WW - fv ^w 4| I 1 ZAXassachu setts Aerial Photo Survey of Potential Vernal Pools Spring 2001 HBKf l*V ^y)^V> Natural Heritage \^: &l Endangered Species ^^ Program Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife j5>£ Natural Heritage ^S^jSl Endangered Species * Program Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Route 135, Westborough, MA 01581 www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/heritage.htm (508) 792-7270 ext. 200, fax (508) 792-7821 The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program's goal is the protection of the state's native biological diversity through a comprehensive program of biological inventory and scientific research, species and habitat management and restoration, environmental impact review, and conservation planning. The Program is funded largely by the Commonwealth's General Fund as well as by voluntary contributions to the NH&ES Fund on Massachusetts' income tax forms and by the Inland Fish & Game Fund. The Program also is an active participant in the evaluation and selection of lands purchased by the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. "With support from Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Commonwealth of Massachusetts This project was supported by bond funds made available by the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. Bond funds supporting the Massachusetts Aerial Photo Survey of Potential Vernal Pools also supported a series of seven vernal pool workshops for educators held throughout the Commonwealth in the spring of 200 1 . The Massachusetts Aerial Photo Survey of Potential Vernal Pools has been funded as a component of the Natural Heritage Program's BioMap Project, a statewide effort to identify and map areas of critical conservation concern. BioMap will result in an important tool for prioritizing open space protection, acquisition and community preservation planning, as well be valuable to state and federal environmental agencies, local conservation commissions, planning boards and land trusts. Copies of this publication are available through the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Route 135, Westborough, MA 01581, (508) 792-7270 ext. 200. SWassachuseZts Aerial Photo Survey of Potential Vernal Pools Spring 2001 Matthew R. Burne Vernal Pool Ecologist Natural Heritage &. Endangered Species Program Massachusetts Division of Fisheries Private@FWE CPent 25@>Servers on 'StreetTalk B g» Atev on 'StteetTalk\WorkGroup@FWE CPent 2E [+: ^3 WorkGroup@FWE CPent 25@Setvets on 'Street J Data _J Gisdata , 1 Program |ji]_irrst32i.ex_ 3_isdel iji] sysl cab \ji\ userl cab |ji] data tag •A datal cab Re Folder Re Folder File Folder 284KB EX_Fie 8KB Application 201KB CAB Re 46KB CAB Re 1KB TAG File 1,553KB CAB Fie A 4) Click the Start button at the Windows Desk Top 5) Click Run... 6) Type E:\Setup.exe Note, you must type the letter of your own CD- ROM drive, as determined in step 3, above. It may not be E as in this example Type the name of a program., folder, document., or Internet resource, and Windows will open it for you. Open: OK Cancel Browse.. 7) Click OK ^kfi 22 Steps 8-11 refer to the dialog boxes that come up during installation 8) Welcome dialog box Click Next v.TitPnt m & WateorMtortoMaitCir.fl'WwDateVww* Sotuppforjarn JhrtpKnjarnv*lrnt«IMa»t the Setup ptogiwn WARNING Ttapirjrjamii proved r^eopyt^ law and int«rftabond lieabet Unauthorised leprodijrlion a dafttxAon ot ttw program, or any poUtonoU mwietv»«iiev»iflCrW«<]c(«T«.Jpef.*«w and wi b* f«(.rncUrH to the m*amum intent porabiV undo law 9) Select Components dialog box a) Be sure both boxes are checked b) Confirm that Destination Folder is on your hard drive and labeled massgjs c) Click Next 1 0) Select Program Folder dialog box You will use the default "MassGIS Runtime Data Viewer." Click Next zzzsFs^mm *j Setup steady to Seacopyaio, the tew llyouwrantlorevrewrj change any tutrix tick 8ec* rtyou«r©«rtwIi«le«thlhe telttiaJ. drek NMfobogn copyiifjfltt £tooj*m Fofcte*:. E iptikyj PoldJeW Accessories DeflAccecsonn Del Documents ESRI Internet Explorer Startup f&SESP 11) Information dialog box Click Next t|M I C«d Select Components Select the components you want to install, clear the components you do not want to install. to MassGIS Runtime Data Viewer program files 32226 K Ej MassGIS Runtime Data Viewer data tile- m Setup Summary Setup component* MastOS Runtime Data Viewer program file: MatsfflS Rurtwe Data Viewer daia Hw J Program taiget dnectory CiVnangrt DataiatgetoVecioiy CVnaagrs Program rc*det Mai.-GIS Runtime Data Viewer J r1 ■fix* j Hg*L Cancel Copying will begin 1 2) Click OK when installation is complete 23 ^Massachusetts 'Vernal 'Fool 5ur\7ey Starting the Data Viewer Note: The first time you start the Data Viewer you will be prompted to enter the letter of the CD-ROM drive (step 18). This tells the program where to look for files when it is running. If you enter the wrong drive letter, you will see an error message, and the program will not run properly. If this happens you will need to entirely remove the program and any folders it created, then repeat the installation procedure. Further instructions follow the start-up procedure below. 1 3) Be sure the GIS Runtime Data Viewer CD is in the CD-ROM drive. Click the Start button in Windows 14) Click Programs 15) Click on the MassGIS Runtime Data Viewer folder 16) Click on the MassGIS Runtime Data Viewer program icon 1 7) The MassGIS Runtime Data Viewer will start MASSGIS Data Viewer MflsMchusetn Geographic Information System 1999 fxecutivt Oftictt of titvtroiirticntai Atfsiii RMduva«v30tr>s2.Af,R. JOjxJ 1 8) A dialog box will prompt you to enter the letter designation of your CD-ROM drive « MassGIS Data Viewer Type the letter of your drive and click OK $2X 24 1 9) If you type the wrong letter at this dialog box, you will see an error message ^Unexpected Condition Did not find the shape directory /|\ in either c:\massgi$\gisdata\ \! J or d:\gisdata\ Some data may not be available | OK | The program will not work properly until it has been removed entirely from the computer and reinstalled. If you get this error message, a) Close the Data Viewer by clicking the small x in the upper right hand corner b) Select Yes when asked if you really want to quit c) Click Start at the Windows Desk Top d) Click on Settings e) Select Control Panel f) Double click the Add/Remove Programs icon g) Scroll down to MassGIS Runtime Data Viewer and double click h) Select Yes when prompted to confirm file deletion i) Click OK when done This may remove shared files in the process. Select Yes when asked to confirm j) Close Add/Remove Programs dialog box k) Close Control Panel 1) Open Windows Explorer inflalAJnroMl ) VntkwwHT Soft* ] AtWresS Ld Control Pyd ■J5) drrrt | lwi« I he loConmg iotiw«e C«n be sut tfc'novtiJ by Window* To K*rov« a wj&#* v to Mcdfci *■- n:'wk CA d :ddeis X Name Size | Type *l esklop ^ I _|HPFonts File Fold" B il My Computer LJI386 File Folder ♦ ^3H Floppy (A) _| l\J File Folder i Fie Folder File Folder — ' B & (C:) i_] Multimedia ... O $oem$ 1 J Piogiam Files &LJ Backup USbpci File Folder B L3 BMail USp4 File Folder Cj Cdrom CjTemp FieFoMa ♦ _| Dell ■» LJ vines File Folder *| _ i >r «l 1 ii 25 Massachusetts 'Vernal 'Fool 5ur\'ey Getting started eL.r ' 4& 77? e next 2 pages will provide a quick overview on how to zoom in to a particular town and bring in the USGS topographic maps to the map that you are presented with on starting the Data Viewer. You will also bring in the potential vernal pool datalayer into your view. This is just the beginning of what the MassGIS Runtime Data Viewer is capable of. The CD contains 5 lessons that were created by Shirley L. Griffin, Ed.D. These cover in more depth the ArcView/Data Viewer interface, operation and manipulation of "Themes" in ArcView, using theme tables and querying data, and making and formatting maps. After completing installation, open Windows Explorer and open the \massgis\data\docs folder on the hard drive. Examples 1-5 are labeled exlpic, ex2pic, etc. Double click to open in MS Word. 1 ) Open the MassGIS Data Viewer by following steps 13-17. You will only be asked to type the letter of the CD-ROM drive the first time you open the program. You will be presented with a map of the state (see page 24). 2) Zoom in to a specific town by clicking on the Z button in the tool bar. Scroll down to MA Towns. Double click, then select a town from the list. Tjinngham Upton Uxbridge Initial Default MA Counties MA Legislative Districts Cancel Major Basins (Watersheds) MDC Extents PALIS Feature Postal Villages / Neighborho d Wales Walpole Waltham Ware J 3) Add datalayers to your view by clicking on the A button in the tool bar. Only a few of the MassGIS datalayers were included on the enclosed CD. The available data will come up in the list when you click the A button. For example, add the USGS topographic maps to your view by clicking on the A button and double clicking USGS Topographic Maps. Repeat these steps to add the Potential Vernal Pool datalayer to your view. You should be sure to zoom into a relatively small area (e.g. one town); the topo maps will take a very long time to draw otherwise. Ljaa MmiCIS RnwO»»... 26 4) You will now see the potential vernal pool datalayer over the USGS topographic maps for the part of the state you have displayed. Zoom in further by using the magnifying glass in the tool bar. Either click on the area you want to see (zooming in gradually to the point that you clicked) or click and drag a square around the area to zoom in quickly. «,',iwwu.Wf«rffT V' Pot*r>tulVt(ftj|Pook VI MA Town Boundaikt ^ U80S Qu4j ^s. V^- MM<3*%m W..U tf OITOTQMlQgTTH *• 1^1 T R Scale 1:1 3.944,747 322.733.57 *+ 985.527.14 t If) Counties ' /V ■*f\ Massachusetts C=L At tributes of Massachusetts ▼ *! Steps Aim ftemiefer OtMnstt Octliins-id Are&aa&s Mass Name Polygon 127330 875 1437 282 4! 3; 315' '^Massachusetts ♦ Polygon 5383.288 31 8.289 j 5! 4j 1.31 1 | Massachusetts Polygon 28572.881 884.573; 6: 5| 71! 1 j Massachusetts ♦ Dnliinnn ?KC^1 QKQ CQcn/17: 7! c: ti: 1 . u,.„,„u..-«n. .tJ_f |* I Menu bar l Button bar "^ Tool bar Document windows Status bar "?v; *%» The ArcView GUI consists of the following basic components: The menu bar provides access to ArcView operations in a pull-down menu. The button bar provides quick access to commonly-used operations also available from the menu bar. The tool bar accesses operations that are performed with the screen cursor. Each tool defines a unique action for the cursor to perform. The status bar displays a one-line description of a menu choice, button, or tool, as the cursor is moved over (without selecting) it. This is very useful as a help feature for determining the function or purpose of the various menu, button, and tool options. The status bar also reports measurements, displays system messages, and shows a progress bar for lengthy operations. Document windows are the ArcView windows within which you perform your work. The four GUI bars are context sensitive and reflect the options relevant to the active 30 document window in which you are working at any given time. The active document window is indicated by a highlighting of the window's top title bar. In the figure above, the window entitled "View 1 " is active, and therefore, the menus, buttons, and tools showing are those pertinent to this view document. The Project document window is a special window that manages the other documents in the project (see next section). Arc View Projects: An Arc View project is a collection of associated documents that work together during an Arc View session. Projects are stored in a single file with the ".apr" extension and provide an organized way to manage the status of the various documents (views, tables, charts, layouts, and scripts) as you work. Projects manage how and where documents are displayed, maintain current selections from the documents, and define the appearance of the Application window. The Project window contains a title bar with the name of the active project (e.g. proj 1 .apr in the figure above) and acts as a gateway to the other documents in the project. Each icon in the Project window represents a class of documents. Clicking one of these icons "opens a gate" to documents of that class. At any given time, there can be only one active project and hence, one Project window to access and manage project components. Opening. Saving and Closing your Project: A project can be opened by double-clicking its name from the Windows File Manager. Alter- natively, it is possible to set up an Arc View icon in Windows Program Manager that starts a specific project by default when Arc View is started. If Arc View has been started without a default project (or if the last project was closed), the Arc View File menu will provide the means to open a project. If, in future sessions, you will be wanting to return to your project in the state in which you have developed it in the current session, you should periodically save the project. If you have made any changes to the project, Arc View will give you the opportunity to save your project when you close it or exit Arc View. Project level operations such as these are typically found under the File menu of the Arc View GUI. However, exactly what can be accomplished from the File menu differs depending on the context of the application and project: When Arc View has been started without a default project (or if you just closed the project on which you were working), the File menu contains: New Project: Create a new project. Open Project...: Open an existing project. Exit: