| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 73.38 |
| Liaison | Brandon Trelstad |
| Submission Date | Dec. 9, 2022 |
Oregon State University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Brandon
Trelstad Sustainability Coordinator Sustainability Office |
"---"
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:
The City of Corvallis maintains Natural Features Inventories throughout the Corvallis Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) for streams, wetlands, riparian areas, wildlife habitats, significant vegetation, heritage trees and tree groves. These inventories are used in identifying specific Natural Hazards and Natural Resources in the Corvallis Urban Growth Boundary (including OSU) that are protected according to the Natural Features and Natural Hazards provisions of the Corvallis Land Development Code. https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/natural-features
Three types of Corvallis area natural resource designations - wetlands, riparian corridors and significant vegetation - can be found protected on the OSU campus. Oak Creek, in particular, represents an expansive highly protected riparian corridor that OSU has worked to restore and protect. https://fa.oregonstate.edu/sustainability/operations/natural-features
More information on protected areas can be found at: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/riparian-corridors-and-wetlands-map
Significant vegetation on OSU's Corvallis campus beyond what is identified by the City of Corvallis is also protected. OSU protects these areas from development and development-related impacts. More information on highly protected significant vegetation can be found here: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/significant-vegetation-areas-map
The Corvallis Campus Master Plan also designates a minimum amount of open space in each of the development sectors of campus, protecting open areas from development beyond a certain density.
Three types of Corvallis area natural resource designations - wetlands, riparian corridors and significant vegetation - can be found protected on the OSU campus. Oak Creek, in particular, represents an expansive highly protected riparian corridor that OSU has worked to restore and protect. https://fa.oregonstate.edu/sustainability/operations/natural-features
More information on protected areas can be found at: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/riparian-corridors-and-wetlands-map
Significant vegetation on OSU's Corvallis campus beyond what is identified by the City of Corvallis is also protected. OSU protects these areas from development and development-related impacts. More information on highly protected significant vegetation can be found here: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/significant-vegetation-areas-map
The Corvallis Campus Master Plan also designates a minimum amount of open space in each of the development sectors of campus, protecting open areas from development beyond a certain density.
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:
NOTE: not all species listed below are confirmed present on OSU properties. Some have been observed adjacent to OSU properties.
Entosphenus tridentatus, Pacific lamprey. Global risk level: Near threatened. State risk level: Critically endangered.
Erigeron decumbens, Willamette Valley daisy. Global risk level: Critically endangered. State risk level: Critically endangered.
Fluminicola virens, Olympia pebblesnail. Global risk level: Endangered. State risk level: Endangered.
Margaritifera falcata, Western pearlshell (mussel). Global risk level: Least concern. State risk level: Vulnerable.
Oncorhynchus mykiss pop. 33, Steelhead. Global risk level: Endangered. State risk level: Endangered.
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha pop. 23, Chinook salmon. Global risk level: Endangered. State risk level: Endangered.
Sidalcea nelsoniana, Nelson's sidalcea. Global risk level: Endangered. State risk level: Endangered.
Entosphenus tridentatus, Pacific lamprey. Global risk level: Near threatened. State risk level: Critically endangered.
Erigeron decumbens, Willamette Valley daisy. Global risk level: Critically endangered. State risk level: Critically endangered.
Fluminicola virens, Olympia pebblesnail. Global risk level: Endangered. State risk level: Endangered.
Margaritifera falcata, Western pearlshell (mussel). Global risk level: Least concern. State risk level: Vulnerable.
Oncorhynchus mykiss pop. 33, Steelhead. Global risk level: Endangered. State risk level: Endangered.
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha pop. 23, Chinook salmon. Global risk level: Endangered. State risk level: Endangered.
Sidalcea nelsoniana, Nelson's sidalcea. Global risk level: Endangered. State risk level: Endangered.
Areas of biodiversity importance
Yes
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
OSU and the City of Corvallis have identified over 626 acres of land that OSU now has deemed protected from development. These areas currently fall into three categories highly protected riparian areas/corridors, highly protected significant vegetation, and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program-protected (CREP) land.
