| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 60.22 |
| Liaison | Derek Martin |
| Submission Date | Feb. 10, 2022 |
California State University, Monterey Bay
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Anya
Spear Campus Planner Campus Planning and Development |
"---"
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, 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:
Campus is surrounded by multiple protected areas, that are managed by a variety of stakeholders. Some lands are directly adjacent and others are near campus. Areas include: Fort Ord National Monument, Fort Ord Natural Reserve (UCSC), Fort Ord Dunes State Park, and a variety of City and County lands subject to habitat maintenance and protection requirements under the Ford Ord Habitat Management Plan.
Endangered and vulnerable species
Yes
A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
All of the following are listed as "special status species". Special Status Species:
Townsend’s big-eared bat
Hoary bat
Monterey dusky-footed woodrat
Monterey ornate shrew
American badger
California tiger salamander
Northern California legless lizard
Coast horned lizard
Smith’s blue butterfly
Obscure bumble bee
Western bumble bee
Burrowing owl
Nesting Raptors, Migratory Birds, & Other Protected Avian Species
Sandmat manzanita
Monterey ceanothus
Monterey spineflower
Kellogg's Horkelia
Hooker’s manzanita
Toro manzanita
Pajaro manzanita
Sandmat manzanita
Monterey ceanothus
Fort Ord spineflower
Monterey spineflower
Seaside bird’s-beak
Eastwood’s goldenbush
Sand-loving wallflower
Sand gilia
Kellogg’s horkelia
Point Reyes horkelia
Marsh microseris
Northern curly-leaved monardella
Woodland woolythreads
Yadon’s piperia
Santa Cruz microseris
Santa Cruz clover
Pacific Grove clover
Townsend’s big-eared bat
Hoary bat
Monterey dusky-footed woodrat
Monterey ornate shrew
American badger
California tiger salamander
Northern California legless lizard
Coast horned lizard
Smith’s blue butterfly
Obscure bumble bee
Western bumble bee
Burrowing owl
Nesting Raptors, Migratory Birds, & Other Protected Avian Species
Sandmat manzanita
Monterey ceanothus
Monterey spineflower
Kellogg's Horkelia
Hooker’s manzanita
Toro manzanita
Pajaro manzanita
Sandmat manzanita
Monterey ceanothus
Fort Ord spineflower
Monterey spineflower
Seaside bird’s-beak
Eastwood’s goldenbush
Sand-loving wallflower
Sand gilia
Kellogg’s horkelia
Point Reyes horkelia
Marsh microseris
Northern curly-leaved monardella
Woodland woolythreads
Yadon’s piperia
Santa Cruz microseris
Santa Cruz clover
Pacific Grove clover
Areas of biodiversity importance
Yes
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
Yes, on all property.
One sensitive habitat was identified within the campus during the Master Plan EIR process: central maritime chaparral (which includes the central maritime chaparral mix habitats). Central maritime chaparral habitat, including the central maritime chaparral/central coastal scrub and central maritime chaparral/coast live oak woodland mix habitats, is identified as a sensitive habitat on the CDFW’s Natural Communities List (CDFW, 2010). Central maritime chaparral is also identified as a sensitive habitat in the Installation-Wide Multispecies Habitat Management Plan for Former Fort Ord (HMP). Approximately 124.3 acres of central maritime chaparral habitat, including mix habitats, occurs within the campus. Central maritime chaparral on the campus is dominated by shaggy-barked manzanita, sandmat manzanita, dwarf ceanothus, coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), chamise, and sticky monkey flower. Additional species within this habitat type include California coffeeberry, fuchsia-flowered gooseberry, chaparral currant (Ribes malvaceum), poison oak, black sage (Salvia mellifera), sticky cinquefoil (Drymocallis glandulosa), and creeping snowberry (Symphoricarpos mollis).
