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The Official Website of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG)

 
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species

Vernal Pools

Natural Heritage LogoVernal pools are unique wildlife habitats best known for the amphibians and invertebrate animals that use them to breed. Vernal pools, also known as ephemeral pools, autumnal pools, and temporary woodland ponds, typically fill with water in the autumn or winter due to rising ground water and rainfall and remain ponded through the spring and into summer. Vernal pools dry completely by the middle or end of summer each year, or at least every few years. Occasional drying prevents fish from establishing permanent populations. Many amphibian and invertebrate species rely on breeding habitat that is free of fish predators. Find out much more about vernal pools and what is found in them in Massachusetts by ordering our Field Guide to the Animals of Vernal Pools.Salamander photo

Some vernal pools are protected in Massachusetts under the Wetlands Protection Act regulations, as well as several other federal and state regulations, and local bylaws. The NHESP serves the important role of officially "certifying" vernal pools that are documented by citizens. Finding vernal pools is the first step for protection. The Massachusetts Aerial Photo Survey of Potential Vernal Pools has been produced by the NHESP to help locate likely vernal pools across the state. Learn about how vernal pools are protected, how to certify a vernal pool, and about the resources that are available from the NHESP and other organizations.

Contact the Department of Environmental Protection regarding the regulatory protection of certified vernal pools.

DEP Central Regional Office
Jennifer Gensel
627 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 792-7650

DEP Northeast Regional Office
Wayne Lozzi
205B Lowell Street
Wilmington, MA 01887
978-694-3200

DEP Southeast Regional Office
Dan Gilmore, Chris Ross
20 Riverside Drive
Lakeville, MA 02347
(508) 946-2700

DEP Western Regional Office
Karen Hirschberg, Tim McKenna
436 Dwight Street
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 784-1100