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Vernal Pools

Vernal pools are naturally occurring, temporary to semi-permanent bodies of water, normally found in shallow depressions with no permanent outlet or inlet and no viable populations of predatory fish. These pools, which may be dry by August, typically fill with water in the spring or fall. Vernal pools are the only habitat type which is defined by the presence of animals, which in Maine are the Spotted salamander, Blue Spotted salamander, Wood Frog and Fairy Shrimp.

Forest management activities are exempt from current vernal pool regulations. The Maine Forest Service promotes the use of voluntary habitat management guidelines for the protection of important vernal pools during timber harvest operations. These habitat guidelines are available on this website; field trainings can also be arranged for your group by request. To enquire about a training contact Keith Kanoti at (207) 287-1073 or e-mail keith.kanoti@maine.gov.

Forest Policy and Management Information Sheet
Forest Management and Vernal Pools

Vernal pools provide important habitat for many common and specialized forest-dwelling species. Timber harvesting activities should avoid disturbing high-value vernal pools and limit impacts to the immediate surrounding forest.
( pdf | Word )

Forestry Habitat Management Guidelines for Vernal Pool Wildlife

A cooperative publication of the University of Maine, Maine Audubon, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine Department of Conservation, and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
( pdf 1.28 MB)

 

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Past Presentations

Forestry Vernal Pool Ecology and Management Workshop - Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Professor Aram Calhoun, University of Maine; and Gordon Moore, Maine Forest Service District Forester, provided an introductory workshop focused on providing landowners and land managers with a general knowledge of the vernal pool habitat and the basic tools to manage these sites in a working forest environment. 

Presentations

• Forestry Habitat Management Guidelines for Vernal Pool Wildlife (pdf | 3.7 MB)
• The Great Temperate Forest Migration - with speaker notes (pdf | 6.9MB)

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