Common wildlife species that occur within central maritime chaparral habitat include California quail (Callipepla californica), California towhee (Melozone crissalis), California thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum), common poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii), Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna), wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), western scrub jay, northern pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus ssp. oreganus), coast range fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis bocourtii), gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer), coast gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans terrestris), and brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani).
One sensitive habitat was identified within the campus during the Master Plan EIR process: central maritime chaparral (which includes the central maritime chaparral mix habitats). Central maritime chaparral habitat, including the central maritime chaparral/central coastal scrub and central maritime chaparral/coast live oak woodland mix habitats, is identified as a sensitive habitat on the CDFW’s Natural Communities List (CDFW, 2010). Central maritime chaparral is also identified as a sensitive habitat in the Installation-Wide Multispecies Habitat Management Plan for Former Fort Ord (HMP). Approximately 124.3 acres of central maritime chaparral habitat, including mix habitats, occurs within the campus. Central maritime chaparral on the campus is dominated by shaggy-barked manzanita, sandmat manzanita, dwarf ceanothus, coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), chamise, and sticky monkey flower. Additional species within this habitat type include California coffeeberry, fuchsia-flowered gooseberry, chaparral currant (Ribes malvaceum), poison oak, black sage (Salvia mellifera), sticky cinquefoil (Drymocallis glandulosa), and creeping snowberry (Symphoricarpos mollis).
Common wildlife species that occur within central maritime chaparral habitat include California quail (Callipepla californica), California towhee (Melozone crissalis), California thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum), common poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii), Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna), wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), western scrub jay, northern pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus ssp. oreganus), coast range fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis bocourtii), gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer), coast gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans terrestris), and brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani).
Methodologies
If yes to either of the above, provide the following:
Both CSUMB and the Army have performed multiple biological surveys over the years. Special status species are GPSed by biologists and maps are regularly created to inform planning.
Campus property is a part of the basewide Habitat Management Plan (HMP), multi-jurisdictional approach to habitat conservation management identified when Fort Ord closed. The HMP was prepared to assess impacts on vegetation and wildlife resources and provide mitigation for their loss associated with the disposal and reuse of former Fort Ord.
The Campus Master Plan environmental review document (2007 approved and 2022 update to be approved) includes a Biological Resources Section that details the land typology, endangered and threatened species and the potential impact of campus development on these species.
Campus property is a part of the basewide Habitat Management Plan (HMP), multi-jurisdictional approach to habitat conservation management identified when Fort Ord closed. The HMP was prepared to assess impacts on vegetation and wildlife resources and provide mitigation for their loss associated with the disposal and reuse of former Fort Ord.
The Campus Master Plan environmental review document (2007 approved and 2022 update to be approved) includes a Biological Resources Section that details the land typology, endangered and threatened species and the potential impact of campus development on these species.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
All portions of the campus have been mapped/assessed by biologists - Main, East Campus Open Space and the East Campus Housing Area. Maps are consulted before projects begin, and additional studies, mapping and species relocation take place consistent with the HMP.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
"Return of the Natives (RON) is a CSUMB organization that works on eradicating invasive species and re-establishing native plants.
Falconry is used to prevent nesting and in compliance with migratory birds act. This is done in the Spring to avoid nesting and thereby eliminate the need for disturbing any nests in the future.
The biological resources chapter in the Environmental Impact Report for the 2007 Master Plan provides further detail. csumb.edu/campusplanning"
For the last 5 years Campus Planning has been collaborating with RON to grown and plant native trees and plants. They are currently planting 400 trees consistent with achieving the campus' goal to plant 2030 trees by 2030.
Falconry is used to prevent nesting and in compliance with migratory birds act. This is done in the Spring to avoid nesting and thereby eliminate the need for disturbing any nests in the future.
The biological resources chapter in the Environmental Impact Report for the 2007 Master Plan provides further detail. csumb.edu/campusplanning"
For the last 5 years Campus Planning has been collaborating with RON to grown and plant native trees and plants. They are currently planting 400 trees consistent with achieving the campus' goal to plant 2030 trees by 2030.
