| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.76 |
| Liaison | Mark Klapatch-Mathias |
| Submission Date | Feb. 21, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Joe
McIntosh Supervisor Grounds Maintenance |
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 the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
The South Fork of the Kinnickinnic River runs through the UWRF campus. The Kinnickinnic River watershed is characterized by scenic bluff lands, rare oak savanna, original prairie, farm land, white pine forest, wooded coulees, sedge meadows, rare and endangered plant species, beautiful stands of white pines and plenty of open space and scenic vistas. Its feeder creeks are cold and clean, containing wild native brook trout, important spawning areas, wetlands, and many springs arising from under picturesque limestone outcroppings.
The South Fork is a tributary feeding into the Kinni from the east and flows through the campus of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls before meeting up with the mainstem near Glen Park.
The river is classified by the Wisconsin DNR as a class II trout stream. Due to the high quantity and concentration of fish in the river it is heralded as a “jewel of a trout stream” by anglers who fish its waters. The river is primarily home to brook trout as opposed to the main Kinnickinnic River which contains high numbers of brown trout.
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?:
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
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:
In particular, the campus engaged in an extensive Stormwater Management study several years ago. Ayres and Associates conducted the study. The campus also submits an annual Stormwater Report which is submitted to the Department of Natural Resources.
In campus is also part of a Regional Consortium called Rain to Rivers. UWRF was the first 4 year institution to join the consortium. Participation is expected to further improve our outreach and education efforts as well as increase our awareness of Best Practices.
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
Notable areas include:
- The campus Farms
- The South Fork of the Kinnickinnic River (a Class I trout stream) runs through campus
The campus resides within the St. Croix River Watershed, downstream of the The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, a federally protected system of riverways. Campus is upstream of the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers.
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
UWRF has areas that are planted and maintained as native prairies. South Fork Suites has an area conducive to wildlife.
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.