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Comprehensive P l a n z o z z <br /> (DRAFT 03/1.8/22) <br /> Vernal l Pools <br /> Vernal pools, also called vernal ponds or ephemeral pools, are unique, ecologically significant seasonal <br /> pools ofwaterthat provide habitat for distinctive plants and animals.They are a specific type of wetland <br /> usually devoid of fish and thus allow the safe development of natal amphibian and insect species unable <br /> to withstand competition or predation by fish. According to the Natural Heritage and Endangered <br /> Species office (NHESP), Mashpee currently has 39 certified vernal pools which are mostly located on <br /> private land that is not protected from development. Additionally, 38 "potential vernal pools" are also <br /> located in the town. <br /> Wildlife Habitat Map is needed in this section. We will map this information through MassGIS Data: <br /> NHESP Potential Vernal Pools. <br /> As noted on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)website, Massachusetts <br /> is unique in its efforts to protect vernal pools. In 1988,the MA Wetlands Protection Act was amended to <br /> include wildlife habitat as a reason to protect wetlands, and in recognition of the value of vernal pools to <br /> wildlife,they were defined and included in the regulation. <br /> ulldllofe Conidor and II°°IaHtat <br /> BioMap2 is a framework offered by the MassWildlife's Natural Heritage& Endangered Species Program <br /> and Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for protection and stewardship of lands and waters that are most <br /> important for conserving biological diversity in Massachusetts. Mashpee contains a Critical Natural <br /> Landscape identified by BioMap2. Critical Natural Landscape identifies large natural landscape blocks <br /> that are minimally impacted by development, as well as buffers around some Core Habitats to enhance <br /> resilience (UMass Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment). BioMap2 is the preferred <br /> information source for conservation planning and action (UMass Center for Agriculture, Food, and the <br /> Environment). Mashpee has 9,642 acres of Critical Natural Landscape area (Massachusetts Division of <br /> Fisheries&Wildlife, 2012). <br /> BioMap Critical Natural Landscape Map is needed in this section. We will map this information through <br /> MassGIS Data: MassGIS: BioMap2 <br /> The Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge has a unique partnership with federal, state, and private <br /> conservation groups to preserve waterfowl and wildlife (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service). The Mashpee <br /> National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1995 to protect and preserve natural resources associated <br /> with the Waquoit Bay area (U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service). Waquoit Bay supports one of the most diverse <br /> estuarine fish communities in the state (Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve). <br /> The wetlands, rivers, marshes,and upland forests in the town provide habitat for regionally significant or <br /> rare birds, fish, reptiles/amphibians, and flora. The upland forests provide benefits to wildlife species, <br /> including marbled and Jefferson salamanders(U.S. Fish&Wildlife Service).The Mashpee River is in great <br /> quality and notable for the rare sea-run brook trout (The Trustees of Reservations)The Quashnet River <br /> flows through mostly undeveloped land into Waquoit Bay(Division of Fisheries&Wildlife).The river has <br /> been the focus of several habitat improvement projects to improve trout habitat(Division of Fisheries& <br /> Wildlife).The town also supports bird species of high conservation priority including the Eastern Towhee <br /> in the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge (Avibase -The World Bird Database). <br /> westonandsampson.com Weston <br />