Optional Fields
0
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:
The 2017 Master Plan update relocates future buildings to blighted areas and increases the amount of open space on campus.
The Main Campus includes open space areas including the Cypress Grove, the Northern Oak Woodland, the Southern Oak Woodland, and the Crescent. The East Campus Open Space (322 acres) is a large, undeveloped natural open space. It is primarily oak woodland and has an informal system of trails.
Master Plan Updat objectives include "Preserve and enhance natural open spaces and develop formal open spaces so they become integral to the character of the campus.
and
Integrate natural and formal open spaces into the framework for capital development. Organize the built environment around an open space network to integrate the natural and built environments and enhance outdoor learning, social interaction, recreation, and the overall campus ambiance."
The Master Plan open space framework and project design features seek to preserve and enhance natural open space, define and connect open spaces to facilitate activity and social interaction, and further the campus as a learning laboratory through the development of collaborative learning spaces. Open space areas are based on the 2007 Master Plan EIR biological resources analysis, as well as on graduate student research and faculty plant surveys that have identified several sensitive plant, wildlife, and habitat areas.
Master Plan Update Project Design Features
Protect, Enhance and Connect the Natural Environment
PDF-OS-1: Open Space Types and Management - Manage and designate open space types consistent with Figure 3-8. Manage the natural open space and connecting landscape holistically to connect and protect habitats and sensitive species, percolate storm water runoff, visually unify the campus and connect bicycle and pedestrians to the built and natural environments. Avoid fragmenting natural open space and connecting landscape. Any development should allow for trail connections, peripheral streetscape improvements and the protection and access to viewsheds for the campus population.
PDF-OS-2: Natural Open Space Protection - Maintain, enhance and/or restore natural open spaces, native habitats and sensitive species, while allowing for educational and passive recreation uses, such as trails. At a minimum, manage in accordance with the Fort Ord Habitat Management Plan and Habitat Conservation Plan EIR requirements and/or other best management practices.
PDF-OS-3: Construction Best Management Practices - Establish and employ construction best management practices to avoid special-status plant and animal species and avoid or minimize erosion and sedimentation, where possible. Remove invasive species using best management practices during construction, demolition and landscape projects.
PDF-OS-4: Tree Restoration and Management Program – Continue and expand the CSUMB tree restoration program to maximize the health and stability of existing and replacement trees, while minimizing damage typically caused by the lack of proper tree care. The plan will include the following:
All tree management will be performed under the guidance of a Certified Arborist.
Heritage and mature trees, including those species no longer on the approved planting list, will be identified and managed with specific care.
Campus Planning will approve and direct major trimming (over 30 percent) and replacement of all removed trees over 4-inches in diameter.
Replacement of all removed trees 4-inches or greater in diameter at breast height (dbh), shall be provided at a minimum 2:1 ratio. The replacement ratio shall be based on the ultimate survival of planted trees and therefore the initial planting ratio will likely need to be higher.
No vehicles, with the exception of grounds service vehicles, shall park on or in landscaped areas or within the root line of any tree, which is equal to a distance half the height of the tree from the trunk.
Tree Campus USA certification will be pursued.
Establish comprehensive oak woodland management program and associated measures for the Southern Oak Woodland, East Campus Open Space and East Campus Housing oak habitats.
PDF-OS-5 Habitat Restoration Fund – Establish a habitat restoration fund to collect funds for the replacement of trees and/or habitat that may be removed or disturbed during construction of proposed development. Restoration costs would be included in project budgets and/or provided by third parties doing work on campus to ensure funds are available.
PDF-OS-6: Planting Specifications - After demolition and construction, stabilize newly created bare land with native plants and seed mixes to eliminate erosion. For permanent landscaping use consistent, low maintenance, native and drought-tolerant landscaping strategies that visually unify the campus by using a campus wide landscape palette informed by the campus Landscape Maintenance Plan and FORA Regional Urban Design Guidelines18 (RUDG) palettes (FORA 2016). Limit turf to formal, athletic and recreational, and residential neighborhood open space types.