Exit Arc View. With the Project window active, the File menu contains: New Project: Close and optionally save current project and create a new project. Open Project...: Close and optionally save current project and open another project. Close Project: Close and optionally save current project (does not exit Arc View). Save Project: Saves the project in its current form. Save Project As...: Saves the project in its current form as a different project name. Extensions: . . . : Adds extra Arc View modules called extensions to the project. Exit: Close and optionally save current project and then exit Arc View. 31 Massachusetts 'Vernal "Tool 5ur\'eif With a non-Project window (e.g. View) active, the File menu contains: Close: Closes the current window in the project (not the project itself). Close All: Closes all the windows in the project (not the project itself). Set Working Directory: sets the default directory to save to. Save Project: Same as when Project window active. Print...: Brings up print dialog box. Print Setup...: Brings up print setup dialog box. Export...: Brings up table export dialog box. Exit: Same as when Project window active. Note that the project can also be saved by clicking the Save Project button (left-most button in the Button bar with the floppy disk icon). View Documents and Themes: Arc View View Window Themes Table of Contents Map Display ■yf\ Counties A/ Massachusetts i^^ *»V' WsSk A "view" is the primary document type which supports the interactive display and query of spatial data organized into "themes". A "theme" can be thought of as a reference to a database contain- ing information about a particular set of geographic features with similar characteristics (e.g. roads, towns, wells, etc.). A view defines the themes you use and how to display them, but it doesn't contain the geographic data files themselves. Since the themes in the view only reference these source data files, the view is dynamic because it reflects the current status of the source data. If the source data changes, a view that uses this data will automatically reflect the change the next time the view draws. A view document is controlled by a view window which consists of a map display area and a table of contents (see figure above). The table of contents reflects the themes which are 32 drawn in the map display area of the view. Furthermore, the view allows the user to manage how the various themes are classified and symbolized according to the theme's legend. The process of adding a theme involves specifying where the spatial database you wish to display is located. In addition to the native Arc View spatial data format, the spatial database formats supported by Arc View include: ARC/ INFO coverages and libraries; dBASE, INFO, and text files containing point location coordinates; and various image formats. View documents (like all other Arc View documents) are listed in and managed from the Project window. To work with views, select the Views icon in the Project window, and then: To open an existing view, double-click its name or select the view's name and click the Open button. To create a new view, click the New button. There can be more than one view in a project (only one can be active at any given time) and each can contain any of the available themes. To add a theme to a view, first make the view active (by creating or opening it, or clicking on its title bar if it is already open). Then choose Add Theme from the View menu or click the Add Theme button to display the Add Theme dialog box. Once a theme or themes are added they can then be manipulated within the view (see following section). Working with Themes in a View Window: View GUI Buttons and Tools Zoom Buttons X tt r& ^ ■.'.■:• i * rQi&iaioBT •^d SJ 7 \ Identify Select Zoom Features Features Tools Pan Measure Distance There are two general classes of operations that can be performed on themes in a view: view- specific; and theme-specific. An asterisk (*) following an operation's name indicates that the operation can be performed via one of the buttons or tools from the view GUI illustrated in the figure above. The other operations are accomplished by interacting directly with the view table of contents or via the view GUI menus. 33 Massachusetts ^Vernal 'Tool 5ur\7eif View-specific operations (apply to all themes in the view): Panning & zooming*: Use the Pan and Zoom tools and buttons to changed the size and position of the map display. Panning repositions the focus of display without changing its scale. Zooming in (or out) decreases (or increases) the scale of the display as it focuses on different areas. Measuring distance* : The Measure tool reports the accumulated distance between points that are clicked in the view. Theme-specific operations (apply to individual themes in the view): Identifying features* : The Identify tool displays the attributes of a specific feature in the theme by clicking on it. Selecting features*: The Select Feature tool selects a single feature in the theme by clicking on the feature or selects many features at once by clicking and dragging a rectangular area around the desired features. Certain operations can then be performed on selected features. Making active: Clicking on a theme's name in the table of contents makes it active. When a theme is active it appears raised off the table of contents, and is available for theme-specific operations. Multiple themes can be made active by holding down the shift key while clicking. Turning on and off: Clicking the check box in the table of contents for a theme toggles the theme on and off. This is for display purposes only and is not the same as adding and deleting themes. Changing display order: Arc View draws themes sequentially starting with the theme at the bottom of the table of contents. Each successively higher theme is drawn on top of the last. To change the drawing order of a theme, hold the mouse button over the theme in the table of contents and drag the theme up or down to a new position in the list. Editing Legends: Make a theme active and then choose Edit Legend from the Theme menu or press the Legend Editor button, or double-click on a theme's name to bring up the Legend Editor. From here a theme's symbolization and classification can be modified. Deleting a theme: To delete a theme(s), make it (them) active and choose Delete Theme(s) from the Edit menu. Editing a theme: Only themes that have Arc View shape files as their data source can be edited. To edit a shape file-based theme, make it active and choose Start Editing from the Theme menu. Search Help for "editing a theme" for further information on native Arc View tools for editing themes. Note that there are other buttons, tools, and menu choices which interact with views which offer more sophisticated ways of accomplishing some of the basic operations described here. Additional functions not fully described in this document are also available. Remember: to get a brief description of the purpose of an icon button or tool, just move your cursor over it (without clicking) and read the status bar. Also see the section on Using Help below. m 1* * 34 Enhancing your View: For various purposes (e.g. titles, annotation) it may be desirable to add a short descriptive text string to the view. To do this: 1 . Select the "T" icon tool from the View document tool bar. 2. Click on the desired location for the text in the View display area. This will bring up the "Text Properties" dialog box. 3 . Enter the text in the box and click OK. 4. Double-clicking the text graphic object will bring up the "Text Properties" dialog box again should the text (or other options in the dialog box) need to be edited. 5 . To change the font, select Show Symbol Palette from the Window menu. This will bring up the Palette Manager. Click on the ABC icon in the Palette Manager to bring up the Font Palette, and then change the font properties as desired. You may also want to experiment with the Label tool for labeling specific features, and the Draw tool for drawing graphic shapes on the view. Printing your View: There are a number of ways to print a view: the view display area can be printed alone; an Arc View Layout can be used to include legend, scale and other map composition elements; the Arc View session window can be captured directly from the screen and then pasted into another pro- gram for printing. The way in which you print is also determined by the hardware platform on which Arc View is ninning. For instance, when Arc View is running on the workstation, printing a view directly from Arc View generally requires a postscript printer that is directly accessible on the network. For windows platforms, you must make sure that the appropriate printer drivers are loaded and that you have se- lected the appropriate printer. Of course, regardless of the platform on which Arc View is ninning, if the printers available are only black and white, the printed map may be difficult to interpret. Using Help: Arc View's on-line help system provides reference and "how to" information. Here's where you'll find on-line topics that cover key concepts, step-by-step instructions, and context-sensitive help for specific commands and dialog boxes. By clicking the highlighted text within Help, you can jump to other topics related to the one you're reading. To get a list of Help topics: Choose Contents from the Help menu or press F 1 . To get help on a specific menu item, button, tool, or document: Click the Help button, then click the particular command, button, tool, or document. To get help on a dialog box with which you're working: Move the cursor to the dialog box and press F 1 . 35 Massachusetts 'Vernal Tool 5ur\'eif To search for Help on a specific topic: 1 . Choose Search from the Help menu (or, if Help is already open, choose the Search button at the top of the Help window) to bring up the Search dialog box. 2 . In the uppermost box, type the first few letters of a word or phrase relating to the topic you want to search for. As you type, Help displays new words and phrases in the list box directly below the one in which you're typing. You can back up if you've made a mistake or select the phrase and replace it with other text. 3 . Double-click the word or phrase related to your subject (or select it, and choose the Show Topics button). The list box in the lower portion of the dialog box displays the relevant topics for the word or phrase you selected. 4. In this lower list box, double-click the topic you want to go to (or select it, and choose the Go To button). 36 The MassGIS Data Viewer BriefDescription: The MassGIS Data Viewer is a customized Arc View project that uses the Arc View Avenue object-oriented programming language. It consists primarily of a few key enhancements to the native Arc View view document GUI described above. These enhancements are designed to make it even easier to work with spatial data (see below). The MassGIS Data Viewer was created specifically to be distrib- uted and work with MassGIS data. However, it was also designed to be generic enough to work with any other spatial data supported by Arc View. Overview of Customization Approach: The basic functionality of native Arc View described in the preceding sections is fairly straightfor- ward. Nevertheless, there are a few areas that tend to present problems for the novice user and to prove tedious for the more advanced users: the addition of themes to a view and their subsequent symbolization and classification; and the ability to zoom to a specific location. Adding themes requires some detailed knowledge about the structure, naming conventions, and physical disk location of the source data files. On a stand-alone PC where one manages one's own data this may not be a problem. However, in a networked environment, data may be stored and maintained across multiple machines and multiple disks, all of which tend to change periodically. This places an overly cumbersome burden on the user to keep track of all these "technical details". Furthermore, even if one knows these details, having to constantly navigate up and down file paths, or having to type long path strings becomes more than a minor inconvenience. Once a theme has been added, the process of sym- bolizing and classifying themes using the legend editor also becomes time consuming. Even if a theme's symbolization and classification is saved, the problem of keeping track of datapaths and file names for these saved legend files recurs. Again, this problem may not be so severe if this were managed at a single PC level. Also, while the normal zoom tools are useful it is often desirable to be able to directly focus in on a specific area. To get exactly where you want to be often requires multiple zooms and pans with the view redrawing each time. The MassGIS Data Viewer was designed specifically to address these and a couple of other minor limitations of native Arc View. However, it was decided that these enhancements should supplement rather than replace the native Arc View functionality. So, the MassGIS Data Viewer is not a customized project that has only a limited range of utility. Everything you can do in native Arc View can be done in this project as well. This approach allows novice users to slowly acquaint themselves with Arc View without initially getting hung up by some of its more difficult functions. The custom features described below are integrated with the rest of Arc View in a way that attempts to clearly distinguish the customized features from the native features. It is expected that, initially, novice users will use primarily the customized fea- tures. As they become more accustomed to working in Arc View, they can then gradually begin to explore its many other features. 