University at Buffalo
OP-11: Biodiversity

The University contains recognized wetlands on its North Campus. It also borders Ellicott Creek, a secondary tributary to the Niagara River. The creek feeds Tonawanda Creek which empties into the upper Niagara River at the twin cities of Tonawanda/North Tonawanda. The creek is located in the Erie/Ontario Plain of the Niagara River Watershed which stewards 95% of the United States drinking water and 20% of the world's available fresh water. The waterways that surround the University are also connected 15 miles downstream to one of the seven wonders of the world--Niagara Falls. The Niagara Escarpment terminates on UB's South Campus and continues north to Niagara Falls and into Canada. The escarpment is a recognized UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The land form is a largely forested ridge of fossil-rich sedimentary rock (dolostone) 725 km in length. At its highest elevation it soars 1,625 ft. above sea level. As much a hydrological as a geological feature, the headwaters of several rivers rise in the Escarpment and the area is important for groundwater recharge. The Escarpment area encompasses a rich mosaic of forests, farms, recreation areas, scenic views, cliffs, streams, wetlands, rolling hills, waterfalls, mineral resources, wildlife habitats, historic sites, villages, towns and cities. The Escarpment’s vibrant ecosystems support 300 bird species, 53 mammals, 36 reptiles and amphibians, 90 fish and 100 varieties of special interest flora including 37 types of wild orchids. In addition, the Niagara River Corridor has been recognized by Audubon and it's Bird-Life International partners as a 'Global Important Bird Area' with Global referring to the fact that significant proportions (50% in some cases) of the world's population of some species of birds utilize the habitat (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd5mc2SUZsI&feature=youtu.be for a summary video). Finally, there are two efforts underway to create new legally protected areas bordering our campuses. Conversations with NOAA and local organizing efforts to create a Marine Sanctuary for the Niagara River are gaining traction and moving forward. In addition, The University at Buffalo Law School has been advancing efforts to list the Niagara River Corridor for designation as an internationally important body of water under the Ramsar Convention. This treaty has designated over 2,000 sites across the world as “Wetlands of International Importance.” Designation leads to increased economic opportunities, tourism, funding opportunities, and environmental appreciation. The bi-national Niagara Region, the United States, Canada, and the world would benefit from including the Niagara River Corridor among these critical resources

In 2014 Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper completed an independent study entitled Niagara River Habitat Conservation Strategy under USEPA Grant GL97217710. The purpose of the Niagara River Habitat Conservation Strategy is to create a blueprint of the most effective opportunities for conserving biodiversity and ecological function in the Niagara River watershed”….The University at Buffalo subscribes to the findings in the study particularly as they apply to the Ellicott Creek Sub-Basin which in part borders the University as previously identified. In addition. Chapter 4 of the study enumerates findings and action for the entire region including the Ellicott Creek Sub-Basin. The full study can be viewed at: http://bnriverkeeper.org/Niagara%20River%20Habitat%20Conservation%20Strategy.pdf In addition, the New York Power Authority, an agency of New York State (as is the University) conducted a study in 2005 through Gomez and Sullivan Engineers to identify the aquatic and riparian habitats of Ellicott Creek and compared it to a transect study completed in the same year by Stantec Engineers for similarities and discrepencies.

The species found included Norway Maple, Black Walnut, Green Ash, American Basswood, Eastern Cottonwood, Silver Maple, Gray Dogwwod, and 14 other species of tree. Riparian species included Narrowleaf Cattail, Purple Loosestrife, Japanese Knotweed, and Riverbank Grape among other species.

UB has a policy of not killing or disturbing any flora or fauna on campus unless there is a specific threat to the health and/or safety of the campus community. When there is such a threat, the policy is to use non-lethal means, such as catch and release, whenever possible. Additionally, the University has provided protection and shelter for native wildlife where reasonable and practical. A recent example of this is the protection and shelter provided at the Mackay Heating Plant for a nest of peregrine falcon chicks and their family that has contributed to over 20 new endangered Peregrines now flying across the region.

For more information on UB's work of stewarding the birth of 20 endanagered peregrine falcons on campus see: http://www.buffalo.edu/news/searchresults.html?q=falcon and