Vernal pool certification in Massachusetts

Here in town, we have very few certified vernal pools. This I believe is because no one has documented them - we've got water everywhere here in town! Neighboring towns have many more that are documented that don't have our water resources.



These pools are an important part of the ecosystem as they hold water for a short period of time in the spring (coming up in the next month or so) but are not connected to other water normally, so large fish and such can't predate on species that breed there. They are protected also by special laws from encroachment by developers. But you have to get out and document them. I'd encourage people who are interested to take the time in the next month to document areas of vernal pools they suspect.

Photo of dry pool



Here's some links to how to do that from vernalpools.org

Overview of documentation process

Certification form for Massachusetts

Maps to show the location

USGS topographic map. All certification packets must contain a copy of a section of the appropriate USGS topographic map with the location of the pool marked. Locate your pool on the map while in the field so that you can reference your actual location with the various features shown on the map. Take the time to check the immediate area to see if there are other potential vernal pools which might be confused with the one you are maping. Label your copy of the map with the map name as shown on the cover page. If you are using a GPS unit, make note of the longitude/latitude readings. There is a space for this optional information on the certification form.

In addition to the USGS topographic map, you need one or more additional maps.

Links to additional map examples

Additional information needed

OBSERVATION FORM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OTHER REQUIRED MAPS

3a. EVIDENCE OF A WET POOL AND OBLIGATE SPECIES or

3b. EVIDENCE OF FACULTATIVE SPECIES AND A POOL WHICH DRIES or

3c. EVIDENCE OF A DRY POOL AND REMAINS OF MOLLUSKS, CADDISFLIES or ODONATE EXUVIA

Provide the following evidence:
dry vernal poolPhotograph of the pool basin without water.The photograph of the dry basin indicates that the vernal pool does not have a permanent fish population. If the pool is almost dry, you should provide a photograph of the pool in that condition and an affidavit indicating that repeated sampling of the remaining water yielded no fish.

Photograph of facultative species which are persistent after pool drying. Some of the facultative species persist or leave remains when the pool dries. Look among the dried leaves on the pool bottom for the shells of air-breathing snails and fingernail clams. Dig in the damp soil for fingernail clam adults and juveniles. Check the plants in and around the pool for the shed skins (exuvia) of dragonflies and damselflies which have emerged from the pool.
Any one of the following photographs would be suitable evidence for vernal pool certification of a dry pool.
caddisfly case in dry pool fingernail clam shells shells of fingernail clams and amphibious snails

Evidence from a dry pool via shells etc of mollusks