The added regulation for Vernal Pools has an unfortunate effect people like Frank Parisio who are (I assume) doing research on amphibians and the like. If Frank were to ask me or anyone I know for permission to look at their land, I would advise anyone to tell Frank “Heck, no.” The regulatory implications of vernal pools, and resulting reduced property value, are too great.
I am not saying that Vernal Pools and amphibians are not valuable, I am saying that a single puddle rendering 40 acres of upland un-useable is too onerous.

Andrew,
Let's not got ahead of ourselves here. At no point did I say I would be attempting to enter private land to obtain justification through research for future enhanced regulation on vernal pools.
Bettering my understanding and skill in amphibian ID sets up a framework for my future research projects on them and their habitats. Not all amphibians reproduce in vernal pools, many will utilize wetlands of various sizes which may already have protection.
Thanks for your post.

quote:

Originally posted by Frank Parisio:
Andrew,
Let's not got ahead of ourselves here. At no point did I say I would be attempting to enter private land to obtain justification through research for future enhanced regulation on vernal pools.
Bettering my understanding and skill in amphibian ID sets up a framework for my future research projects on them and their habitats. Not all amphibians reproduce in vernal pools, many will utilize wetlands of various sizes which may already have protection.
Thanks for your post.

This is a little off topic but, the cool thing about herpetology is one wouldn't need to enter your private land to access the majority of the amphibian population. Many species can be easily IDed from calls heard from afar, while the scientist has he feet safely on public ground.

Frank said:

"...Not all amphibians reproduce in vernal pools, many will utilize wetlands of various sizes which may already have protection..."

Dear Frank,
The problem for land owners arises when amphibians utilize isolated wetlands which are not regulated under the CWA, and then cause these wetlands to become regulated because of the "significant nexus" issue.

It should be noted that amphibians are not the only "aquatic species" that can trigger a significant nexus. There are thousands of plants and animals that are catagorized as aquatic species, and the mere suggestion that one of these species may somehow be connected to an isolated wetlands, appears to be a sufficient regulatory basis for circumventing the U.S. Supreme Court's SWANCC decision which deregulated isolated wetlands.

Mr. McWhorter may have provided some insight into my earlier inquiry regarding a quick and simple way to determine significant nexus. Would the sound of a frog establish a significant nexus?

"This is a little off topic but, the cool thing about herpetology is one wouldn't need to enter your private land to access the majority of the amphibian population. Many species can be easily IDed from calls heard from afar, while the scientist has he feet safely on public ground."

First of all, off topic? How? Please keep in mind that I originally made a request for any information on tadpole ID guides in which I recieved really two or three on topic responses. Second, yes you can ID apmhs from a far by vocalization but what does it really tell you about their ultimate use of an ecosystem. Does the sound of a frog calling automatically mean you have a wetland? What about soundless salamanders?
Lastly, for those of you saying that amphibian usage of a wetland may trigger a sig NEXUS I am not arguing with that. Some people may seek to survey private lands for these animals, I myself am not.

Frank,
here are a couple more references:
NH salamander key
NH Vernal Pool Manual
Also try Matt Tarr in NewHampshire UNH or Mark Ferguson and Eric Sorenson, VT fish & wildlife.

Thanks Andrew! I'll look into those.

Dear Frank and Andrew;

Your questions, comments, and responses are constructive contributions and thoughtful insights. Andrew's admonishment that he would deny permission for on-site identification of amphibian species reflects the growing awareness among wetlands professionals of the profound consequences of collecting ecological data on private property.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Johnny Stevens,