Vernal Pool Protection Bylaw on the Town Warrant

Vernal pools are a form of wildlife habitat that exists in Rehoboth. They are land depressions where water collects in the fall, through the winter and into the spring, creating temporary wildlife habitat where specific amphibians and invertebrates can breed and develop in the spring before the pool dries out for the summer months. Vernal pools that exist in wetlands are generally protected by the Wetlands Protection Act (WPA). Certain amphibians and invertebrates breed ONLY in vernal pools, making them an especially important habitat.

However, unprotected vernal pools exist outside of wetlands, and you have noticed these pools by the sides of roads, in a field, or yard, unconnected to a wetland. They have no inlet or outlet and are sustained by precipitation and groundwater.

It is up to municipalities to pass their own bylaws to protect this form of wildlife habitat. This June, you will have an opportunity to vote at the Town Meeting to support a new bylaw designed to protect vernal pools, and a 100’ buffer zone around them, that are not in the wetlands.

Why should we protect these pools when there are others in the wetlands? Vernal pools outside of wetlands do not have fish or predatory dragonfly larvae because they dry out in most summers. This makes them the perfect nursery for wildlife such as spotted salamanders, fairy shrimp, and wood frogs, to name a few, to lay eggs and develop. By the time the pool dries out, the amphibians’ tadpoles and larvae have changed into land-dwelling juveniles. Losing or compromising vernal pools can endanger the existence of some of these animals.

Why is a 100’ buffer zone needed around a pool? Wildlife habitats, such as a vernal pool, need a protected zone so that it can continue to function as wildlife habitat. This zone provides cover during breeding migrations to and from the pool, food, and shelter and therefore should not be disturbed by human activity such as dumping, filling, vegetation removal, or construction. Some of these animals spend their entire lives within 100’ of vernal pools.

What is the process for determining if I have a vernal pool that requires protection? If you are planning a construction project that might negatively impact vernal pool habitat in the 100’ buffer zone you should contact the Rehoboth Conservation Commission to learn about the process, and which applications you might need to file. Protecting the vernal pools will not have an adverse impact on the citizens of Rehoboth but will have a positive impact on the future existence of certain wildlife.

Part of the pleasure of living in Rehoboth is knowing we have a diversity of wildlife habitats, from upland oak forests, wild cranberry bogs, Atlantic Whie Cedar forest and wetlands, all of which support a fascinating array of wildlife. Please do your part to protect wildlife habitat for generations to come in our town. Vote to Protect Vernal Pools that are not currently under protection by the Wetlands Protection Act.

Questions? Feel free to contact me at carolentin@comcast.net.