Methodologies
If yes to either of the above, provide the following:
OSU and the City of Corvallis, both independently and together, have identified wetlands and wildlife areas on the OSU Corvallis campus. More information about City's identification process can be found below and at this link: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/natural-features
Updates occur as potential development is proposed. Depending on the potential development area, OSU development projects include a wetlands assessment.
The Natural Features Inventory
The Natural Features Inventory is divided into four resource types: wetlands, riparian areas, wildlife habitat and tree groves. Each resource has a technical report that describes the detailed methodology with summary tables and analysis. Detailed data sheets can be found for each resource site. The maps are divided into two categories: water-related resources (wetlands and riparian areas) and upland resources (wildlife habitat and tree groves). Each resource category has three types of maps with increasing detail. A summary map identifies the resource location within the Corvallis UGB. The locator maps are divided by study area (north, west-central, south) and provide a map index to the detailed map sheets, using 2002 aerial photos as their base.
Inventory Methodology
Specific methods are used for each of the natural features in this inventory. The inventory and assessment methods described in this report are based on the Natural Features Scoping Project Report (2002) prepared by the Corvallis Natural Features Technical Advisory Committee (NFT AC). The scoping report provides clear direction regarding what natural features to inventory further and provides the methodological foundation for determining how to inventory the natural features. The functional values of each natural resource area are evaluated using ranking/point systems to allow comparisons among all areas with the same type of resources. Detailed descriptions of the methods are found in each of the technical reports. Briefly:
- Local Wetlands Inventory (L WI) - the L WI includes all wetlands at least 0.5 acres is size, either isolated or within riparian assessment areas or wildlife habitat assessment areas. The methods are determined by Oregon Division of State Lands (DSL) administrative rules. The L WI is unique in that it is the only resource in which "significance" of a local wetland is determined by state administrative rules. The Oregon Freshwater Assessment Methodology (OFW AM) is used to assess whether or not a wetland meets the criteria for a Local Significant Wetland (LSW).
- Riparian Assessment - the riparian assessment is conducted within riparian assessment areas (RAA), which vary in width depending on stream type (perennial or intermittent) and the presence of locally significant wetlands and/or continuous riparian vegetation. The width of the RAA extends beyond the width of the riparian vegetation to identify potential offsite impacts. Each RAA is mapped with subareas or "subpolygons" that indicate different vegetative cover types (i.e. trees, shrubs, grasses, developed). The methodology is based on the Urban Riparian Inventory and Assessment Guide (URIAG) and a supplemental Riparian Corridor Survey to provide additional information on vegetation cover and stream conditions consistent with the NFTAC Scoping Report.
- Wildlife Habitat Assessment (WHA) - the wildlife habitat assessment includes all areas of at least five acres with natural vegetation, except for areas within riparian assessment areas. The WHA inventories and assess six general categories of habitat features or conditions: water, food, cover, human disturbance, patch size and connectivity, and unique features. Vegetation subpolygons are defined within each WHA area based on vegetative cover types. Each vegetation subpolygon includes a description and characterization of the vegetation and identification of any rare, threatened or endangered species associations.
- Tree Grove Assessment (TGA) - tree grove assessments are conducted for all areas with trees that are predominantly 25 feet or more in height with a continuous canopy cover of 0.5 acres or more. The TGA distinguishes between isolated tree groves (less than five acres in size) and vegetative subpolygons within WHA areas (greater than five acres), but does not include tree cover within developed areas or riparian assessment areas. The TGA evaluates tree groves for scenic, aesthetic, and other functional values.
Aerial photo interpretation is used to identify potential resource sites, which are then confirmed by field surveys. The fieldwork is conducted on-site where access permission is granted. Where access is not obtained, off-site assessments are conducted using aerial photographs, existing data sources, and observation from public lands and adjacent rights-of-way.
In many cases, resource boundaries overlap. For example, tree groves may be isolated or part of a wildlife habitat assessment area; or, a riparian corridor may be located within a wildlife habitat assessment area. Similarly, wetlands may be part of either a wildlife habitat assessment area or a riparian assessment area. The methodology ensures comprehensive coverage and consideration of multiple functional values for each type of resource (i.e. riparian areas serve as wildlife habitat), while avoiding "double counting" resources.
