| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 62.47 |
| Liaison | Chris Frantsvog |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Luther College
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Molly
McNicoll Assistant Professor in Biology and Natural Area Lands Manager Biology |
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 the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
Of the college's nearly 800 acres outside of central campus, nearly 700 acres are non-agricultural natural areas. Within this, several permanently designated protected areas exist: Lionberger Environmental Preserve (180 acres), Emergency Watershed Protection areas (123 acres, est. 2012), Weigle-Roslien Tract (10 acres, est. 2014) that protect oak-hickory woodland, riparian, grassland, and maple-baswood forest habitats for biodiversity preservation, permanent conservation, and environmental education. Nearly 6 acres of grassland has been protected with CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) status, re-enrolled in 2013. Protection and management of the remainder of Luther's natural areas are guided by the Land Stewardship Plan.
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?:
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or environmentally sensitive areas (including most recent year assessed) and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
Luther biology faculty (ecologists, botanists, entomologists, ornithologists, etc.) have conducted assessments of Luther's natural areas since the natural areas were first purchased. These assessments were conducted along with students as part of classroom work and research. Assessment and monitoring continues, especially as any new restoration projects or land management are proposed.
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
Native species on the natural areas include restored tallgrass and sand prairies, oak savanna and woodlands, oak-hickory forests, bottomland (floodplain) forests and wetlands along the Upper Iowa River. The campus natural areas also contain other habitats typical of the driftless region and karst topography.
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
Luther's natural areas are an outdoor classroom and research site for students and community members. Sustainable management and restoration of Luther's natural areas is overseen and implemented by a broad group on campus, including facilities, several academic departments (including biology and environmental studies), a natural areas land manager, student land stewardship interns, a land use committee (advisory), and students/faculty/staff from across campus. A general guidance document for the natural areas is provided in Land Stewardship Plan.
In addition, new restorations and land management are developed for each part of Luther's natural areas to promote the ideals of: student education, promoting healthy native ecosystems, and creating a connection between students and natural areas.
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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.