated percentage of areas of biodiversity importance that are also protected areas :
Website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Forest Management plan submitted by Walden Forest Services.
Forest Management plan submitted by Walden Forest Services.
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.