Overall Rating Bronze - expired
Overall Score 36.77
Liaison Ashley Woolman
Submission Date Feb. 16, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Western Colorado University
OP-10: Landscape Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.00 / 2.00 Ashley Woolman
Sustainability Coordinator
Facilities Services
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Figures required to calculate the total area of managed grounds::
Area
Total campus area 1,425 Acres
Footprint of the institution's buildings 12 Acres
Area of undeveloped land, excluding any protected areas 1,296 Acres

Area of managed grounds that is::
Area
Managed in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan 0 Acres
Managed in accordance with a sustainable landscape management program that includes an IPM plan and otherwise meets the criteria outlined 0 Acres
Managed organically, third party certified and/or protected 0 Acres

A copy of the IPM plan:
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The IPM plan :

No formal plan has been adopted. Invasive species and pests are managed on a case by case basis as they appear.


A brief summary of the institution’s approach to sustainable landscape management:

Efforts have been made to use native species, xeriscape around some buildings, and compost grounds waste, but there is no comprehensive plan in place.


A brief description of how the institution protects and uses existing vegetation, uses native and ecologically appropriate plants, and controls and manages invasive species:

Western has historically planted lots of cottonwood, spruce, and aspen trees on campus because they are local tree species and plenty of seed is available. Existing trees are protected from construction activities when possible by placing tree protection zones. Invasive species are controlled by weeding and spraying of herbicides. Herbicide use is minimized when possible and generally has to do with controlling dandelions in the spring.


A brief description of the institution’s landscape materials management and waste minimization policies and practices:

Western composts or mulches most of it's organic waste (grass clippings, tree leaves, tree limbs, dead plants/shrubs) and chips up tree stems.


A brief description of the institution’s organic soils management practices:

Soil samples have been collected from all parts of campus in order to minimize the use of fertilizers. Only certain nutrient deficiencies are targeted for fertilizer. Soils are aerated 3 times a year.


A brief description of the institution’s use of environmentally preferable materials in landscaping and grounds management:

Local plant materials are used when available.


A brief description of how the institution restores and/or maintains the integrity of the natural hydrology of the campus:

Western has done some stream bank restoration on University property and has installed an area of porous pavement to help water infiltration near the fieldhouse. We recently created a soil retention and water filtration area at the end of a long water drainage on campus.


A brief description of how the institution reduces the environmental impacts of snow and ice removal (if applicable):

Snow removal is a large part of our operations during the winter in Gunnison. We receive up to a foot of snow or more a year and temperatures often reach -20 degrees F. Crews use sand whenever possible and limit the use of salt. Roads, parking lots, and sidewalks are plowed by Western trucks as efficiently as possible. For lighter snows, a bobcat with a brush is often used to clear pathways. Student workers with hand tools often chip up ice in various places rather than using heavy machinery on sidewalks and stairs.


A brief description of any certified and/or protected areas:

We have some archaeological sites on university owned property that are registered as Colorado historical sites and protected under the Antiquities Act. However, I am not sure if this qualifies as a "protected area" for the purposes of this report since these sites mainly deal with cultural artifacts.


Is the institution recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Campus USA program (if applicable)?:
Yes

The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable landscape management programs and practices is available:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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