The Main Campus includes open space areas including the Cypress Grove, the Northern Oak Woodland, the Southern Oak Woodland, and the Crescent. The East Campus Open Space (322 acres) is a large, undeveloped natural open space. It is primarily oak woodland and has an informal system of trails.
Master Plan Updat objectives include "Preserve and enhance natural open spaces and develop formal open spaces so they become integral to the character of the campus.
and
Integrate natural and formal open spaces into the framework for capital development. Organize the built environment around an open space network to integrate the natural and built environments and enhance outdoor learning, social interaction, recreation, and the overall campus ambiance."
The Master Plan open space framework and project design features seek to preserve and enhance natural open space, define and connect open spaces to facilitate activity and social interaction, and further the campus as a learning laboratory through the development of collaborative learning spaces. Open space areas are based on the 2007 Master Plan EIR biological resources analysis, as well as on graduate student research and faculty plant surveys that have identified several sensitive plant, wildlife, and habitat areas.
Master Plan Update Project Design Features
Protect, Enhance and Connect the Natural Environment
PDF-OS-1: Open Space Types and Management - Manage and designate open space types consistent with Figure 3-8. Manage the natural open space and connecting landscape holistically to connect and protect habitats and sensitive species, percolate storm water runoff, visually unify the campus and connect bicycle and pedestrians to the built and natural environments. Avoid fragmenting natural open space and connecting landscape. Any development should allow for trail connections, peripheral streetscape improvements and the protection and access to viewsheds for the campus population.
PDF-OS-2: Natural Open Space Protection - Maintain, enhance and/or restore natural open spaces, native habitats and sensitive species, while allowing for educational and passive recreation uses, such as trails. At a minimum, manage in accordance with the Fort Ord Habitat Management Plan and Habitat Conservation Plan EIR requirements and/or other best management practices.
PDF-OS-3: Construction Best Management Practices - Establish and employ construction best management practices to avoid special-status plant and animal species and avoid or minimize erosion and sedimentation, where possible. Remove invasive species using best management practices during construction, demolition and landscape projects.
PDF-OS-4: Tree Restoration and Management Program – Continue and expand the CSUMB tree restoration program to maximize the health and stability of existing and replacement trees, while minimizing damage typically caused by the lack of proper tree care. The plan will include the following:
All tree management will be performed under the guidance of a Certified Arborist.
Heritage and mature trees, including those species no longer on the approved planting list, will be identified and managed with specific care.
Campus Planning will approve and direct major trimming (over 30 percent) and replacement of all removed trees over 4-inches in diameter.
Replacement of all removed trees 4-inches or greater in diameter at breast height (dbh), shall be provided at a minimum 2:1 ratio. The replacement ratio shall be based on the ultimate survival of planted trees and therefore the initial planting ratio will likely need to be higher.
No vehicles, with the exception of grounds service vehicles, shall park on or in landscaped areas or within the root line of any tree, which is equal to a distance half the height of the tree from the trunk.
Tree Campus USA certification will be pursued.
Establish comprehensive oak woodland management program and associated measures for the Southern Oak Woodland, East Campus Open Space and East Campus Housing oak habitats.
PDF-OS-5 Habitat Restoration Fund – Establish a habitat restoration fund to collect funds for the replacement of trees and/or habitat that may be removed or disturbed during construction of proposed development. Restoration costs would be included in project budgets and/or provided by third parties doing work on campus to ensure funds are available.
PDF-OS-6: Planting Specifications - After demolition and construction, stabilize newly created bare land with native plants and seed mixes to eliminate erosion. For permanent landscaping use consistent, low maintenance, native and drought-tolerant landscaping strategies that visually unify the campus by using a campus wide landscape palette informed by the campus Landscape Maintenance Plan and FORA Regional Urban Design Guidelines18 (RUDG) palettes (FORA 2016). Limit turf to formal, athletic and recreational, and residential neighborhood open space types.
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.