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| VERNAL POOL ECOLOGY |
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Vernal Pool Evaluations
- In Massachusetts, if a vernal pool is documented to contain obligate vernal pool species (i.e., always use seasonal ponds for breeding), and/or evidence of breeding by these species, the pool can be certified with the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). Oxbow has certified many vernal pools throughout Massachusetts, but does not practice, or advocate, vernal pool certification on private property without the owner's permission.
- We use a variety of search and trapping techniques to investigate potential vernal pool habitat including the use of these pools by rare and endangered species. Our techniques have been approved by NHESP and we have used these techniques to demonstrate nearly all of the state-listed amphibians designated as obligate vernal pool species.
- As a component of our evaluations, we review characterics of the surrounding uplands as well as proximity to nearby wetlands and/or other vernal pools both in the field and by reviewing maps and aerial photographs. This is important information determine how the on-site habitat characteristics fit into the surrounding landscape, which is important for land management decisions and project design.
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Construction of a Functional Vernal Pool
- We are currently working on establishing a breeding population of obligate vernal pool species in a created vernal pool associated with a Variance issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. This project included pre-construction inventory of amphibians using drift fences and aural surveys. Currently, Oxbow is in Year 4 of post construction monitoring and have established an aquatic invertebrate community and a breeding community of obligate vernal pool amphibians. The invertebrate and amphibian communities will be monitored with drift fences and other methods for a total of 5 years after construction. This is the first project of its kind in Massachusetts.
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