What is a vernal pool? 

Env-Wt 101.99 “Vernal pool” means a surface water or wetland, including an area intentionally created for purposes of compensatory mitigation, which provides breeding habitat for amphibians and invertebrates that have adapted to the unique environments provided by such pools and which:

  1. Is not the result of on-going anthropogenic activities that are not intended to provide compensatory mitigation, including but not limited to:
    1. Gravel pit operations in a pit that has been mined at least every other year; and
    2. Logging and agricultural operations conducted in accordance with all applicable New Hampshire statutes and rules; and:
  2. Typically has the following characteristics:
    1. Cycles annually from flooded to dry conditions, although the hydroperiod, size and shape of the pool might vary from year to year;
    2. Forms in a shallow depression or basin;
    3. Has no permanently flowing outlet;
    4. Hold water for at least 2 continuous months following spring ice-out;
    5. Lacks a viable fish population; and
    6. Supports one or more primary vernal pool indicators, or 3 or more secondary vernal pool indicators

Env-Wt 101.71 “Primary vernal pool indicators” means the presence of physical evidence of breeding by marbled salamander, wood frog, spotted salamander, Jefferson-blue spotted salamander complex, or fairy shrimp. Env-Wt 101.82 “Secondary vernal pool indicators” means physical evidence used by wildlife biologists or certified wetlands scientists who are familiar with vernal pool habitats as evidence of the presence of a vernal pool, if primary vernal pool indicators are absent and other vernal pool characteristics suggest vernal pool habitat.

Secondary vernal pool indicators include, but are not limited to, caddisfly larvae and case (Limnephilidae, Phyrganeidae, or Polycentropodidae), clam shrimp and their shells (Laevicaudata, Spinicaudata), fingernail clams and their shells (Sphaeriidae), aqautic beetle larvae (Dytiscidae, Gyrinidae, Haliplidae, and Hydrophilidae), dragonfly larvae and exuviae (Aeshnidae, Libellulidae), spire-shaped snails and their shells (Physidae, Lymnaeidae), flat-spire snails and their shells (Planorbidae), damselfly larvae and exuviae (Coenagrionidae, Lestidae), and true fly larvae and pupae (Cuculidae, Chaoboridae, and Chironomidae).