- Rutgers University's Center for
Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis
(CRSSA), which finished its contractual obligations to identify potential
vernal pools for survey, along with DEP Endangered
and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) staff, has identified over
13,580 potential vernal pools throughout New Jersey (Skylands: 3647,
Piedmont: 2107, Coastal Plain: 7827).
- ENSP trained 140 volunteers
on the identification of vernal pool herpetofauna and data collection
methods. As of November 2003, ENSP staff and volunteers have collected
data on approximately 3799 vernal pools and have increased the number
of certified vernal pools (vernal pools that can be afforded regulatory
protection based on documentation of certain herps) from 341, in 2002,
to 715.
- ENSP introduced a vernal pool specific
field guide titled Salamanders, Frogs and Turtles of New Jersey's
Vernal Pools. Copies are available free of charge to all registered
Vernal Pool project and Herp Atlas project volunteers.
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Vernal pool in northern NJ |
- ENSP continues to maintain a comprehensive
GIS coverage of potential and certified vernal pools linked to a database
containing information on species observed, biological characteristics
of pools, geographic location, and sources of data. This coverage/data
has been provided to the Land
Use Regulation Program for reviews of wetland permit applications
and letters of interpretation.
- In addition to the identification of
13,366 potential vernal pools alone, CRSSA developed an interactive
website featuring downloadable aerial photographs with potential vernal
pool data layers. This mapping, featuring updated monthly vernal pool
coverages, has proven to be an invaluable tool for volunteers attempting
to locate vernal pools for surveys. The ENSP hopes to integrate an
online data submittal option for the 2004 field season. Go to www.dbcrssa.rutgers.edu/ims/vernal
for more information.
Spring 2004 - A Call for Vernal Pool Volunteers
In March 2004, the Endangered and Nongame
Species Program will hold its third set of vernal
pool training seminars, which will include both a lecture covering
vernal pool ecology, protection, and species identification, as well
as a field trip to a vernal pool to demonstrate survey techniques. Prior
to training, or even after, volunteers can select a survey area or specific
pools from the CRSSA
website. ENSP staff will provide maps of selected areas, data collection
sheets and a variety of educational materials to help you locate the
pool and identify the various amphibians and reptiles you may encounter.
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