| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.20 |
| Liaison | Jessica Thompson |
| Submission Date | June 20, 2024 |
Northern Michigan University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Jessica
Thompson AVP Sustainability People Culture & Wellbeing |
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?:
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
This assessment consisted of identifying and comparing land owned or managed by NMU and legally protected areas. In the attached report: "NMU_Biodiversity_Assessment_12-2022.pdf you can see the specific areas included for this description. Comparing Figure 2 to Figures 3 and 4 shows that NMU owns property to be considered a legally protected area (Fig. 3) and a section of property that is adjacent to a legally protected area (Fig. 4). Figure 1 clearly shows that no legally protected land exists within the downtown Marquette area, where NMU main campus property is located. Therefore, only images of immediate relevancy are included. Figure 1 - WDPA Legally Protected Areas of Marquette County (Source: World Database of Protected Areas) Figure 2 - Selection of WDPA Legally Protected Areas Map containing NMU property (Source: World Database of Protected Areas) Figure 3 - NMU remote property (Source: Northern Michigan University)
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
Endangered flora species
Six endangered and vulnerable fauna species were included in this assessment. 1. Gray Wolf (Canis lupis) 2. Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) 3. Red Knot (Calidris canutus) 4. Kirtland’s Warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii) 5. Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus) 6. Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Geographic habitat and population statistics were analyzed to determine the potential or observed presence of these species within land owned or managed by NMU. Although direct sightings on NMU property are not documented in this research, the documented habitat range should be sufficient to meet credit criteria and also be at the forefront of conservation action.
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
Six endangered and vulnerable species were included in this assessment. Geographic habitat and population statistics were analyzed to determine the potential or observed presence of these species within land owned or managed by NMU. The Dead River Community Forest (DRCF) is a legally protected area of land owned by the UP Land Conservancy. NMU helps in the protection of this land through a formal partnership with the DRCF to complete conservation projects such as species surveying and impact mitigation.
A notable endangered tree species was documented on campus, the Ash tree. The survey found 7 Ash trees in the locations that were covered during the survey. The trees were in various states of damage due to the emerald ash borer insect."
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
Data collection for this research was carried out in accordance with STARS-approved methodology for identifying habitats and/or areas of biodiversity importance. Geospatial data, species, and habitat data were gathered from online resources provided by academics, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. The World Database of Protected areas was my source for geospatial data of legally protected areas (“Protected Areas (WDPA)”). Geographic data for vulnerable or endangered species and habitats were collected using the Information for Planning and Consultation tool provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (IPaC). Maps of Northern Michigan University property were acquired by submission of a FOIA request for public data. Following the collection of geospatial and species data, I collected information about plans, programs, projects, or initiatives in place at NMU with a perceived impact on identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems. Information describing the objectives and implementation of these plans, projects, or initiatives were gathered from NMU online resources, and project proposals provided by an NMU Sustainability Advisory Council member.
A Tree Survey on NMU's main campus was conducted from October of 2023 to May of 2024. Data was collected using the Survey123 app and that data was uploaded to ArcGis. Each data entry contained the tree species, tree height (in feet), tree diameter (in inches), condition of the tree, the location of the tree, a photo of the tree, and any notable damage to the tree. Most data was collected in-person using a cell phone (around ~700) while the rest was supplied by NMU Grounds from planting records (around ~300). In total 1,144 trees were surveyed on the main campus as well as some outlining areas such as the Jacobetti Complex. A notable endangered tree species was documented on campus, the Ash tree. The survey found 7 Ash trees in the locations that were covered during the survey. The trees were in various states of damage due to the emerald ash borer insect."
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
Analysis of geospatial data denoting legally protected areas and areas of biodiversity importance was completed using the ArcGIS online tool. Maps from ArcGIS were then compared to maps depicting NMU property to observe areas of overlap or adjacency. Geographic species data showing range and habitat was analyzed by observing maps provided by government agencies and non-profit organizations. University programs, sustainability plans and student projects were analyzed based on their geographic area of focus or operation, the reasoning for implementation, and the predicted impact on biodiversity. Data analyzed for this research is conveyed in this report by maps, images, and descriptions. Maps display geospatial data of vulnerable species' habitats, species range, protected areas, and land owned or managed by NMU. Images and descriptions are provided for species and student projects.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
An initiative at NMU that protects or positively affects the habitat of a species identified in this research (the monarch butterfly) is the Now Mow Zone. This area is a dedicated natural area on campus in an effort to protect the native plants, which are habitats for pollinators. The Dead River Community Forest (DRCF) is a legally protected area of land owned by the UP Land Conservancy. NMU helps in the protection of this land through a formal partnership with the DRCF to complete conservation projects such as species surveying and impact mitigation. Several student projects were implemented at NMU within the last year which positively affect pollinator habitats and native plant species. The research apiary provides benefits for pollinators through the pollination of milkweed and other native plants by honeybees. A clover lawn was planted, which also provides a habitat for pollinators. Finally, a rain garden has been implemented to mitigate erosion and support native plants, which support pollinators. Pollinator support is emphasized as it is a critical component of improving biodiversity in plants. Improving biodiversity was described as an objective in each project’s proposals and will become an observable impact.
Estimated percentage of areas of biodiversity importance that are also protected areas :
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 2022 biodiversity assessment only included endangered and vulnerable animal species. In 2023 we completed a similar biodiversity assessment for endangered and vulnerable plant species.
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.