Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Vernal Pools

Vernal pool in a shrub and forested landscape

Pursuant to the Connecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act the term 'watercourses' includes vernal or intermittent waterbodies. Therefore, under Connecticut law, vernal pools, which contain a specific ecology, are one type of vernal watercourse, and Connecticut's municipal inland wetlands agencies regulate any activities that are likely to impact or affect vernal waterbodies.

Vernal pools, also known as ephemeral pools, autumnal pools, and temporary woodland ponds, are seasonal depressional wetlands, which in the northeast occur in glaciated areas that are covered by shallow water for variable periods from winter to spring but may be completely dry during the summer and fall. Vernal pool amphibian egg mass

A variety of online resources exist, which review vernal pool ecology, describe the animals that breed in and use vernal pools, provide materials to assist with field assessments and local mapping projects, and discuss other state and federal laws. A few examples are provided here:

Content last updated February 1, 2024.