31 Massachusetts 'Vernal 'Tool 5urVey Description of Specific Customizations: The MassGIS Data Viewer customizations are primarily evidenced by the presence of two new lettered buttons; various new choices at the top of some menus for the view document entitled "MassGIS Data Viewer". Some of the features of the MassGIS Data Viewer are disabled in the Runtime version of the project. This is a limitation of the Arc View Data Publisher, which was used to create the Runtime version. The disabled features appear in bold italics in the list below and on the Quick Reference page at the end of this document. (With the 12/29/97 release of the MassGIS Data Viewer for Arc View 3.0a, the "A" and "Z" buttons and all the other Viewer customizations will work for all View windows that the user creates.) Additional Buttons for a View document Two new buttons can be found to the right of the normal view document buttons. T"| The "A" button functions the same as the Add Inventory Theme menu choice described below. The "Z" button functions the same as the Zoom to Specific Extent menu choice described below. The "dog" button (to fetch an address) to the right of the query builder (hammer) but- ton: Address Match Places a symbol on a TIGER street grid, on the correct side of the street, for an address you specify. You can use this feature whether or not you know the zip code of the address. (Note: Index files are needed for Arc View to do an address match and are created for each town. Arc View will try to put the index files with the source data, if this directory is not write-protected. If the index files are saved with the data, the address matching script will be able to reuse these files for any future address matching. However, is a good idea to have your data write-protected. If the directory is write-protected, the index files will be stored in the project's working directory (look under the Project menu, the Properties choice). If the index files are saved in the working directory, they are only useful when the TIGER coverage remains in the view. Once the TIGER coverage is removed from the view, these files are essentially useless. The files will be named tig 1 .idx, tig2.idx, etc, so if they are in your working directory, you should delete these files periodically. Also, the script will re-index the TIGER file of a previously indexed town if the user changes the input of whether they know the zip code of the address.) » v2 ** * 425 ^ I The "scissors " button performs a cookie-cutter clip of one theme on another. Suppose that you wanted to find out how many miles of roads were in a certain town. Since roads do not stop at the town boundaries, you would have to use the town polygon as a cookie cutter to cut out all the roads so that you could add up their length. To use this tool, highlight the polygon or polygons that you want to use as the cookie cutter. Then make the theme active that you want to be cut. Now, click on this button and answer the questions 38 Additional Buttons for a Layout document Make layout's View frame proportional to the View window. The square button to the left of the printer button when a layout document is active. Create a viewframe on the layout, and choose which view you want represented in it. With the viewframe highlighted, click on this button. The viewframe's proportions should change so they are equivalent to the view window's proportions. Make a multicolumn legend This tool leads you through the process of making a legend in the layout that has more than one column. You can also choose whether to represent your polygons as rectangles or ovals. Place a graphic of a table in the layout Use this tool to draw a rectangle on your layout where you would like to place a table. Then, follow the instructions to choose which table and which fields to use. Additional VIEW Menu Choices Resize View Resizes the view based on computer's resolution and saves project Zoom to Query Sets the view extent to selected features in the active theme. If no features have been selected, a standard Query dialog is presented, and the extent is set to the features that match the selec- tion criteria. Zoom to Specific Extent Sets the view extent to the extent of a specific area (either pre-defined or user-defined). Choosing a zoom extent category from the first list brings up a second list from which the specific area is then chosen. User Extent Manager Save and delete user-defined extents. Choosing Save Current Extent prompts you to enter a name for the extent. This named extent then becomes available under the User-defined Extents zoom category list accessed via Zoom to Specific Extent described above. Choosing Delete Saved Extent brings up a list of all the saved user-defined extents. Picking one will delete it from the list. Add Inventory Theme Add pre-defined themes to the view. Choosing a theme category from the first list brings up a second list from which the specific theme is then chosen. Making a choice here may actually bring up more than one theme at once (e.g. Choosing Roads from the Infrastructure category will add both the Highways and Roads themes to the view). Reset the Project Update the Theme and Zoom Inventories and clear the View. This should be done when changes are made to tables that normally load when the Viewer is first installed. There are two levels of update: Inventory and Reset View: 39 ZWassachu setts 'Vernal 'Tool SurVey Update Theme & Zoom Inventories updates the choices available through Add Inventory Theme and Zoom to Specific Extent Reset View and Update Inventories updates the inventories and clears the Viewer window, deleting all the themes and zooming to the default extent. Overview Create a small overview window to control and display the extent of the view. This window displays one theme from the MassGIS Data Viewer view, along with a red rect- angle showing the current extent of the Viewer view. Draw a new rectangle in the Overview window, or drag the existing rectangle to change the Viewer extent. Read/Write Graphics ODB file Writes graphics out to an ODB file, or reads them into the project from an ODB file. This can help you get your graphics from one project to another. Additional THEME Menu Choices Describe Brings up a box with information (including field descriptions and codes when available) on the active theme. Change Symbolization Changes the legend of the active theme to another pre-defined legend. Choose from the list presented. If only one choice is presented (that of the current legend), there are no alternate pre-defined legends for the theme. Make Subset Creates a new theme containing only selected features in the active theme. If no features have been selected, a standard Query dialog is presented, and the new theme contains only features meeting the criteria entered. Make Buffer Creates a buffer around a line or around or inside a polygon for the active theme. The resulting buffer is a graphic. Additional EDIT Menu Choices Copy/Save/Restore Document Saves and restores documents to ODB files. You can save your Views, Layouts, and other documents out into ODB files which are separate from the project. Registration Advanced feature: available on computers connected to an Arclnfo server (see the "MassGIS Data Viewer Developer Reference "for instructions on configuring an Arclnfo server). Register, or "geo-reference", an image (such as a scanned map) to the coordinate system of the MassGIS Data Viewer view. A registered image can be displayed along with other data in the Viewer view. Make Annotation Write a file to create Annotation in Arclnfo based on text in the view. 40 Opening the MassGIS Data Viewer: Opening sav30mg2.apr is just like opening any other Arc View project. However, certain things happen during startup unique to this project. The first time sav30mg2.apr is opened, a number of initialization procedures are run that set up the default project (creates the "MassGIS Data Viewer" view, and puts up a default theme or themes at a certain default extent). These are the same procedures that are run when you choose Reset Project from the View menu of the "MassGIS Data Viewer" view. What happens during subsequent project startup depends on how the project was saved the previous time (see next section). Closing the MassGIS Data Viewer: In general, closing sav30mg2.apr is just like closing any other Arc View project. Again, certain things happen during shutdown unique to this project. If the project has been modified (such as adding themes, moving windows, or creating new documents) in your first session, upon closing the project, you will be prompted to save it just like in native Arc View. Choosing yes will cause the project to be saved in its modified state. The next time you open the project the initialization procedures will be bypassed thereby returning to the saved modified state. Choosing no will cause the project to return to its original state. Re-initialization will then occur the next time the project is opened. As noted, once the project has been saved with modifications reinitialization will no longer occur. However, in certain situations (such as when there are multiple users of the project working with different themes), it may be desirable to force a reinitialization upon startup. This is when you don't want to save your current session and you don't want the last session to be saved either. To force a reinitialization, first delete the "MassGIS Data Viewer" view document from the Project window. Then save when you close the project. The next time the project is opened, initialization will occur. Of course, the project can be reinitialized at any time by choosing Reset Project from the View menu of the "MassGIS Data Viewer" view. 4/ ^Massachusetts 'Vernal 'Fool 5ur\Jey Typical MassGIS Data Viewer Sessions: A. Viewing data around a site The following steps are recommended to view data around a particular site: 1 . Open the MassGIS Data Viewer project. 2. Make sure the "MassGIS Data Viewer" view is active (click on it). 3 . Zoom to the rough area which you are interested in viewing by using the ' 'Z' ' button or the Zoom to Specific Extent menu choice from the View menu. 4. Add some themes to the view via the "A" button or the Add Inventory Theme menu choice from the View menu. As themes are added it is suggested to further zoom and pan (using the regular Arc View zoom and pan tools) to the smallest area possible which still covers the area in which you are interested. If many themes are added to a view covering a large extent, the time for the view to redraw whenever the view changes can become very long. Zooming in first will minimize this time. Also, it is advisable to delete any themes that are not needed. Another option is to turn off certain themes (by unchecking them in the table of contents) until you finally focus in on the area in which you are interested. 5 . Add any additional themes to complete the view. 6 . If you are zoomed in to an area extent to which you will likely be returning at some future point, you should use the User Extent Manager from the View menu to save the extent. This will facilitate returning to this precise area later. 7. Close the project (see section above). B. Adding and editing features in shape-file themes The following steps are recommended to add (digitize) features to and edit a shapefile theme: 1 . Zoom to the appropriate area and put up the necessary themes (see A. above). 2 . Make the intended shapefile theme active by clicking on it in the view table of contents. 3 . Select Start Editing from the Theme menu. The theme's check box in the view table of contents will then have a dashed outline to indicate that the theme is in digitize mode. 4. To add a new shape to the theme: a. Click-and-hold on the Draw tool (rightmost icon in the view tool bar). The Draw tool is a pull-down tool from which you select the type of shape you want to draw. Its icon is the currently selected shape (along with a small black mark in the lower right corner indicating its pull-down Draw tool pull-down options nature). The possible shapes are point, two-point line, multi-point line (polyline), rectangle, circle, and irregular polygon. Only shapes which create the feature type of the shape theme you are editing can be drawn. For example, if you are editing a shapefile made up of polygons, only rectangles, circles, and irregular polygons can be drawn. b. O Point Two-Point Line Multi-Point Line Rectangle Circle Irregular Polygon Use the mouse to delineate the feature in the view. The way in which this is done depends upon the specific draw tool: for points, click once; for two-point lines, click once for the starting point and once for the ending point; for multi-point lines and irregular polygons, click once for each vertex, *& 42 double-clicking the last vertex to indicate the shape is complete; for rectangles and circles, click and drag, releasing when the shape is the desired size, c. After the shape is drawn, a data entry window will appear. Enter the appropri- ate attribute information for this shape and click OK. Clicking cancel will save the default attribute information (it will not delete the shape). 