| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 75.65 |
| Liaison | Maddie LoDico |
| Submission Date | Dec. 12, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Colby College
OP-11: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Russell
Cole Environmental Studies Program Director Environmental Studies |
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:
The entire 714 acre campus is a state wildlife management area. This includes the 128 acre Perkins Arboretum and the 34 acre Colby-Marston Preserve, which was given to Colby by The Nature Conservancy for its high biodiversity value and also is labeled a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.
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:
Several classes and professors assess and monitor endangered and vulnerable species and environmentally sensitive areas. One example was in September 2011, when a Colby biology professor conducted a site report of the Perkins Arboretum using GIS analysis, and on site sampling and analysis of the topography, soil, woody plants, land use, and future prospects. Another example is the scouting provision in the IPM plan to find and remove invasive species. A third example is the regular reporting we are require to give to The Nature Conservancy for the Colby-Marston Preserve.
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
To view the report of the Perkins Arboretum from 2011, see the website below. A few findings of the report were that the average soil depth is 20-50 cm, with an organic laye of 6-10 cm deep, and that invasive species have the potential to dramatically alter the site. Another environmentally sensitive area Colby owns is the Colby Marston Preserve, which is a classic kettlehole bog.
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
Ecology and biology classes frequently use the Arboretum to conduct assessments of and to monitor environmentally sensitive areas. Additionally, among several other plans and programs to protect our natural areas, there are paid students in charge of removing invasive species. A third example is students who conduct independent studies and honors theses to identify and implement programs to protect sensitive areas.
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.