CertificationCERTIFICATION


NHESP Guidelines NHESP
Guidelines

Certified vernal pool list List: Certified
Vernal Pools

Materials needed for certification Certification
materials
Form needed for certification Observation
form
Maps needed for certification Maps
Certification with obligate species wet-obligate
Certification with facultative species wet-facultative
Certification with remains of facultative species dry-facultative

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Vernal Pool Certification
in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, vernal pools are certified as "existing" by the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program based on documentation by citizens. Documentation for vernal pool certification has three components: 1) you must complete and sign the Observation Form, 2) provide Maps that precisely locate the vernal pool, and 3) provide Evidence for the presence of the vernal pool itself and its use by the indicator species. The Evidence will differ depending on both the season of year and the species you use to certify the pool. Click on the links below for further information about the components or methods of certification.

1. SIGNED OBSERVATION FORM
2a. USGS MAP
2b. + ONE ADDITIONAL MAP
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

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