5. To edit existing shapes in the theme: a. Select the Pointer tool. b. Click on the shape you want to edit. Selection handles (8 solid black squares) will appear at the extent of the selected shape feature. You can move the shape when you see the double-headed cursor. Click-drag the shape and drop it in the desired location. To stretch or shrink the entire shape, grab one of the selection handles and drag in the appropriate direction. To reshape the shape, move its vertices. Clicking on the selected shape will clear the selection handles and cause the vertex handles to appear at each of the shape's vertices. Reshape the shape by moving the mouse until the cursor appears as a crosshair on the vertex you want to reposition. Click-drag the vertex to the new position. To delete the shape, choose Delete Graphics from the view Edit menu. Note that the Cut Graphics and Copy Graphics can be used like normal cut and paste tools. c. Note that there are some more advanced editing techniques. Search Help for "merge operations" and "snapping" for more information. 6. Select Stop Editing from the view Theme menu to get out of digitizing mode. If you want to edit another theme, you must first choose Stop Editing on the current theme and then start again from Step 2. 4<3 ^Massachusetts ^Vernal ''Pool 5urVey Summary of Other Advanced ArcView Features The following are some of the key tasks you can accomplish with ArcView that have not been discussed to this point: - Display tabular data on a view. - Import tabular data and then join it to the data in a view to display it geographically. - SQL to retrieve records from a database and display them on a view. - Geocode tables containing addresses and display them. - Select features according to their attributes (attribute queries). - Select features based on their proximity to other features (theme on theme queries). - Find places where certain features coincide. - Summarize and generate statistics on the attributes of features. - Create charts showing the attributes of features. - Lay out a map and print it. 44 MassGIS Data Viewer Quick Reference Information on Arc View is available via the Help menu. This reference sheet lists the additional features available in the MassGIS Data Viewer view. These features are described in more detail starting on Page 11 of Introduction to ArcView and the MassGIS Data Viewer. Features that are disabled in the Runtime version appear in bold italics. Actional VIEW Buttons The "A" button functions just as the Add Inventory Theme menu choice described below I z I The "Z" button functions just as the Zoom to Specific Extent menu choice described below ^ II The "dog" button fetches an address and places a symbol on the TIGER street grid jt» 1 The "scissors" button performs a cookie-cutter clip of one theme on another Additional VIEW Menu Choices Resize View Resizes the view based on computer's resolution and saves project Zoom to Query Sets the view extent to selected features in the active theme Zoom to Specific Extent Sets the view extent by choosing from a menu of pre-defined and user-defined choices User Extent Manager Save and delete user-defined extents. Add Inventory Theme Add themes to the view by choosing from a menu of pre-defined choices Reset the Project Update the Theme and Zoom Inventories and clear the View Create/Delete Overview Creates/deletes a small overview window to control and display the extent of the view Read/Write Graphics ODBfile Writes graphics out to an ODB file, or reads them into the project from an ODB file Additional THEME Menu Choices Describe Displays information (data source, field descriptions, etc.) on the active theme(s) Change Symbolization Changes the legend of the active theme to another pre-defined legend Make Subset Creates a new theme containing only selected features in the active theme Make Buffer Creates a buffer around a line or around or inside a polygon Additional EDIT Menu Choices Copy/Save/Restore Document Saves and restores documents to ODB files Registration Advanced feature: available on computers connected to an Arclnfo server "Geo-reference" an image to the coordinate system of the MassGIS Data Viewer Make Annotation Write a file to create Annotation in Arclnfo based on text in the view Additional Layout Document Buttons / Tool Make layout's Viewframe proportional to the View window Make a multicolumn legend Place a graphic of a table in the layout 45 ^Massachusetts 'Vernal 'Tool 5urVey 'Resources Official Guidelines for the Certification of Vernal Pool Habitat Vernal Pool Fact Sheet Certification Criteria Vernal Pool Field Observation Form Rare Animal Observation Form Suggested Reading References Commonwealth of Massachusetts January 1, 2001 Division off Fisheries A Wildlife Wayne F. MacCallum, Director guidelines for ike L^eriijicaiion of ^1/ernal CJooi (5/Caoilai Vernal Pool Fact Sheet What are Vernal Pools? Vernal pools are temporary bodies of fresh water that provide critical habitat for many vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife species. "Vernal" means spring, and indeed, many vernal pools are filled by spring rains and snowmelt, only to dry up during the hot, dry months of summer. However, many vernal pools are filled by the rains of autumn and may persist throughout the winter. Vernal pools are quite often very small and shallow; vernal pools that support rich communities of vertebrate and invertebrate animals may measure only a few yards across. However, vernal pools of several acres occur throughout Massachusetts. Where are Vernal Pools Found? Vernal pools are common in Massachusetts, occurring in every town in the state. Vernal pools are found across the landscape where small woodland depressions, swales or kettle holes collect spring runoff or intercept seasonally high groundwater tables. Although many people associate vernal pools only with dry woodland areas, vernal pools also occur in meadows, river floodplains, interdunal swales, and large vegetated wetland complexes. Vernal pool habitat occurs wherever water is contained for more than 2 months in the spring and summer of most years and where no fish are present. Why are Vernal Pools Valuable? Some state-listed species that may be found in vernal pools Species Blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale)2 Jefferson salamander {Ambystoma jeffersonianum)2 Marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum)2 Four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum)3 Eastern spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii)2 Spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata)3 Wood turtle {Clemmys insculpta)3 Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)2 Status1 sc sc T SC T SC sc T Vernal pools constitute a unique and increas- ingly vulnerable type of wetland. Vernal pools are inhabited by many species of wildlife, some of which are totally dependent on vernal pools for their survival. Vernal pools do not sup- port fish because they dry out annually or at least periodically. Some may contain water year round, but are free offish as a result of significant drawdowns that result in extremely low dissolved oxygen levels. The wood frog (Rana sylvatica) and the four local species of mole salamander {Ambystoma spp.) have evolved breeding strategies intolerant offish predation on their eggs and larvae; the lack of fish populations is essential to the breeding success of these species. Other amphibian species, including the American toad (Bufo americanus), green frog (Rana clamitans), and the red-spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens), often exploit the fish-free waters of vernal pools but do not depend on them. Vernal pools also support rich and diverse invertebrate faunas. Some invertebrate species, such as fairy shrimp (Eubranchipus spp.), are also entirely dependent upon vernal pool habitat. Invertebrates are both important predators and prey in vernal pool ecosystems. Vernal pools are an impor- tant habitat resource for many birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, including many state-listed rare species. 1 Status pursuant to the MA Endangered Species Act - T: Threatened; SC: Special Concern 2 Obligate species require vernal pool habitat to successfully breed 3 Facultative species may use vernal pools but do not require them 49 Vernal Pool Protection The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations (3 10 CMR 10.00), the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards (3 1 4 CMR 4.00) used to administer section 40 1 of the federal Clean Water Act, the Massachusetts Environmental Code: Title 5, and the Forest Cutting Practices Act regulations all provide protection to vernal pools that have been officially certified. The regulations for both the Wetlands Protection Act and Forest Cutting Practices Act also provide protection to vernal pools that have not been certified if their occurrence is adequately documented during permit review. Protection under any of these laws requires the following: 1) the vernal pool occurs in an area subject to the jurisdiction of the regulations; and 2) the activities proposed are regulated. The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations (310 CMR 10.00) protect certified vernal pools and up to 1 00 feet beyond the boundary of the pool (referred to as the "vernal pool habitat"), by preventing alterations which would result in the reduction of the wildlife habitat value of the certified vernal pool. A certified vernal pool is not automati- cally protected by these regulations, though. Certified vernal pools must occur within a resource area that comes under the jurisdiction of the Act before they receive protection. Similarly, the 1 00 feet around the vernal pool does not extend into non-jurisdictional upland or the buffer zone of a resource area. Though the regulations specify performance standards for vernal pools that are located in Bordering or Isolated Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF and ILSF respectively), vernal pools that occur within any wetland resource area are protected for their wildlife habitat value under the Wetlands Protec- tion Act. Performance standards may be applied by a conservation commission to protect vernal pools that occur in any jurisdictional wetland resource area. Vernal pools that are not certified may also be protected by a local conservation commission or the DEP if credible scientific evidence is presented up until the end of the appeals period for a Superseding Order of Conditions issued by the DEP. A conservation commission, or the DEP on appeal, can incorporate protective conditions into an Order of Condi- tions that would prevent the alteration of the wildlife habitat value of the pool and its 1 00 foot "vernal pool habitat" if they occur within a regulated wetland even though it is not certified. Each DEP Regional Office has at least one Vernal Pool Liaison who should be contacted for all questions related to the protection of both certified and uncertified vernal pools. Since regulatory authority rests with the Department, they are best able to answer questions about what may or may not happen in or around vernal pools. Your regional liaison may be reached at the following addresses: Northeast Regional Office Southeast Regional Office Wayne Lozzi Daniel Gilmore 203-A Lowell Street 20 Riverside Drive Wilmington, MA 01887 Lakeville, MA 02347 (978) 66 1 -7600 (508) 946-2700 Central Regional Office Western Regional Office Marielle Stone Karen Hirschburg 627 Main Street State House West, 4th Floor Worcester, MA 01608 Springfield, MA 01 103 (508) 792-7650 (413) 748-1 100 50 The Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards (314 CMR 4.00) administer Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act and protect certified vernal pools. Under these regulations, any certified vernal pool is classified as an Outstanding Resource Water (ORW). The regulations, administered by the DEP, strictly prohibit discharges of solid or liquid fill within certified vernal pools. Storm drainage from roads and rooftops as well as solid fill are prohibited within the boundaries of the pool. As is the case with the Wetlands Protection Act however, the certified vernal pool as well as the proposed activity must be within the jurisdiction of these regulations - the state's Clean Water Act - before it receives this protection. The Massachusetts Environmental Title 5 (310 CMR 15.000) regulates the siting and construction of subsurface sewage disposal (septic) systems in the state. A system's septic tank and distribution box must be located a minimum of 50 feet, and the leaching field a minimum of 1 00 feet, from the boundary of a certified vernal pool. The Massachusetts Forest Cutting Practices Act Regulations (3.04 CMR 11.00) protect certified vernal pools from certain forestry impacts. Harvesting requirements limit cutting to no more than 50% of the trees within 50 feet of a certified vernal pool. They also require that trees or tree tops not be felled in certified vernal pools, and restrict the use of pools as staging areas or skidder trails. Guidelines, similar to the regulations, are established for activities planned near uncertified vernal pools identified by consulting foresters. The Vernal Pool Boundary The extreme edges of vernal pool habitat represent one of the most ecologically valuable portions of these habitats. Shallow water at the edge of a pool is generally the first to thaw in the spring. This provides early access to the pool for the earliest breeding species. The shallow water zones also tend to be significantly warmer than the deeper portions of a vernal pool throughout the spring. Egg masses of early breeding amphibians benefit from the warmer water temperatures at the pool edges that promote rapid egg development. The boundary of vernal pool habitat must incorporate the shallowest reaches of the pool. Where there is no distinct and clear topographic break at the edge of a pool, the maximum observed or recorded water level represents the ecological boundary of the vernal pool. This boundary is evident and should be delineated by leaf staining and other indicators of ; hydrology outside of the peak-flood stage of early spring (March through early April in most cases). *PLEASE NOTE* The boundary of vernal pool habitat may be defined differently for the purpose of state or federal protection. The physical, on-the-ground, boundary of a certified vernal pool is not established when a certification number is issued. Field observations of maximum flood levels, or of indicators of the maximum water level, must be made to determine the boundary. The boundary must be established based on field observation of water level indicators. The NHESP, in certifying a vernal pool, does not visit the pool, and as such does not establish the actual boundary through the certification process. Therefore, in recording observations of vernal pools for the purpose of certification, notes pertaining to observed water level and recognizable landmarks that show maximum flooding are extremely helpful in boundary delineation. The Wetlands Protection Act regulations allows a project proponent to submit an opinion as to the extent of a certified vernal pool that is based upon a theoretical one year storm of a total of 2.7 inches of water in 24 hours. If an opinion based on this theoretical storm event is to be submitted, it should also include ground water that the basin is holding at the beginning of the spring amphibian breeding season. Calculations without groundwater inputs will under-represent the true size of the vernal pool. The DEP has stated in its program policies that ground water inputs should not be ignored in these calculations because it will result in a total volume that may be considerably smaller than the basin holds in any given spring. 