To identify endangered and vulnerable species, the OSU Sustainability Office worked with the Oregon Biodiversity Information Center (ORBIC) to create a report of rare, threatened, and endangered plants, animals, and fungi documented in the vicinity of Corvallis. This report generated the list of list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution shown above. Since this list is unlikely to change frequently, we anticipate rerunning this report approximately every 3 years. More info about the Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, a partnership between OSU and Portland State University, is at https://inr.oregonstate.edu/orbic.
Updates occur as potential development is proposed. Depending on the potential development area, OSU development projects include a wetlands assessment.
The Natural Features Inventory
The Natural Features Inventory is divided into four resource types: wetlands, riparian areas, wildlife habitat and tree groves. Each resource has a technical report that describes the detailed methodology with summary tables and analysis. Detailed data sheets can be found for each resource site. The maps are divided into two categories: water-related resources (wetlands and riparian areas) and upland resources (wildlife habitat and tree groves). Each resource category has three types of maps with increasing detail. A summary map identifies the resource location within the Corvallis UGB. The locator maps are divided by study area (north, west-central, south) and provide a map index to the detailed map sheets, using 2002 aerial photos as their base.
Inventory Methodology
Specific methods are used for each of the natural features in this inventory. The inventory and assessment methods described in this report are based on the Natural Features Scoping Project Report (2002) prepared by the Corvallis Natural Features Technical Advisory Committee (NFT AC). The scoping report provides clear direction regarding what natural features to inventory further and provides the methodological foundation for determining how to inventory the natural features. The functional values of each natural resource area are evaluated using ranking/point systems to allow comparisons among all areas with the same type of resources. Detailed descriptions of the methods are found in each of the technical reports. Briefly:
- Local Wetlands Inventory (L WI) - the L WI includes all wetlands at least 0.5 acres is size, either isolated or within riparian assessment areas or wildlife habitat assessment areas. The methods are determined by Oregon Division of State Lands (DSL) administrative rules. The L WI is unique in that it is the only resource in which "significance" of a local wetland is determined by state administrative rules. The Oregon Freshwater Assessment Methodology (OFW AM) is used to assess whether or not a wetland meets the criteria for a Local Significant Wetland (LSW).
- Riparian Assessment - the riparian assessment is conducted within riparian assessment areas (RAA), which vary in width depending on stream type (perennial or intermittent) and the presence of locally significant wetlands and/or continuous riparian vegetation. The width of the RAA extends beyond the width of the riparian vegetation to identify potential offsite impacts. Each RAA is mapped with subareas or "subpolygons" that indicate different vegetative cover types (i.e. trees, shrubs, grasses, developed). The methodology is based on the Urban Riparian Inventory and Assessment Guide (URIAG) and a supplemental Riparian Corridor Survey to provide additional information on vegetation cover and stream conditions consistent with the NFTAC Scoping Report.
- Wildlife Habitat Assessment (WHA) - the wildlife habitat assessment includes all areas of at least five acres with natural vegetation, except for areas within riparian assessment areas. The WHA inventories and assess six general categories of habitat features or conditions: water, food, cover, human disturbance, patch size and connectivity, and unique features. Vegetation subpolygons are defined within each WHA area based on vegetative cover types. Each vegetation subpolygon includes a description and characterization of the vegetation and identification of any rare, threatened or endangered species associations.
- Tree Grove Assessment (TGA) - tree grove assessments are conducted for all areas with trees that are predominantly 25 feet or more in height with a continuous canopy cover of 0.5 acres or more. The TGA distinguishes between isolated tree groves (less than five acres in size) and vegetative subpolygons within WHA areas (greater than five acres), but does not include tree cover within developed areas or riparian assessment areas. The TGA evaluates tree groves for scenic, aesthetic, and other functional values.
Aerial photo interpretation is used to identify potential resource sites, which are then confirmed by field surveys. The fieldwork is conducted on-site where access permission is granted. Where access is not obtained, off-site assessments are conducted using aerial photographs, existing data sources, and observation from public lands and adjacent rights-of-way.
