Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2009ME191B

Conserving Significant Vernal Pools through Collaborative Local Initiatives

Institute: Maine
Year Established: 2009 Start Date: 2009-03-01 End Date: 2010-03-01
Total Federal Funds: $3,630 Total Non-Federal Funds: Not available

Principal Investigators: John Peckenham

Project Summary: The viability of existing natural resources, including wetlands, is threatened by fragmentation that results from random development practices. Unplanned growth may compromise the quality of life reflected in Maine’s motto, “the way life should be.” Maintenance of rural character, along with economic development, can be achieved with proactive, town-level planning that includes natural resource assessments and development of ordinances or zoning practices that address connectivity of natural resources. Vernal pool habitats (the pool and the adjacent terrestrial habitat necessary for maintaining pool functions) pose challenges to resource planners and landowners as they are small and seemingly abundant (i.e., they affect a lot of property owners). The goal of this project is to help towns proactively manage their pool resources by engaging citizenry and developing planning strategies that link natural resources while allowing private landowners to maximize other uses of their property. Strategies for conserving vernal pools at the community level will be made accessible to towns in Maine and elsewhere through the development of the Maine Municipal Guide to Vernal Pool Conservation Planning.