51 How Can Vernal Pools be Certified? The Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program administers the official vernal pool certification program. The certification program depends entirely on volunteer effort and the initiative of interested individuals and organizations Interested parties should locate potential vernal pools and then: 1 . Contact the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program [(508) 792-7270, ext. 200 or www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/heritage.htm] to obtain the official Guidelines for the Certification of Ver- nal Pool Habitat, along with Vernal Pool Field Observation Forms; Certification is based on proof that a confined basin depression provides important wildlife habitat consistent with the vernal pool certification criteria in the Guidelines. Animals that use vernal pools at some point in their life cycle are generally divided into two groups: Obligate Species: those vertebrate and invertebrate species that rely on vernal pools for all or a portion of their life cycle and are unable to successfully complete their life cycle without vernal pools Facultative Species: those vertebrate and invertebrate species that can use vernal pool habitat for all or a portion of their life cycle, but are able to successfully complete their life cycle in other water bodies Obligate species serve as direct indicators of vernal pool habitat because they require at least two months of flooded conditions and the absence of established fish populations. When breeding evidence of obligate species is documented, it is not necessary to prove that an established, reproducing fish population does not exist. Facultative species serve as indirect indicators of vernal pool habitat. Therefore, if only facultative species are observed, evidence that there is no reproducing fish population must also be submitted for certification. 2 . Fill out and submit a Field Observation Form along with photographic documentation of the physical and biological criteria required by the Guidelines and required maps to the NHESP for review. Photographs (slides or prints) are the preferred type of documentation of the biological certification criteria observed in a vernal pool. The most easily photographed evidence of vernal pool indicator species is egg masses of wood frogs and mole salamanders. These are conspicuous in the early spring and easily distinguished from other amphibian eggs. See the Guidelines for details. Following receipt of certification materials, the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program assesses the complete- ness and accuracy of the information and documentation submitted. The NHESP does not field visit pools prior to certification but relies on the presentation of accurate and clear documentation. After it is determined that a vernal pool meets the physical and biological criteria established in the Guidelines, it will be officially certified by the NHESP. The observer, local conservation commission, regional office of the Department of Environmental Protection and the landowner are notified of the certification. The locations of certified vernal pools are plotted on the NHESP's "Estimated Habitats of Rare Wetlands Wildlife and Certified Vernal Pools" on a biennial basis. These maps are sent to the town clerk and to the conservation commission, and are available for viewing by the public. The NHESP also produces a statewide Atlas of these maps, reproduced at a reduced scale, which is available at cost. The certified vernal pool datalayer is also available in digital format through the MassGIS office. 52 ■\i Natural Heritage &l SS^ Endangered Species BPPro gram Route 135 Westborough, MA 01581 Phone: 508/792-7270 ext. 200 Fax: 508/792-7821 http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/heritage.htm January 1, 2001 ^uideli uiaeiines Tor ike \-ye rl ertiTication o lio\ ernat I kPool (6)iah niai CERTIFICATION CRITERIA Please read and understand the DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS in the next section before submitting vernal pool certification applications. Documentation of the biological and physical criteria described in this section is necessary to obtain official certification of any vernal pool. DOCUMENTATION OF ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING (1-3) WILL CONFIRM THE EXIST- ENCE OF VERNAL POOL HABITAT AND IS SUFFICIENT FOR OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION 1) The Obligate Species Method 2) The Facultative Species Method 3) The Dry Pool Method 1) The Obligate Species Method Evidence of a confined basin depression with no permanently flowing outlet AND one or more of the following: 1A Breeding* Obligate Amphibian Wood frog (Rana sylvatica) Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) Blue-spotted salamander {Ambystoma laterale)** Jefferson salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum)** Marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum)** Eastern spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrooki)** OR IB Adult Obligate Invertebrate Fairy shrimp (ANOSTRACA: Eubranchipus) * Acceptable Breeding Evidence Documentation of any one of the following proves that an area functions as vernal pool habitat. For the purposes of official certification, if amphibian evidence is submitted it must show evidence of breeding. 1 . Breeding Adults • Frogs and toads: breeding chorus and/or mated pairs • Salamanders: courting individuals (congressing) and/or spermatophores 2. Egg Masses (two or more are required) 3. Larvae (tadpoles or salamander larvae) 4. Transforming Juveniles • Frogs and toads: tail remnants evident • Salamanders: gill remnants evident ** State-listed Species State-listed Endangered (E), Threatened (T) and Special Concern (SC) species are protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (321 CMR 10.60); fill out a Rare Animal Observation Form and submit along with Certification Form. 53 guidelines for ike {certification of ^1/ernal Qyool CyCabiiai CERTIFICATION CRITERIA Continued January 1, 2001 2) The Facultative Species Method Evidence of a confined basin depression with no permanently flowing outlet AND evidence that there is no established, reproducing fish population AND photographs oftwoormore of the following: AMPHIBIANS Breeding* Spring peeper {Pseudacris crucifer) Breeding* Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) Breeding* American toad (Bufo americanus) Breeding* Fowler's toad {Bufo woodhousii) Breeding* Green frog {Rana clamitans melanota) Breeding* Pickerel frog {Rana palustris) Breeding* Leopard frog {Rana pipiens) Breeding* Four-toed salamander {Hemidactylium scutatum)** Adult or Breeding* Red-spotted Newt {Notophthalmus v. viridescens) REPTILES Spotted turtle {Clemmys guttata)** Blanding's turtle {Emydoidea blandingii)** Wood turtle {Clemmys insculpta)** Painted turtle {Chrysemys p. pictata) Snapping turtle {Chelydra serpentina) INVERTEBRATES Predaceous diving beetle larvae {Dytiscidae) Water scorpion {Nepidae) Dragonfly larvae {Odonata: Anisoptera) Damselfly larvae {Odonata: Zygoptera) Dobsonfly larvae {Corydalidae) Whirligig beetle larvae {Gyrinidae) Caddisfly larvae {Trichoptera) Leeches {Hirundinea) Freshwater (fingernail) clams {Pisidiidae) Amphibious, air-breathing snails {Basommatophora) 3) The Dry Pool Method Evidence of a confined basin depression containing no standing water (dry pool) AND one or more of the following: Cases of caddisfly larvae {Trichoptera) Adults, juveniles or shells of either of the following: Freshwater clams {Pisidiidae) Amphibious, air-breathing snails {Basommatophora) Shed skins (exuvia) of dragonfly or damselfly larvae on vegetation along the edge of pool 54 guidelines for ike L^ertijicahon of ^1/ernal (Jool (z/Labilai DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS January 1, 2001 Documentation of the biological and physical characteristics listed in the CERTIFICATION CRITERIA must be submitted for official certification of a vernal pool. Photographic prints or slides are the preferred method of documentation, but video tapes of evidence or audio recordings of calling frogs are acceptable. Field notes are encouraged, but are not accepted as the sole source of evidence; they must be submitted along with photographic or taped documentation. The following field observations must be adequately documented Label all photographs as follows: Location of pool (or your tracking number) Date of photograph Observer's name 1 . Biological criteria: 1A Clear photographs or video of obligate amphibian breeding evidence OR OR IB Clear photographs or video of facultative invertebrate or vertebrate species (AND 2B or 2C) 1 C Audio tape of frog breeding chorus 2. Fishlessness: 2A Evidence of obligate species per CERTIFICATION CRITERIA (1A above) OR OR 2B Photograph of dry vernal pool 2C Scientific evidence (e.g. seining) that documents the absence of fish 3. Physical criteria: Clear photographs or video of the vernal pool demonstrating the lack of permanently flowing connections to larger wetlands MAPPING REQUIREMENTS It is critical to provide maps that are accurate and clear when submitting information for state vernal pool certification. A copy of a 1:24,000 or 1:25,000 scale U.S. Geological Survey topographic map is required, and additional maps that clarify the position of the vernal pool must be submitted. There are many maps are acceptable for this purpose, but please note that street maps generally are not. Supporting maps should provide more detail than the USGS topo map. At least one from each of the following groups must be submitted: GROUP 1 USGS topographic: The location of the vernal pool must be clearly and accurately marked with an 'X' or dot. Be sure to write down the name of the map (found in the bottom right-hand corner) on the copy sent in GROUP 2 Aerial photograph Large scale (1 : 12,000 or better) with pool clearly visible Sketch map with compass directions and distances Magnetic compass direction and distances from two permanent landmarks within 1000 feet of the pool. Landmarks should be readily identifiable in the field and clearly described on the submitted map Professional survey or local 1- or 2-foot contour topographic map Large scale topographic maps or project plans where the depression is evident 55 guidelines for ike v^erlijicalion oj ^J/ernal Qyool C/Cabilai January 1, 2001 Examples of maps that can be submitted for certification. A USGS topographic map must be submitted (please note the map name, found in the lower right and upper left corners of the map), along with at least one additional map (see previous page for list). wai ^m Wakefie3^)FV: i+s ;.- |, Wood i :/ Sch -5*SC l/' '".'. . •,,'.• HighS ; Round '"* - : . \/V00dVilh>>.