Natural
Heritage Home|
Quick Links
|
Vernal Pools
Vernal
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 rainfall and rising groundwater
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, which is critical to the reproductive success of many amphibian
and invertebrate species that rely on breeding habitats free of fish
predators. Find out more about vernal pools in Massachusetts and what
can be found in them by ordering
our Field
Guide to the Animals of Vernal Pools.
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, researchers, and other parties. 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 interested individuals locate likely vernal pools across the state. To view Certified Vernal Pools and Potential Vernal Pools, and to learn about the resources that are available from the NHESP and other organizations, click here.
Questions?
Contact Jacob
Kubel at (508)389-6373 regarding the ecology of vernal pools and
the certification process.
Contact your local Conservation Commission or the Department of Environmental Protection regarding the regulatory protection of certified vernal pools. To determine the DEP Vernal Pool Liaison for your town, click here.
|
DEP
Central Regional Office |
DEP
Northeast Regional Office |
|
DEP
Southeast Regional Office |
DEP
Western Regional Office |