Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 68.22
Liaison Mary Ellen Mallia
Submission Date Dec. 21, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

University at Albany
OP-10: Biodiversity

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Jason Kersch
Landscape Architect
Office of Campus Planning
"---" 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, and/or regions of conservation importance?:
No

A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
---

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?:
Yes

Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
No

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:

The university consults with the NY Natural Heritage Program database to help identify endangered and vulnerable species. The Giant Pine-drop has been identified as an endangered for Albany County. http://acris.nynhp.org/guide.php?id=9195
Additionally, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation compiles a list of rare and state-listed animals and plants, significant natural communities and other significant habitats. The Albany Pine Bush, adjacent to the campus, is the only home of the Karner Blue Butterfly. https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7494.html


A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:

Indian Pond is our retention basin that is vital for our stormwater management, sustainable landscaping program and is a biologically diverse habitat. It is located on the east side of campus. Interpretative signage noting the various flora and fauna have been installed around the pond. As noted above, the area near the university campus is home of the Karner Blue Butterfly but the butterfly's habitat does not include the campus.


A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:

Indian Pond is subject to the guidelines in our landscaping master plan and stormwater management plan. These plans called for the use of native plants and low-water landscaping. Embedded in the stormwater plan are practices designed to reduce the amount of potential toxins that enter our watershed.


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.