| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 60.64 |
| Liaison | Eva Rocke |
| Submission Date | June 30, 2021 |
University of Montana
OP-9: Landscape Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.33 / 2.00 |
Sam
Gilbertson graduate student Office of Sustainability |
Total campus area:
Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds:
| Area (double-counting is not allowed) | |
| Area managed organically, without the use of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides | 182.58 Acres |
| Area managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that uses selected chemicals only when needed | 373.51 Acres |
| Area managed using conventional, chemical-based landscape management practices | 0 Acres |
| Total area of managed grounds | 556.09 Acres |
A brief description of any land excluded from the area of managed grounds:
In PRE-4 we reported significantly more acreage owned by UM. For OP-9, we are reporting the number above for the following reasons:
- There are 35.5 acres of hardscape (sidewalks, parking lots, etc.)
- Building Footprint: 25 Acres.
- Additionally, the University owns an experimental forest and ranch. While the experimental forest is managed for timber production, we felt that this was distinct from the 'landscape management' and associated practices captured by this credit. Forest management practices are not overseen or led by UM administrative or professional staff. At the working ranch, a ranching family rents the property and UM does not manage the land.
Organically managed land includes - Fort Missoula and West Campus of Missoula College
IPM management includes Main Campus, South Campus, and River Campus of Missoula College
Percentage of grounds managed organically:
A brief description of the organic landscape management program:
Several campus buildings that are LEED certified are landscaped with organic and native landscaping that requires no pesticide or herbicide application. In addition, we have a garden that supplies fresh food for our dining hall that is also managed organically.
Percentage of grounds managed in accordance with an IPM program:
A copy of the IPM plan or program:
A brief description of the IPM program:
This plan identifies the University of Montana’s management goals, philosophy of pest management, and specific management activities to be used by UM staff to maintain an attractive, healthy and sustainably landscaped campus. To reduce the impact of pests, UM relies on an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, a combination of cultural, mechanical, chemical and biological methods to keep pests below a threshold level that will enhance or maintain the desired health and allow UM to attain a high level of aesthetic on campus.
A brief description of the institution's approach to plant stewardship:
The University prioritizes native plant species in landscaping when possible. There is a native plant demonstration garden on campus and the landscaping around the new Payne Family Native American Center is exclusively native plants (excluding trees retained through construction).
A brief description of the institution's approach to hydrology and water use:
UM Grounds tries to prevent compaction of soils during construction by providing outside contractors with guidelines for minimizing impacts to the surrounding landscape. We also aerate turf 1-2 times annually to increase air and water infiltration into plant root zones. UM is constantly trying to upgrade all irrigation systems to automation, which allows for reduction in water loss due to evaporation and off target watering. These upgrades are budget-dependent and funded through a combination of green revolving funds and facilities utilities savings.
A brief description of the institution's approach to landscape materials management and waste minimization:
Facilities Services mulches all leaf and grass clippings. Tree branches, pruning debris, and other biomass is processed in a chipper and used as mulch on campus grounds.
A brief description of the institution's approach to energy-efficient landscape design:
Incorporating landscape trees into building site designs and planting trees in existing landscapes is prioritized, especially with the goals of passive solar heating and summer cooling in mind. UM planted its first test plot for measuring this type of passive cooling in 2016 near McGill Hall.
A brief description of other sustainable landscape management practices employed by the institution:
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management program is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Ben Carson- UM Grounds Maintenance Manager
E-mail- ben.carson@mso.umt.edu
Phone- (406) 243-2183
Ben Carson- UM Grounds Maintenance Manager
E-mail- ben.carson@mso.umt.edu
Phone- (406) 243-2183
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.