Vernal Pools

• BEAT presented two workshops on Vernal Pools
• Protection and Study of Vernal Pools in the Northeast
• How to find on-line maps of Certified and Potential vernal pools
• Links to Vernal Pool Information on the web

Vernal Pool Pictures of eggs, spermataphores, and amphibians

BEAT Presented Two Workshops on Vernal Pools

Berkshire Environmental Action Team presented to workshops on Vernal Pools.

On April 12,2008 we presented Vernal Pools – Ecology and Conservation with Tom Tyning, a workshop that provided an in depth look into the science and policy of vernal pools. Attending were Conservation Commissioners and Conservation Agents, foresters, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation foresters, educators teaching many different grade levels, wetland scientists, and others interested in these natural wonders. Thanks to the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), we were able to offer 6 Professional Development Points for this workshop.

On April 13, 2008 we presented a Vernal Pool Certification Training Workshop, also with Tom Tyning, for lay-people, volunteers, and concerned citizens.  This afternoon workshop offered a free crash course in vernal pool certification to anyone willing to commit to certifying at least one pool over the coming year.

Both of these workshops were held at Berkshire Community College (BCC). BCC has become a wonderful partner in helping organizations like BEAT hold important educational events, forums, and meetings. The technical department always ensures the equipment will operate flawlessly. It is a real pleasure to work with this college and their faculty, staff, and administrative personnel.

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Protection and Study of Vernal Pools

In Massachusetts, certified vernal pools are afforded extra protection. According to the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program website:

Official certification provides a vernal pool, and up to 100 feet beyond its boundary in some cases, certain protection under several state and federal laws. Originally defined and protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations, Certified Vernal Pools now also receive protection under Title 5 of the Massachusetts Environmental Code, Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act, the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards which relate to Section 401, and the Massachusetts Forest Cutting Practices Act. These regulations help to eliminate direct impacts to certified vernal pools and to minimize indirect impacts. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for the implementation of these regulations (except for the Forest Cutting Practices Act, administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation), and has designated specific staff as vernal pool liaisons. (See the NHESP Vernal Pools introduction page for more information).

In addition, vernal pools may be home to Jefferson Salamanders (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) a Massachusetts state-listed species of Special Concern, which comes under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA).

In New York state, the New York Natural Heritage program recognizes the need for further documentation and study of vernal pools. They also list Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the protection of vernal pools.

In Vermont, the Vermont Wetlands Bioassessment Project was initiated as part of a New England-wide effort to develop and implement biological assessment and monitoring programs for wetlands. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC) and the Vermont Nongame and Natural Heritage Program (VT NNHP) began working collaboratively to develop methods for the classification and bioassessment of vernal pools.

In New Hampshire, information on vernal pools documented by volunteers are sent to the local conservation commission and NH Fish and Game.

In Maine, significant vernal pool habitat is protected by law under the Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA).

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How to find on-line maps of Certified and Potential vernal pools

To find the Mass GIS map of Certified and Potential Vernal Pool locations in Massachusetts, go to the MassGIS website , and click on the red MassGIS logo. (The first time you may need to download the OLIVER Installer.) This will launch a JAVA script which may take a few minutes to launch depending on how fast your computer. (BEAT's computer needs more RAM!) A "Log In" screen will appear. Log in an Anonymous User (the default - so you just click on the Log In button).

A map of Massachusetts will appear with all the towns outlined. At the top, there is a tool bar with a +magnifying glass second from the left. If you click on the +magnifying glass, then click-and-drag a box on the map of the area you are interested in. You may need to do this a couple of times to zoom into where you want. There is also a -magnifying glass to zoom out.

On the right side of the screen, you can select different layers. These are fun to experiment with, and you can find an overwhelming amount of information, but we would suggest starting with as a base layer either:

• Images - USGS Topographic Maps - USGS Topographic Maps (or 3D whichever you prefer to use), or
• Images - Orthophotos - Color Orthos 2005 (gives you aerial photos)

You can only see either image (topographic map or ortho photo) at one time, not both. You can turn them on and off by checking the box at the lower right part of the screen, then clicking "Update Map". If you have both layers checked (turned on) the one that is higher up in the lower right part of the screen will show. These images will only show when you are zoomed in enough. If you are not zoomed in enough, when you click "Update Map" the title of the layer will be grayed out.

To see the Certified Vernal Pools and Potential Vernal Pools:

• Conservation/Recreation - Natural Heritage Data - NHESP Certified Vernal Pools
• Conservation/Recreation - Natural Heritage Data - Potential Vernal Pools