^ VjjJiactiorLl, USGS Topographic map section with pool clearly marked yVJ Pool Sketch map with com- pass directions and distance from landmarks B&W copy of color infra-red aerial photo- graph ( 1 : 12,000 scale) with pools visible or clearly marked Field Observation Form Application for certification of vernal pool habitat should be made using the standard field observation form (revised in 1999). All requested information should be filled out to the fullest extent possible. Additional directions are provided on the field form. Please give particular attention to the following items: Section 1: Written directions to the pool must be provided, noting field markers to help navigation. Section 2: Please indicate the dates on which evidence was collected, including the year. Section 3: Indicate the evidence of obligate and facultative species collected at each pool. If egg masses were found, indicate the number of masses discovered. Section 4 and 5: Check the boxes corresponding to evidence submitted for each pool (in photographs or tape) Optional Information: Information provided in this section gives the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program a better sense of the type of vernal pools that are being identified through the certification program, and aides in-field identifica- tion of the pools should anyone need to visit it. This section is optional, but provides very helpful information. Section 6: Field forms must be signed at the bottom of page 2. Incomplete submissions will be returned in full with a letter indicating any missing information. When the requested informa- tion has been collected, the application may be resubmitted. Submit completed applications to: Vernal Pool Certification Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Route 135 Westborough, MA 01581 56 V* Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Vernal Pool Field Observation Form (For use with Guidelines for Certification of Vernal Pool Habitat) (7/99) PVP For office use only. 1. Pool location Town County USGS Quadrangle name Written directions to pool: □ series 7.5' X 7.5' Z\ SERIES 7.5' X 15' o z w i S CD s => O Ui z CD <2 l- x en (Use additional pages, if necessary.) 2. Observation dates Last date pool observed First date pool/species observed _ Last date species observed 3 A. Evidence: obligate amphibians indicate date of observation. * = RARE SPECIES COURTING ADULTS SPERMATOPHORES EGG MASSES (2+) SALAMANDER LARVAE TRANSFORMING JUVENILES SPOTTED SALAMANDER . BLUE-SPOTTED SALAMANDER # JEFFERSON SALAMANDER MARBLED * SALAMANDER UNIDENTIFIED MOLE SALAMANDER BREEDING CHORUS MATED PAIRS EGG MASSES (2 + ) FROG TADPOLES TRANSFORMING JUVENILES WOOD FROG * SPADEFOOT TOAD Instructions for complete information about certification, refer to guidelines for certification of vernal pool habitat. Provide all of the information REQUESTED IN BOXES 1-6. If MORE SPACE IS REQUIRED, ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES. INCLUDE ALL REQUIRED PHOTOGRAPHS AND DOCUMENTA- TION. Sign the form in the area provided on the reverse side. incomplete or unsigned submissions will be returned. The following instructions refer to each of the numbered boxes. 1 . The 7.5 X 7.5 series has the legend "7.5 minute series" in the upper right hand corner along with the quadrangle name. the 7.5 x 15 minute series is so labeled in the upper right hand corner and has the quadrangle name in the lower right corner. Written directions must be included. 2 Indicate the first and last dates that the pool or its biological components were observed. 3. Part A and B are for certification BY OBLIGATE SPECIES. PART C IS EITHER FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (APPRECIATED) OR FOR CERTIFICATION BY THE FACULTATIVE SPECIES. IF CERTIFYING BY OBLIGATE SPECIES, PROVIDE A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE POOL HOLDING WATER AND AT LEAST ONE PHOTOGRAPH (OR AUDIO TAPE FOR CHORUSING) OF BREEDING ACTIVITY. FOR CERTIFICATION BY FACULTATIVE SPECIES, PROVIDE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE POOL HOLDING WATER AND PHOTOGRAPHS (OR TAPES) OF THE FACULTATIVE SPECIES AS REQUIRED. ADDITION- ALLY, PROVIDE A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE POOL WHEN DRY OR OTHERWISE PROVE THAT IT HAS NO FISH. 3 B. Evidence: fairy shrimp DATE OBSERVED O O. tVIClenCe: TaCUltatlVe OrganiSmS Two or more must be documented. Indicate date of observation. * = RARE SPECIES DATE OBSERVED ACTIVITY OBSERVED DATE OBSERVED ACTIVITY OBSERVED BREEDING SPRING PEEPERS PAINTED TURTLES BREEDING GRAYTREEFROGS SNAPPING TURTLES BREEDING GREEN FROGS PREDACEOUS DIVING BEETLE LARVAE BREEDING LEOPARD FROGS WATER SCORPIONS BREEDING PICKEREL FROGS DRAGONFLY NYMPHS breeding American toads DAMSELFLY NYMPHS breeding fowler's toads DOBSONFLY LARVAE ^ breeding four-toed salamanders WHIRLIGIG BEETLE LARVAE RED-SPOTTED NEWT (ADULTS) CADDISFLY LARVAE * SPOTTED TURTLES LEECHES * WOOD TURTLES FINGERNAIL (FRESHWATER) CLAMS * BLANDINGS TURTLES AMPHIBIOUS AIR-BREATHING SNAILS Instructions (continued) 4. Indicate the photographs being submitted. label, date, and sign all photos. 5. Mark the pool clearly on all maps. The pool must be clearly distinguished from other wetlands and be locatable by others. provide any maps that would help someone unfamiliar with the area locate the vernal pool in the FIELD. 6. The form must be signed. Unsigned submissions will be returned without further ACTION. Optional information: Property owner. Provide information about PROPERTY OWNER(s), IF KNOWN. It IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU SEEK PROPERTY OWNER PERMISSION PRIOR TO CERTIFICATION ACTIVITIES. Rare species. A photograph is necessary for documentation of rare species habitat. Description. Provide any information that will distinguish the pool from other wetlands (boulders, debris, tree species, etc.). MUST BE LABELED, DATED, AND SIGNED. Photographs POOL HOLDING WATER OBLIGATE +/OR FACULTATIVE SPECIES DRY POOL (REQUIRED FOR EVIDENCE 3C) 5. Maps submitted USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP (REQUIRED) AND ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH SKETCH MAP WITH COMPASS DIRECTIONS AND DISTANCES FROM LAND MARKS PROFESSIONAL SURVEY LARGE SCALE TOPO □ □ □ OPTIONAL EXTRA INFORMATION SKETCH MAP OF AREA ASSESSOR'S MAP GPS LONGITUDE/LATITUDE COORDINATES Although the following information is not required for 1r\~*i:^~*~.\ :*-.£^~~-^~t-:^^ AimougnineTOllowmg intormation is not required I CJptlOnal intOrmatlOn certification, it is useful to WOP tomiHf better r protect the vernal pool, its habitat and species. Property owner Name It is strongly recommended that landowner permission be obtained prior to collecting certification documentation. Address Town State ZIP Rare Wetland 0 0 Were ANY RARE STATE-LISTED SPECIES OBSERVED USING THIS POOL? species [71 [nI 'S A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE RARE SPECIES INCLUDED WITH THIS ^^ FILING? Description of pool and surroundings Dimensions: approximate length APPROXIMATE DEPTH APPROXIMATE WIDTH Describe distinctive features (roads, structures, boulders, etc.) which are visible from or near the pool. Are there other distinctive features about this pool (vegetation types, abandoned vehicles, foot trails, etc.) that would help someone recognize it? 6. Observer information & signature Name Address Town State ZIP Telephone e-mail I hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that the information contained in this report is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. Signature Date Send completed form and supporting documentation to! I 1 | NH&ESP | ! Vernal Pool Certification MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife ; Route 135 I Westborough, MA 01581 I I I All submissions and supporting documents will be retained by the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. Information submitted on this form and other documents is part of the public record and is available to interested parties under the State Documents Request Law. ^^ Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife kj§ Vernal Pool Field Observation Form ^H* » (7/99) (For use with Guidelines for Certification of Vernal Pool Habitat) 1. Pool location Town County n series 7.5' X 7.5' USGS Quadrangle name □ series 7.5" x 15' Written directions to pool: o Z UJ £ m 2 D O cn | HI £ UJ in t- * i (Use additional pages, if necessary.) 2. Observation dates Last date pool observed First date pool/species observed Last date species observed 3 A. Evidence: obligate amphibians indicate date of observation. * = RARE SPECIES COURTING ADULTS SPERMATOPHORES EGG MASSES (2 + ) SALAMANDER LARVAE TRANSFORMING JUVENILES SPOTTED SALAMANDER ^ BLUE-SPOTTED SALAMANDER ^ JEFFERSON SALAMANDER ^ MARBLED SALAMANDER UNIDENTIFIED MOLE SALAMANDER BREEDING CHORUS MATED PAIRS EGG MASSES (2+) FROG TADPOLES TRANSFORMING JUVENILES WOOD FROG * SPADEFOOT TOAD Instructions for complete information about certification, refer to guidelines for certification of vernal pool habitat. Provide all of the information REQUESTED IN BOXES 1-6. If MORE SPACE IS REQUIRED, ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES. INCLUDE ALL REQUIRED PHOTOGRAPHS AND DOCUMENTA- TION. Sign the form in the area provided on the reverse side. incomplete or unsigned submissions will be returned. The following instructions refer to each of the numbered boxes. 1 . The 7.5 X 7.5 series has the legend "7.5 minute series" in the upper right hand corner along with the quadrangle name. the 7.5 x 15 minute series is so labeled in the upper right hand corner and has the quadrangle name in the lower right corner. Written directions must be included. 2 Indicate the first and last dates that the pool or its biological components were observed. 3. Part A and B are for certification BY OBLIGATE SPECIES. PART C IS EITHER FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (APPRECIATED) OR FOR CERTIFICATION BY THE FACULTATIVE SPECIES. If certifying by obligate species, provide a photograph of the pool holding water and at least one photograph (or audio tape for chorusing) of breeding activity. For certification by facultative species, provide photographs of the pool holding water and photographs (or tapes) of the facultative species as required. addition- ally, provide a photograph of the pool when dry or otherwise prove that it has no FISH. 3 B. Evidence: fairy shrimp DATE OBSERVED O w. tVIQenCe. TaCUltatlVe OrganiSmS Two or more must be documented. Indicate date of observation. * = RARE SPECIES DATE OBSERVED ACTIVITY OBSERVED DATE OBSERVED ACTIVITY OBSERVED BREEDING SPRING PEEPERS PAINTED TURTLES BREEDING GRAY TREEFROGS SNAPPING TURTLES BREEDING GREEN FROGS PREDACEOUS DIVING BEETLE LARVAE BREEDING LEOPARD FROGS WATER SCORPIONS BREEDING PICKEREL FROGS DRAGONFLY NYMPHS breeding American toads DAMSELFLY NYMPHS breeding fowler's toads DOBSONFLY LARVAE ^ BREEDING FOUR-TOED SALAMANDERS WHIRLIGIG BEETLE LARVAE RED-SPOTTED NEWT (ADULTS) CADDISFLY LARVAE * SPOTTED TURTLES LEECHES * WOOD TURTLES FINGERNAIL (FRESHWATER) CLAMS * BLANDINGS TURTLES AMPHIBIOUS AIR-BREATHING SNAILS Instructions (continued) 4. Indicate the photographs being submitted. label, date, and sign all photos. 5. Mark the pool clearly on all maps. The pool must be clearly distinguished from other wetlands and be locatable by others. provide any maps that would help someone unfamiliar with the area locate the vernal pool in the FIELD. 6. The form must be signed. Unsigned submissions will be returned without further ACTION. Optional information: Property owner. Provide information about PROPERTY OWNER(S), IF KNOWN. It IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU SEEK PROPERTY OWNER PERMISSION PRIOR TO CERTIFICATION ACTIVITIES. Rare species. A photograph is necessary for documentation of rare species habitat. Description. Provide any information that will distinguish the pool from other wetlands (boulders, debris, tree species, etc.). MUST BE LABELED, DATED, AND SIGNED. Photographs POOL HOLDING WATER OBLIGATE +/OR FACULTATIVE SPECIES DRY POOL (REQUIRED FOR EVIDENCE 3C) 5. Maps submitted USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP (REQUIRED) AND ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH SKETCH MAP WITH COMPASS DIRECTIONS AND DISTANCES FROM LAND MARKS PROFESSIONAL SURVEY LARGE SCALE TOPO □ □ OPTIONAL EXTRA INFORMATION SKETCH MAP OF AREA assessor's MAP GPS longitude/latitude coordinates /"\ -^i.: ^ ^ ^ I : ^f ~ _.~. .»