In many cases, resource boundaries overlap. For example, tree groves may be isolated or part of a wildlife habitat assessment area; or, a riparian corridor may be located within a wildlife habitat assessment area. Similarly, wetlands may be part of either a wildlife habitat assessment area or a riparian assessment area. The methodology ensures comprehensive coverage and consideration of multiple functional values for each type of resource (i.e. riparian areas serve as wildlife habitat), while avoiding "double counting" resources.
To identify endangered and vulnerable species, the OSU Sustainability Office worked with the Oregon Biodiversity Information Center (ORBIC) to create a report of rare, threatened, and endangered plants, animals, and fungi documented in the vicinity of Corvallis. This report generated the list of list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution shown above. Since this list is unlikely to change frequently, we anticipate rerunning this report approximately every 3 years. More info about the Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, a partnership between OSU and Portland State University, is at https://inr.oregonstate.edu/orbic.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
The scope of this work is the Corvallis urban growth boundary, which includes the majority of the OSU Corvallis Campus. The locator maps are divided by study area (north, west-central, south) and provide a map index to the detailed map sheets, using 2002 aerial photos as their base.
The inventory and assessment methods described in this report are based on the Natural Features Scoping Project Report (2002) prepared by the Corvallis Natural Features Technical Advisory Committee (NFT AC). The scoping report provides direction regarding what natural features to inventory further and provides the methodological foundation for determining how to inventory the natural features.
As mentioned in the previous field, the OSU Sustainability Office worked with the Oregon Biodiversity Information Center (ORBIC) to create a report of rare, threatened, and endangered plants, animals, and fungi documented in the vicinity of Corvallis. Since it was not feasible to generate and review a report of every land holding location owned and operated by OSU across the state (including extension offices, research land, field stations, etc.) the Corvallis Campus and surrounding community of Corvallis was the focus of the scope of the assessment.
The inventory and assessment methods described in this report are based on the Natural Features Scoping Project Report (2002) prepared by the Corvallis Natural Features Technical Advisory Committee (NFT AC). The scoping report provides direction regarding what natural features to inventory further and provides the methodological foundation for determining how to inventory the natural features.
As mentioned in the previous field, the OSU Sustainability Office worked with the Oregon Biodiversity Information Center (ORBIC) to create a report of rare, threatened, and endangered plants, animals, and fungi documented in the vicinity of Corvallis. Since it was not feasible to generate and review a report of every land holding location owned and operated by OSU across the state (including extension offices, research land, field stations, etc.) the Corvallis Campus and surrounding community of Corvallis was the focus of the scope of the assessment.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
OSU takes multiple steps to protect wildlife habitat and sensitive areas on institutionally-owned land.
Under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, OSU's Dept. of Animal and Rangeland Sciences has restored and protected areas of Oak Creek that wind through livestock facilities. Supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, the project created wildlife habitat and riparian buffers along more than five miles of streams that include Oak Creek and its tributaries.
OSU has done other work to restore runs of Oak Creek, an urban stream and riparian area that runs through the heart of the main campus and many of OSU's agricultural areas. This work includes annual (or more frequent) stream cleanup events, removal of historical debris including dams and concrete, planting native trees and plants, improved shading of the creek, fencing off the creek from animal areas to prevent direct access, work on stormwater outfalls to prevent erosion and installing bioswales and other natural treatment facilities to slow and clean water entering local waterways (mostly Oak Creek).
Oak Creek and its surrounding riparian area is frequently used for academic course work, service learning requirements and research.
Under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, OSU's Dept. of Animal and Rangeland Sciences has restored and protected areas of Oak Creek that wind through livestock facilities. Supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, the project created wildlife habitat and riparian buffers along more than five miles of streams that include Oak Creek and its tributaries.
OSU has done other work to restore runs of Oak Creek, an urban stream and riparian area that runs through the heart of the main campus and many of OSU's agricultural areas. This work includes annual (or more frequent) stream cleanup events, removal of historical debris including dams and concrete, planting native trees and plants, improved shading of the creek, fencing off the creek from animal areas to prevent direct access, work on stormwater outfalls to prevent erosion and installing bioswales and other natural treatment facilities to slow and clean water entering local waterways (mostly Oak Creek).
Oak Creek and its surrounding riparian area is frequently used for academic course work, service learning requirements and research.
Optional Fields
50
Website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.