| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 56.59 |
| Liaison | Rob Andrejewski |
| Submission Date | Feb. 15, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Richmond
OP-11: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.00 / 2.00 |
Rob
Andrejewski Director of Sustainability Office for Sustainability |
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:
In accordance with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, the University has developed and maintains a Resource Protection Area buffer along Little Westham Creek, Westhampton Lake, and adjacent wetlands to protect water quality by allowing runoff to be absorbed into the forest soils and by acting as a vegetative filter.
The University owns 97.78 acres in Goochland county, VA, under open- easement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. The conservation values attributed to this property include preservation of natural and scenic areas, preservation of land as open space, and preservation of forest and farmland. The site also allows the study of animal and plant life in its natural state.
The property is mostly forested and consists of wetlands and marsh. The forest is composed of mixed hardwoods, with several areas containing pines. Beaverdam Creek flows south through the entire property, no structures are on the property, which is mainly used for education purposes.
The Universty manages 47 acres of grassland known as the Pagebrook Property (aka the ballpark), which was purchased in 2001. The property is being looked at as a possible site for carbon sequestration.
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:
The University of Richmond Arbororicultural Plan recommends that the majority of new trees planted on campus come from the category of excellent species desirability chart, which was designed to prioritize indigenous, long-living, and low-maintenence trees. These trees are often keystone species that provide the cornerstone for a healthy forest habitat.
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
Areas near Westhampton Lake and Little Westham Creek have been identified as high-need areas, as campus development has led to soil erosion, poor water quality, less water reaching groundwater, and flooding issues. The Campus Master Plan outlines these priorities.
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.