| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 74.27 |
| Liaison | Konrad Schlarbaum |
| Submission Date | Feb. 15, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
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?:
Yes
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
Some areas of the campus have been identified as archaeologically-sensitive and are preserved from future development. The bluff is a geological amenity with native vegetation. Much of this bluff is protected from development with commitments from LEED building projects.With each new LEED building, UCCS designates either the footprint of the building or double that to be conserved from any future development.
https://www.uccs.edu/Documents/facsrvs/Master%20Plan/Master%20Plan%20-%20UCCS_v8_2014-0715%20pages%207%20and%2085%20updated.pdf
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes
If yes to either of the above, provide the following:
UCCS contracted an environmental consulting firm to conduct an ecological site assessment as part of the 2012 Master Plan, in which it was identified that the natural setting of Colorado Springs, including its native landscape and views, contribute to the university’s unique sense of place. The plan evaluated the climate, topography, slope, geology, soils, hydrology, vegetation, and cultural resources and is designed to respect natural resources and minimizing water use for irrigation and managing stormwater on site. There are areas of native grasses and scrub oak that have been identified for protection.
In 2014, UCCS utilized the 2012 Master Plan and the 2009 Heller Center Master Plan to guide the UCCS Recreational Trails Micro-Master Plan. It provides a strategy for implementing a trail system that is both a recreational amenity and an alternative experience for getting around campus. The trails and maintenance seek to protect the natural environment by minimizing impacts to the local fauna, flora, and soils while providing a robust trail system.
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
Several sites on campus have been identified as having unique potential or known anthropological or ecological resources. These are protected through the university's Master Plans.
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
In the 2012 Master Plan, UCCS recognizes that much of it is constrained by topography, slope,geology, hydrology, and cultural significance. While these areas will not become part of the university’s built infrastructure, they are a vital and contributing part of the
campus, providing the character and sense of place that distinguish UCCS from other institutions in the state and country.
Several faculty on campus in Geography and Environmental Studies have contributed to identification and protection plans that are in the UCCS 2012 Master Plan.
Optional Fields
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
UCCS Recreational Trails Micro-Master Plan (2014)
https://www.uccs.edu/Documents/campusrec/Trails/UCCS%20Recreational%20Trails%20Micro-Master%20Plan.pdf
Heller Center Master Plan (2009)
https://www.uccs.edu/Documents/facsrvs/archive%20of%20projects/heller%20properties%20rehab/HellCentMP.pdf
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.