| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.44 |
| Liaison | Mike Wilson |
| Submission Date | Jan. 29, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Victoria
OP-11: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
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?:
A brief description of any legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance on institution owned or managed land:
Two forested areas on the UVic campus are protected from development in perpetuity through a covenant, Mystic Vale and Haro Woods.See The Campus Plan for details: https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/campusplan2003.pdf.
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
The methodology(-ies) used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or environmentally sensitive areas and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
Two detailed campus Natural Features Studies, Phase One and Phase Two, have been conducted by the Restoration of Natural Systems Program at UVic in 2007 and 2008. The studies include literature reviews, biophysical spacially referenced inventories and the mapping of natural areas on campus. The provincial Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory classification scheme was adopted to provide a framework for describing the natural ecosystems on campus, and indicator plant analysis was carried out to determine site series classification. The site are monitoried on an ongoing basis by the UVic Grounds and Environmental Services department. See reports here: http://www.uvic.ca/campusplanning/studies-reports/index.php.
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
According to the indicator plant analysis, Lower Hobbs Creek/ Mystic Vale and the dry portion of South Woods contain FdBg-Oregon grape site series, the wet portion of South Woods contains Cw-twinberry site series, Haro Woods and Finnerty ravine contain FdPl- Arbutus site series, and the Garry oak Woodland contains Fd- Oniongrass sedge site series.
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
Large areas of campus are protected under a development moritorium in our Campus Plan including South Woods, Bowker Creek and the Gary Oak Meadow. As well, Mystic Vale and Haro Woods are protected in perpetuity to ensure the health of the area for local flora and fona. See figure on page 18 in the Campus Plan (http://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/campusplan2003.pdf).
During the summer months, UVic is letting selected spaces on campus grounds "naturalize" by not watering or cutting the grass. This not only saves water, the also provide natural habitat for insects and animals that make campus their home.
The website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity policies and programs(s) is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Large areas of campus are protected under a development moritorium in the UVic Campus Plan including South Woods, Bowker Creek and the Gary Oak Meadow. As well, Mystic Vale and Haro Woods are protected in perpetuity to ensure the health of the area for local flora and fona. See figure on page 18 in the Campus Plan (http://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/campusplan2003.pdf).
During the summer months, UVic is letting selected spaces on campus grounds "naturalize" by not watering or cutting the grass. This not only saves water, the also provide natural habitat for insects and animals that make campus their home.
Detailed Natural Features Studies have been conducted in 2007 and 2008 to determine sensitive ecosystems and associated species, with recommendations for protection. The reports can be accessed here: http://www.uvic.ca/campusplanning/studies-reports/index.php.
Large areas of campus are protected under a development moritorium in the UVic Campus Plan including South Woods, Bowker Creek and the Gary Oak Meadow. As well, Mystic Vale and Haro Woods are protected in perpetuity to ensure the health of the area for local flora and fona. See figure on page 18 in the Campus Plan (http://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/campusplan2003.pdf).
During the summer months, UVic is letting selected spaces on campus grounds "naturalize" by not watering or cutting the grass. This not only saves water, the also provide natural habitat for insects and animals that make campus their home.
Detailed Natural Features Studies have been conducted in 2007 and 2008 to determine sensitive ecosystems and associated species, with recommendations for protection. The reports can be accessed here: http://www.uvic.ca/campusplanning/studies-reports/index.php.
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.