Science and Conservation of Vernal Pools in Northeastern North America : Ecology and Conservation of Seasonal Wetlands in Northeastern North America

Synthesizes Decades of Research on Vernal Pools Science Pulling together information from a broad array of sources, Science and Conservation of Vernal Pools in Northeastern North America is a guide to the issues and solutions surrounding seasonal pools. Drawing on 15 years of experience, the editors have mined published literature, personal communication from professionals working in the field, unpublished reports and data, and other sources to present the latest information and practical application of this knowledge. They synthesize decades of research on vernal pools and pool-dependent biota as a foundation for presenting the necessary tools for conserving these ecosystems. The book introduces vernal pools as a keystone ecosystem in northeastern forests of North America. This landscape approach is the common current flowing throughout the chapters. Section I reviews the physical parameters that demonstrate how vernal pools function differently from other wetland systems and where they are found in the landscape. Section II provides an overview of the diversity and natural history of their unique biota, focusing on plants, invertebrates, amphibians, and other pool-associated vertebrates. Finally, Section III synthesizes the best-available science from peer-reviewed and unpublished sources relevant to conserving vernal pools in human-dominated landscapes. The book also highlights the significant role that educators and citizens have in effecting local conservation, and in ensuring a permanent place on the landscape for seasonal wetlands. An impressive cadre of scientists contribute knowledge and expertise on how to conserve vernal pools, its species, and its flora and fauna. Acknowledging the physical and biological connections between upland and aquatic systems, the authors provide a landscape-scale approach to conservation that is equally applicable to all isolated wetlands. Valuing and Conserving Vernal Pools as Small-Scale Ecosystems, M.L. Hunter, Jr. Physical Setting: Classification, Hydrology, and Identification Classification of Vernal Pools: Geomorphic Setting and Distribution, R. Rheinhardt and G. Hollands Hydrology and Landscape Connectivity of Vernal Pools, S.G. Leibowitz and R.T. Brooks Remote and Field Identification of Vernal Pools, M.R. Burne and R.G. Lathrop Biological Setting: Principal Flora and Fauna Flora of Northeastern Vernal Pools, A. Cutko and T.J. Rawinski Diversity and Ecology of Vernal Pool Invertebrates, E.A. Colburn, S.C. Weeks, and S.K. Reed Ecology and Conservation of Pool-Breeding Amphibians, R.D. Semlitsch and D.K. Skelly Population and Genetic Linkages of Vernal-Pool Associated Amphibians, J.P. Gibbs and J.M. Reed The Importance of Vernal Pools to Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals, J.C. Mitchell, P.W.C. Paton, and C.J. Raithel Conserving Vernal Pools in Human-Modified Landscapes Vernal Pool Conservation Policy: The Federal, State, and Local Context, W.S. Mahaney and M.W. Klemens Chemical Contamination of Vernal Pools, M.D. Boone and B.D. Pauli Conserving Vernal Pool Wildlife in Urbanizing Landscapes, B. Windmiller and A.J.K. Calhoun Conserving Vernal Pool Amphibians in Managed Forests, P. deMaynadier and J. Houlahan Spatial Tools for Pool-Breeding Amphibian Conservation: Applying the Landscape Species Approach, R.F. Baldwin, K.P. Bell, and E.W. Sanderson Vernal Pools as Outdoor Laboratories for Educators and Students, H.J. Gruner and R.D. Haley Conserving Vernal Pool Habitat Through Community-Based Conservation, A.J.K. Calhoun and P. Reilly Index The most at-risk wetland type in North America are those labeled as Isolated. Science and Conservation of Vernal Pools in Northeastern North America presents current information on this unique type of wetland and related issues, acknowledging the idea that regulatory decisions must ultimately address the wetlands as integral parts of forested ecosystems. An important resource for conservation advocates, this book synthesizes decades of research on the tools needed to conserve these ecosystems. Acknowledging the physical and biological connections between upland and aquatic systems, the authors provide a landscape-scale approach to conservation that's equally applicable to all isolated wetlands The most at-risk wetland type in North America are those labeled as isolated. This book presents current information on this unique type of wetland and related issues, acknowledging the idea that regulatory decisions must ultimately address the wetlands as integral parts of forested ecosystems. A resource for conservation advocates, this book synthesizes decades of research on the tools needed to conserve these ecosystems. Acknowledging the physical and biological connections between upland and aquatic systems, the authors provide a landscape-scale approach to conservation that is equally applicable to all isolated wetlands