*:_ —. Although the following information is not required for Opt Ona ntOrma t On certification, it is useful to NHESP to possibly better r protect the vernal oool. its habitat and soecies. Property owner Name It is strongly recommended that landowner permission be obtained prior to collecting certification documentation. Address Town State ZIP_ Rgf0 Wetland 00 Were ANY RARE state-listed species OBSERVED USING THIS POOL? species [yI rfJl IS A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE RARE SPECIES INCLUDED WITH THIS L- ' L- ' FILING? Description of pool and surroundings Dimensions: approximate length APPROXIMATE DEPTH APPROXIMATE WIDTH Describe distinctive features (roads, structures, boulders, etc) which are visible from or near the pool. Are THERE OTHER distinctive FEATURES about this pool (vegetation TYPES, ABANDONED VEHICLES, FOOT TRAILS, ETC.) THAT WOULD HELP SOMEONE RECOGNIZE IT? 6. Observer information & signature Name Address Town State ZIP Telephone e-mail I hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that the information contained in this report is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. Signature Date Send completed form and supporting documentation to! I 1 | NH&ESP | Vernal Pool Certification MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Route 135 I Westborough, MA01581 I l I All submissions and supporting documents will be retained by the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. Information submitted on this form and other documents is part of the public record and is available to interested parties under the State Documents Request Law. j^J Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Route 135 Westborough, MA 01581 Phone: 508/792-7270 ext. 200 Fax: 508/792-7821 http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/heritage.htm PVP Rare Animal Observation Form * Species name (scientific or common): * Date and time of observation: Amount of time spent surveying area: In order for this form to be processed, the sections preceded by an asterisk (*) must be completed. * Town: County: Waterbody: * Please attach a photocopy of the appropriate section of a USGS topo map (or similar map if a topo map is unavailable) with the site of the observation marked. Please indicate available or occupied habitat and extent of population, if known. Indicate area searched including negative results (i.e. apparently suitable habitat was or was not surveyed). USGS ( 7.5 or 15 ) Topographic Map Name: * Describe how to get to the site using obvious permanent landmarks such as a road intersection (measuring to at least the nearest 1/10 mile). Number, age, and sex of individuals: Please describe how age and sex were determined: Evidence of reproduction (e.g., eggs, nests, carrying food to young, copulation): Behavioral notes (e.g., crossing the road, basking): * Photographs taken? ( Y / N ) If Y, please submit one clear photograph. * Specimen taken? ( Y / N ) If Y, where will the specimen be deposited: * ID is based on what (e.g., sculpted shell, flight pattern): Have you observed this species at this site in previous years? ( Y / N ) If Y, please give details: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, Route 135, Westborough, MA 01581 (508)792-7270 ext. 200 http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele 61 Describe the habitat where the species is located. List dominant vegetation, size of the habitat, and information on the physical environment such as substrate type, hydrology, moisture regime, slope, aspect. Also, if possible provide information on the surrounding land use. Associated species: Alteration of ecological processes (e.g., damming, logging, rip-rapping of stream)? ( Y / N ) If Y, describe: Observed or potential threats to the species or its habitat at this site: Landowner's name and address, if known: Additional comments: * Observer Information: Name: Phone Number Address: Affiliation/Qualifications: * Form Filled Out By: Name: Phone Number: (if different from above) Address: Affiliation/Qualifications: I hereby certify under pains and penalties of perjury that the information contained in this report is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. Signature: Date: Please submit this form and all supporting documentation (USGS map, photo, etc.) to: Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Route 135 Westborough, MA 01581 (508) 792-7270 ext. 200 Revised 5/98 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, Route 135, Westborough, MA 01581 (508)792-7270 ext. 200 http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele Suggested Reading 'Vernal 'Tool Identification ant Certification Colburn, E.A., ed. 1993. Certified: A Citizen s Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Vernal Pools. 5th Edition. Massachusetts Audubon Society, Lincoln, MA. Kenney, L.P. 1995. Wicked Big Puddles: A Guide to the Study and Certification of Vernal Pools. Vernal Pool Association, Reading, MA. Kenney, L.P. and M.R. Bume. 2000. A Field Guide to the Animals of Vernal Pools. MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, Westborough, MA. ^\niphibians/'IZ,eptiles Behler, J.L. and F.W. King. 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. Conant, R. and J.T. Collins. 1998. A Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians, Eastern and Central North America. 3rd Edition, Expanded. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, MA. Hunter, M.L., A.J.K. Calhoun, and M.McCollough, ed. 1999. Maine Amphibians and Reptiles. University of Maine Press, Orono, ME. Tyning, T.F. 1990. Stokes Nature Guides: A Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles. Little, Brown and Company. Invertebrates Lehmkuhl, D.M. 1979. How to Know the Aquatic Insects. The Pictured Key Nature Series, W.C. Brown Company, Iowa. McCafferty, W.P. 1981. Aquatic Entomology, The Fishermen s and Ecologists ' Illustrated Guide to Insects and Their Relatives. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Boston, MA. Pecharsky, B.L., P.R. Fraissinet, M.A. Penton, and D.J. Conklin, Jr. 1990. Freshwater Macroinvertebrates of Northeastern North America. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY. Plants Redington, C.B. 1994. Plants in Wetlands. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., Dubuque Iowa. Newcomb, L. 1977. Newcomb s Wildflower Guide. Little, Brown and Co., Boston, MA. Magee, D.W. 1981. Freshwater Wetlands: A Guide to Common Indicator Plants of the Northeast. University of Massachusetts Press, Amherst, MA. G3 Massachusetts 'Vernal ''Pool 5ur\'eif References Brooks, R.T., J. Stone, and P. Lyons. 1 998. An inventory of seasonal forest ponds on the Quabbin reservoir watershed, MA. Northeast Naturalist 5(3): 2 1 9-230. Burke, V.J. and J. W. Gibbons. 1995. Terrestrial buffer zones and wetland conservation: A case study of freshwater turtles in a Carolina bay. Conservation Biology 9: 1 365-1 369. Dodd, C.K., Jr. and B.S. Cade. 1998. Movement patterns and the conservation of amphibians breeding in small, temporary wetlands. Conservation Biology 1 2(2): 33 1 -339. Semlitsch, R.D. 1998. Biological delineation of terrestrial buffer zones for pond-breeding salamanders. Conservation Biology 1 2(5): 1 1 1 3- 1 1 1 9. Stone, Janice. 1 992. Vernal pools in Massachusetts: aerial photographic identification, biological and physiographic characteristics, and state certification. Master's Thesis. University of Massachusetts. 98 pp. 64 ^Kppevibices Model letter for landowner permission Vernal Pool Protection - the Local Bylaw Appendix A tAAohei Letter for LaribovJner "Ter mission Following is a model letter for landowner permission. While the information presented in the Massachusetts Aerial Photo Survey of Potential Vernal Pools should be used to increase vernal pool awareness and protection through local efforts or through the official Vernal Pool Certification Program, landowner permission should be obtained, in writing, prior to any field investigation. The Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program is required to release all information contained in our files when an information request is made under the state's public documents request law. The official field form becomes part of the public record and must be released when requested. The name and address of the observer must be included in the documents that are released under this law, so it is strongly recommended that you obtain permission prior to collecting information for certification. 61 Massachusetts 'Vernal 'Fool 5ur\,'eif Name Address Phone number Date Landowner name Street address Town, State, ZIP I am writing to ask for your permission to study a potential vernal pool. The local assessor's records indicate that you own the parcel containing the potential vernal pool I am interested in. I am (a student / conservation commission member / other). I would like to visit the potential vernal pool on your property to (explain your interest in the pool). (If certifying) Vernal pools are important nurseries for a wide variety of amphibians (frogs, toads and salamanders), and are also important to birds, mammals, reptiles, and a host of invertebrates. I will search for evidence of amphibians or invertebrates that may be breeding in the vernal pool. If the eggs or young of vernal pool species are found, I will take photographs and make notes of the animals that are found. This information, along with maps of the vernal pool, will be submitted to the state's Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for official certification. The official certification of a vernal pool on your property could result in protec- tion under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, as well as three other state wetland protection regulations. Although this might result in restriction on certain activities in or immediately around the pool, such as vegetation cutting or dumping, it would greatly help the protection of the wildlife that depends on these important nurser- ies. (If not certifying) (Explain specifically what you intend to do and how the information would be used) I would greatly appreciate your permission to visit the potential vernal pool that is on your property. I would be happy to talk with you about these important wildlife habitats, and even bring you out to the pool to show you what I find. I also would like to share the informa- tion that I collect with you when I am done. Thank you very much, Sincerely, (Sign) G9 Massachusetts 'Vernal 'Fool 6>ur\'c\f Appendix B ^Vernal ^PooL ^Protection - the Local 'bi/LaW The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act does not protect vernal pools that are outside of jurisdictional resource areas and does not address the upland habitat needs of terrestrial vernal pool dependent species like the spotted salamander. The exception to these shortfalls is for vernal pools found within the 200 foot "Riverfront Area" associated with perennial (permanent) streams. Vernal pools and their associated uplands, to the extent that they fall within the Riverfront Area are much more effectively protected. To address the shortcomings of the Wetlands Protection Act, many towns throughout the Commonwealth have implemented local bylaws, administered by the conservation commission, that protect any vernal pool (officially certified or not), and upland habitat surrounding them. Some even refine their definition to include extremely small vernal pools. When properly constructed and adequately justified, bylaws are powerful tools for protecting a town's vernal pool resources along with critical upland non-breeding habitat. Following are excerpts from the Sudbury bylaw and regulations pertaining specifically to the definition and protection of vernal pools. This bylaw is one of the most progressive and comprehensive in the state because it broadens the definition of protectable vernal pools far beyond simply those that are certified by the NHESP, and establishes the upland area surrounding vernal pools (as well as all other wetland resource areas) as a resource area protected under the bylaw. While the specific language is not necessarily applicable for all towns across the Commonwealth, the Sudbury bylaw provides useful hints and ideas for crafting a bylaw that will more effectively protect vernal pools. The complete text can be found at http://home.att.net/ -sudbury.concom/bylaw.htm. Contact the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissioners (www.maccweb.org) for additional information and assistance in developing and passing a bylaw for the protection of your town's vernal pools and other critical wetland resources. 11 CWassachusetts 'Vernal 'Fool 5ur\c\f Town of Sudbury Wetlands Administration Bylaw (Revised June 1998) Bylaw Section 1. Purpose The purpose of this bylaw is to maintain the quality of surface water, the quality and level of the ground water table and water recharge areas for existing, or potential water supplies; to protect the public health and safety; to protect persons and property against the hazards of flood water inundation; to protect the community against the costs which may be incurred when unsuitable development occurs in wetland resource areas; and to provide for the reasonable protection and conservation of certain irreplaceable natural features, resources and amenities for the benefit and welfare of the present and future inhabitants of the Town of Sudbury. Accordingly, this bylaw protects the wetlands, related water resources, and certain adjoining land areas in the Town by providing for prior review and control of activities deemed to have a significant or cumulative adverse effect upon wetland values, including but not limited to the following: protection of public and private water supply, protection of ground water, flood control, erosion and sedimentation control, storm damage prevention, avoidance of water and soil pollution, protection of fisheries, wildlife habitat, rare species habitat including rare plant species, agriculture, aquaculture, and recreation values, deemed important to the community (collectively, the "wetlands values protected by this bylaw"). This bylaw is intended to utilize the Home Rule authority of this municipality to protect additional resource areas, for additional values, with additional standards and procedures to augment those of the Wetlands Protection Act, G.L. Ch 1 3 1 , §40 and Regulations thereunder, 3 1 0 CMR 10.00. Bylaw Section 9. Definitions The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and implementation of this bylaw. The term "adjacent upland resource area" shall include all lands within 100 feet of wetland resource areas as enumerated in section 2, except for perennial streams and rivers for which the adjacent upland resource area extends for 200 feet from the top of bank, and except for vernal pools, ponds under 10,000 square feet in area, and isolated land subject to flooding for which special adjacent upland resource area definitions are described below. The term "vernal pool" shall include, in addition to that already defined under the Wetlands Protection Act, G.L. Ch. 1 3 1 , §40 and Regulations thereunder, 3 1 0 CMR 1 0.00, any confined 13 ^Massachusetts ^Vernal 'Tool 5ur\e\{ basin or depression not occurring in existing lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, or driveways which, at least in most years, holds water for a minimum of two continuous months during the spring and/or summer, contains at least 200 cubic feet of water at some time during most years, is free of adult predatory fish populations, and provides essential breeding and rearing habitat functions for