Vernal pool certification

We review and process applications for the official "certification" of vernal pool habitats.

Blue-spotted salamander egg mass. Photo by Jacob Kubel.

This certification process relies on volunteers to survey possible vernal pools and to submit documentation of certain biological and physical evidence of vernal pool habitat. We then review the documentation and make a determination whether the wetland basin in question meets the biological and physical criteria necessary for status as a "Certified Vernal Pool".

Guidelines for certification

The NHESP's Guidelines for the Certification of Vernal Pool Habitat describes the criteria for certification and how citizens can provide the necessary documentation for certification.

The best way to submit your certification information is through the Heritage Hub.

For current information on pools which have been certified Massachusetts, please visit MassGIS and view the NHESP Certified Vernal Pools datalayer (available for download or for viewing with OLIVER).

Additional Resources

Report rare species & vernal pool observations

Guidelines for the Certification of Vernal Pool Habitat

Identification of Vernal Pools When Dry

Massachusetts Aerial Photo Survey of Potential Vernal Pools

Landowner permission

We strongly recommend that landowner permission be obtained prior to collecting certification documentation. It is the sole responsibility of an individual providing vernal pool certification information to the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program to ensure that all of their activities associated with gathering said information comply with law.