| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 45.22 |
| Liaison | Mei May |
| Submission Date | Nov. 27, 2019 |
University of Texas at San Antonio
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Mei L
May Director Office of Sustainability Sustainability |
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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 2019 UTSA Master Plan proposed a Karst Preserve and suggested that the university seek an Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) to include an Incidental Take Permit or 10(a)(1) (B) Permit. After consideration, the university elected not to pursue the Karst Preserve or seek an EA/HCP.
In 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) re-evaluated critical habitat for the nine Bexar County invertebrates known to occupy caves in areas of Karst terrain. USFWS determined the UTSA Main Campus fit their profile of areas for recovery of the species.
As such, USFWS increased the 40-acre critical habitat on the east side of the UTSA Main Campus shown in the 2009 Master Plan to a 105-acre Critical Habitat Unit (CHU). USFWS findings were effective March 15, 2012. The CHU increase is shown in the University of Texas at San Antonio Main Campus Exhibit. The disclosed information is in the Appendix.
In 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) re-evaluated critical habitat for the nine Bexar County invertebrates known to occupy caves in areas of Karst terrain. USFWS determined the UTSA Main Campus fit their profile of areas for recovery of the species.
As such, USFWS increased the 40-acre critical habitat on the east side of the UTSA Main Campus shown in the 2009 Master Plan to a 105-acre Critical Habitat Unit (CHU). USFWS findings were effective March 15, 2012. The CHU increase is shown in the University of Texas at San Antonio Main Campus Exhibit. The disclosed information is in the Appendix.
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:
The UTSA campus is home to two Bexar County karst invertebrates. Cicurina madla and Rhadine exilis
Areas of biodiversity importance
Yes
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
In 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) re-evaluated critical habitat for the nine Bexar County invertebrates known to occupy caves in areas of Karst terrain. USFWS determined the UTSA Main Campus fit their profile of areas for recovery of the species.
Methodologies
If yes to either of the above, provide the following:
In 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) re-evaluated critical habitat for the nine Bexar County invertebrates known to occupy caves in areas of Karst terrain. USFWS determined the UTSA Main Campus fit their profile of areas for recovery of the species.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
For the purposes of developing research space around the Karst Invetbrates, the University developed studies to identify practicum to recover the species and protect the critical habitat unit.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
The UTSA East Campus has a geology indicative of specific endangered species, and areas of it are also includes in the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer, the main source of drinking water for San Antonio.
Based on this, the UTSA Master Plan Sustainability Guidelines include provisions calling for the protection of sensitive habitat and the connectivity of habitat, as well as the protection of endangered species. The Master Plan establishes three "Greene\ Reserve" zones, the purpose of which includes sensitive and species rich riparian habitats and endangered species habitats and protecting the aquifer recharge zone. In zone three in particular, which includes the protected habitats and recharge areas, only small free-standing structures and water quality basins may be constructed.
The Master Plan Sustainability guidelines are found on: http://www.utsa.edu/masterplan/pdfs/MP_Sustainability_Guidelines.pdf
The Greene Reserve Guidelines are found on: http://www.utsa.edu/masterplan/pdfs/MP_Green_Reserve.pdf
Based on this, the UTSA Master Plan Sustainability Guidelines include provisions calling for the protection of sensitive habitat and the connectivity of habitat, as well as the protection of endangered species. The Master Plan establishes three "Greene\ Reserve" zones, the purpose of which includes sensitive and species rich riparian habitats and endangered species habitats and protecting the aquifer recharge zone. In zone three in particular, which includes the protected habitats and recharge areas, only small free-standing structures and water quality basins may be constructed.
The Master Plan Sustainability guidelines are found on: http://www.utsa.edu/masterplan/pdfs/MP_Sustainability_Guidelines.pdf
The Greene Reserve Guidelines are found on: http://www.utsa.edu/masterplan/pdfs/MP_Green_Reserve.pdf
Optional Fields
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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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