amphibian, reptile or other vernal pool community species, regardless of whether the site has been certified by the Massachusetts Division of Wildlife and Fisheries. The presumption of essential habitat value may be overcome by the presentation of credible evidence which in the judgment of the Commission demonstrates that the basin or depression does not provide the habitat functions as specified in the Bylaw regulations. The adjacent upland resource area for vernal pools shall extend 100 feet from the mean annual high-water line defining the depression, or one-half of the distance between the vernal pool and any existing house foundation, which ever is smaller. In either case the adjacent upland resource area for vernal pools shall not extend over existing lawns, gardens, landscaped or developed areas. Sudbury Wetlands Administration Bylaw Regulations Revised November 2000 Regulations Section 2. Jurisdiction 2.1 Presumption of Vernal Pool Habitat The Bylaw presumes vernal pool habitat exists if a wetland's physical characteristics conform with those defined for vernal pools in Section 9 (Definitions) of the bylaw: [see above] This presumptive definition for vernal pools is based on systematic field observation in the Town of Sudbury by the Sudbury Conservation Commission showing that virtually all basins that possess the above characteristics actually host breeding vernal pool species. Undoubtedly this is a particular consequence of Sudbury's semi-rural character and enduring woodlands and wetlands. The presumption of vernal pool habitat may be overcome, however, with the presentation of credible evidence which in the judgment of the Conservation Commission demonstrates that the wetland does not provide, or cannot provide, vernal pool habitat functions. £v: m 74 2.1.1 Demonstrating that a Ponding Area is not a Vernal Pool For the purposes of overcoming the presumption of vernal pool habitat the Commission will consider: 2.1.1.1 Evidence that the ponding area does not hold water for at least two continuous months in most years. As a rule of thumb the term "most years" shall mean three out of five consecutive years. 2.1.1.2 Evidence that vernal pool species do not breed or have not bred in the ponding area. The Conservation Commission shall provide explicit guidelines for this evidence. 2.1.1.3 Evidence that the ponding area could not be a viable breeding site for vernal pool species due to incompatible physical, chemical, biological, or other persistent conditions at the site in most years. Such evidence could include, without limitation, several months of pH and dissolved oxygen measurements yielding values incompatible with amphibian or reptile breeding. 2.1.2 Timing of Evidence Collection Many of the indicators of vernal pool habitat are seasonal. For example, certain salamander egg clusters are only found between late March and late May. Wood frog chorusing only occurs between late March and May, and then only at night. Consequently, failure to find evidence of breeding must be tied explicitly to those periods during which the evidence is most likely to be available. Accordingly, in the case of challenges to the presumption of vernal pool habitat the Conservation Commission may require that the determination be postponed until the appropriate time period consistent with the evidence being presented. The Commission may also require its own site visits as necessary to confirm the evidence. 15 ^Massachusetts 'Vernal 'Tool 5ur\^ei/ Regulations Section 7. Permits and Conditions 7.1 Performance Standards & Design Criteria for Adjacent Upland Resources As stated in the Bylaw, Section 7 Permits and Conditions lands within 100 feet of wetlands resource areas (25 feet in the case of isolated land subject to flooding): "...are presumed important to the protection of these resources because activities undertaken in close proximity to wetlands and other resources have a high likelihood of adverse impact upon the wetland or other resource, either immediately, as a consequence of construction, or over time, as a consequence of daily operation or existence of the activities. These adverse impacts from construction and use can include, without limitation, erosion, siltation, loss of groundwater recharge, poor water quality, and harm to wildlife habitat. The Commission may therefore require that the applicant maintain a strip of continuous, undisturbed vegetative cover in part or all of the 100-foot area and set other conditions on this area, unless the applicant provides evidence deemed sufficient by the Commission that the area or part of it may be disturbed without harm to the values protected by the law." 7.2 Considerations in Setting Disturbance Restrictions. A growing body of research evidence suggests that even "no disturbance" areas reaching 1 00 feet from wetlands may be insufficient to protect many important wetland resource characteristics and values. Problems of nutrient runoff, water pollution, siltation, erosion, vegetation change, and habitat destruction are greatly exacerbated by activities within 100 feet of wetlands. Thus, in general work and activity within 1 00 feet of wetlands should be avoided and discouraged and reasonable alternatives pursued. Accordingly, the Conservation Commission shall begin with the presumption that lands within the adjacent upland resource of a resource are best left in an undisturbed and natural state. [Note: the Bylaw contains a number of exemptions for single family residences existing prior to July 27, 1 994] , > < m 16 However the Commission shall designate areas of the adjacent upland resource to be suitable for temporary, limited, or permanent disturbance as appropriate when the applicant can demonstrate to the Commission's satisfaction that the proposed work or activity will not affect wetland values singularly or cumulatively and that reasonable alternatives to the proposed work or activity do not exist. In considering designation of adjacent upland resource disturbance areas, the types of work and activities allowable, and conditions to apply, the Conservation Commission shall consider: 7.2.1 Values and Functions of the Resource Area The quantity and quality of resource values and functions should be considered explicitly in placing conditions on adjacent upland resource work. Some isolated land subject to flooding, for example, may serve for temporary flood storage only. Minimal adjacent upland resource restrictions within several feet of the resource might be necessary only to prevent erosion. Other isolated land subject to flooding might provide vernal pool habitat. It might also provide important flood storage capacity and intersect ground water. In this instance far stronger adjacent upland resource restrictions would be appropriate because a larger number of functions are involved and some functions, such as habitat, are more sensitive to adjacent upland resource activity and require greater protection. If rare or endangered species, such as blue spotted salamanders, were found at the site then still greater levels of restrictions would be appropriate. 7.2.3 Wildlife Habitat and Rare Species The near-upland areas around wetland resources often play important roles in determining and maintaining the wildlife habitat values of associated wetlands. While it is common to think of the protective or "buffering" value of adjacent upland resources in terms of area undisturbed, habitat values may be equally affected by the configuration of the adjacent upland resource perimeter, the inclusion or exclusion of specific topographical and ecological features (such as an abutting sandy knoll or tree canopy), etc. 77 ^Massachusetts 'Vernal 'Tool 5ur\e\f Therefore where significant wildlife habitat values and functions are present delineation of non-disturbance areas within the adjacent upland resource shall, as is reasonable, minimize the length of perimeter to area left undisturbed, exclude fingers, islands, or other projections or indentations of the non- disturbance zone, and in general avoid delineating oddly shaped non-disturbed areas. The Commission shall give special attention to inclusion inside the no disturbance area of those topographical and ecological features that it deems important for maintaining the wildlife habitat value of the resource. The potential presence of rare or endangered species and their specific sensitivity to adjacent upland resource activity shall be considered in determining adjacent upland resource restrictions. Evidence of the presence of such species or evidence of likely habitat shall be considered by the Conservation Commission. Prior designation or rare or endangered species habitat by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Natural Heritage Program is not necessary. The Commission may consult with the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Natural Heritage Program or other authorities as it deems necessary for guidance and recommendations . 7.2.4 No Significant Adverse Impact on Wildlife Habitat Wildlife habitat serves a variety of functions in support of wildlife. Food, water, breeding space, shelter, security, movement and migration space, and connections to other habitat areas are all equally important. All of these wildlife habitat functions are presumed to exist in all resource areas. Therefore in accordance with the Bylaw's fundamental purposes (see Bylaw, Section 1 above) no project may have a significant adverse impact - either project-specific or cumulative - on wildlife habitat for more than two growing seasons. For wildlife habitat purposes, a significant adverse project-specific impact is defined as an impact caused by work in a resource area that would under reasonable assumptions (a) result in a measurable decrease in the extant wildlife populations or biological composition, structure, or richness on the site or in the vicinity exclusive of the present or future state of adjacent and nearby IS properties, or (b) impair, damage, destroy, or reduce in value for wildlife purposes certain specific habitat features. Wildlife studies have shown that direct impacts from work - filling, grading, vegetation removal, construction of barriers to movement, etc. - in resource areas can severely harm wildlife populations. For example, low stone walls bisecting a resource area can prevent amphibians that live in upland areas from reaching breeding pools, marshes, and streams. Or, removal of large snags (dead trees) can virtually eliminate nesting by barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, mink, etc. Accordingly, the Commission shall prohibit the placement offences or other barriers to wildlife movement within and between resource areas and the destruction of specific habitat features. Examples of protected habitat features include (but are not limited to): Large cavity trees Turtle nesting areas Existing nest trees for birds that reuse nests Beaver dams, dens, and lodges Mink or otter dens Vernal pools Vertical sandy banks Migration corridors that provide connectivity between wildlife habitats Sphagnum hummocks and pools suitable to serve as nesting habitat for four-toed salamanders But indirect impacts - the effects of human activities near wildlife habitat - can have equally harmful effects. Therefore the Commission shall take into account indirect effects on a project by project basis. So, for example, no work within resource areas shall be permitted within 100 feet of existing beaver, mink or otter dens, or within 200 feet of existing osprey or great blue heron nests. As clearly stated in Section 1 of the Sudbury Wetlands Administration Bylaw the purpose of the Bylaw is to preserve for future generations of residents the natural resources and amenities - including wildlife - we presently enjoy in Sudbury. The Bylaw protects future values as well as current ones. Therefore, the Commission must be especially cognizant of the likely cumulative impact of work within resource areas. 79 SWassacliusetts 'Vernal 'Fool 5ur\'eif »VV For wildlife habitat purposes a significant cumulative adverse impact is defined as an impact that would under reasonable assumptions result in a measurable decrease in the extant wildlife populations or biological structure, composition, or richness on the site or in the vicinity taking into account the projected impacts of future projects that could be proposed in the vicinity with similar, comparable, or other significant impacts and disturbance. This method for assessing cumulative impacts avoids the pitfall of placing an unreasonable burden of resource protection on subsequent applicants/projects in the vicinity while subsidizing those who are first to develop land. It allows the Commission to level the marginal impact of all proposed projects in the vicinity while ensuring appropriate protection - present and future - of the values and interests protected by the Bylaw. Regulations Section 9 DEFINITIONS 9.10 Vernal Pool Species Any species of reptile, amphibian, or invertebrate that breeds in a vernal pool. These species may be obligate or facultative. WxhA 60 The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program is very proud to present the Massachusetts Aerial Survey of Potential Vernal Pools. This Compact Disc contains the program and data files that will allow users to view and print USGS topographic maps with the Potential Vernal Pools identified in this survey. Detailed installation instructions and system requirements are found on pages 22 through 25. Please make note of the instructions on page 24, these are very important to the proper functioning of the program.