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	Vernal Pools by Matt DelMonte Vernal pools are temporary bodies of fresh water that typically fill with water in the autumn or winter due to rising ground water and rainfall and remain so through the spring and into early summer. Because a vernal pool is usually dry for part of the year, it can't support breeding populations of fish; however, they do support a variety of rare plants and animals including amphibians and invertebrates. In fact, some organisms must live in vernal pools for at least part of their life cycle. These organisms are called obligate species. Examples of vernal pool species in Massachusetts include the wood frog, the spadefoot toad, fairy shrimp, and mole salamanders. In Massachusetts, the Department of Fish and Game's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) serves the important role of officially "certifying" vernal pools that are documented by citizens. Finding vernal pools is the first step for protection. Some certified vernal pools are protected in Massachusetts under the Wetlands Protection Act regulations, as well as several other federal and state regulations and local bylaws. According to NHESP, 52 vernal pools within the Westfield River watershed have been certified in only seven communities. A survey of potential vernal pools produced by the NHESP has identified 748 potential vernal pools throughout the basin that require further field investigation. If you would like more information on vernal pools, or would like to certify a vernal pool in your community, contact the NHESP or visit them on the web at http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/nhesp.