Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 57.98
Liaison Jonna Korpi
Submission Date June 2, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of Minnesota, Duluth
OP-10: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.48 / 2.00 Shane Peterson
Camp Ops/Protect Mgr 1
Facilities Management
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
Area
Total campus area 243 Acres
Footprint of the institution's buildings 71 Acres
Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas 89 Acres

Area of managed grounds that is::
Area
Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan 0 Acres
Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined 82 Acres
Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected 0 Acres

A copy of the IPM plan:
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The IPM plan :

According to UMD Grounds Supervisor, Shane Peterson, the first step is an inspection to decide on severity of infestation. Then several solutions are looked into to decide which would be the least hazardous. Chemicals are used as a last resort only and are used with utmost care to minimize environmental impact.


A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:

As the first impression for visitors and perspective students, UMD’s campus landscape is a critical asset for the college and surrounding community. The beauty of the campus’ well maintained grounds and buildings, the success of sports programs, and the strong academic offerings, all contribute to the reasons why students elect to enroll at UMD. The mission of Facilities Management is to sustain the campus environment and collaborate with our academic, research and community partenrs. We, as members of the Grounds Division, are responsible for ensuring that these strategic assets are protected, maintained and enhanced, and will strive to do so in a sustainable and responsible manner. UMD recognizes the potentially serious risks inherent in using chemical pesticides and fertilizers on the campus and are committed to responsible, and minimal use.


A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:

In the past few years, priority has been given to using native plants around the grounds. Bagley Nature Area is a key spot area where native plants are a priority and the irradication of non-natives is pursued. Two green roofs on campus are mostly native plant species. The recently opened Civil Engineering building includes no sod around it, and instead uses prairie plants that can tolerate drought.


A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:

All waste landscaping materials from campus are composted on the UMD Field and Research Studies property. This includes brush and limbs, which are chipped and spread onto flower gardens and trails. Any soil that is removed for projects is brought to UMD farm and reused. Clippings are mulched and reused.


A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:

n/a


A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:

n/a


A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:

UMD has dozens of stormwater Best Management Practices that promote water filtration, minimizing runoff, and eliminating the use of potable water for irrigation. We have 2 green roofs, several rain gardens, and have chosen to protect green space riparian areas near Tischer Creek (local trout stream that neighbors our campus).


A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):

Snow is removed from campus after snowfall. Salt is then applied to limit ice. Envirotech salt is used because of its colder melting threshold. Salts with little to no chloride are used to limit chloride impact on surrounding. Employees are trained to use as little salt as possible and the streets are swept after snow melt to limit amount that seeps into the environment.Salt use has been cut back by almost 2/3's the last several years. Poultry grit is used instead of sand, to limit sediment runoff into watershed.


A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:
---

Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
No

The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management programs and practices is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

Notes from Erik Larson (email Feb 25, 2015):
In 2008 we had 242 acres and 71 acres of impervious surface (including blg, roads, walks and parking) or 29% impervious. 18 of the 71 acres of impervious had some sort of SW treatment associated with it. 170 Acres were considered pervious and 89 acres were considered tree covered (based off Google mapping of treed areas).


Notes from Erik Larson (email Feb 25, 2015):
In 2008 we had 242 acres and 71 acres of impervious surface (including blg, roads, walks and parking) or 29% impervious. 18 of the 71 acres of impervious had some sort of SW treatment associated with it. 170 Acres were considered pervious and 89 acres were considered tree covered (based off Google mapping of treed areas).

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