RE: [vernalpool] GITW/NEWFS Framingham area migration

Years ago my first visit to a vernal pool was at the GITW/NEWFS site, and
the experience empowered me to become active in my town, helping to certify
3, providing workshops and trying (still trying) to raise awareness about
vernal pools. Also working to get a road crossing patrol/road closure at the
site of a major kill zone. So I can testify to the value of public vernal
pool walks.

However, when I went the situation was very controlled, the walkers were
monitored, only limited size groups were allowed on the road at a time, no
running, no picking up the critters, and only a few people at a time allowed
down to the pool. As we walked the atmosphere was hushed and almost sacred.
I believe the walk was organized by then Framingham Conservation Agent
Michele Grzenda, and there were other adults helping to monitor the
visitors, They did a great job both with the crowd and educational talk.

Sounds like now that many people know about the location they go on their
own and bedlam has broken out. I suggest contacting both NEWFS and the
Conservation Department in Framingham (Michele's not there anymore) to see
how the situation can be brought under control again. Obviously this will
take some effort involving a combination of officials from the Town of
Framingham and NEWFS as well as volunteers. I imagine someone will have to
but in a good amount of effort to organizes it, otherwise the situation will
continue.

You raise valid issues I am concerned about whenever thinking about vernal
pool visits and education. There is always a potential for conflict. I even
worry about my own actions as I drive to a location, parking far enough away
not to run over any at the pool visited. But have I driven by another
(unknown) crossing area and inadvertently run over some? On a rainy night
that I would normally be at home, I am now out driving around....
Freddie

-----Original Message-----
From: vernalpool@yahoogroups.com [mailto:vernalpool@yahoogroups.com]On
Behalf Of Nicola Cataldo
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 9:16 AM
To: vernalpool@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [vernalpool] GITW/NEWFS Framingham area migration

Can I get a survey?

I realize this is a vernal pool listserv but I still cringe when exact
locations are broadcast. Back in the day, we never broadcast vernal pool
locations or other important animal habitats. This site is in fact, in
my backyard and over the years there have been larger and rowdier groups
of children brought here to run and play in the midst of the migration.
Most of these kids are too young to appreciate what they're seeing or to
be controllable. I have seen mayhem and carnage that would make a grown
man cry.

Other vernal pools are in terrain difficult enough that they are
self-limiting. This site is a narrow, secluded road with a pond on each
side and few or no cars on a given night. But the road gets blocked off
for migration. This eliminates the rare car, but leaves the road open
and safe to let the children run free. Unfortunately the children have
enough footing on this road to literally run up and down the road,
stepping on salamaders and frogs and creating about the same kill level
that would have occured if they left it open to the cars. Further, many
parents encourage the kids to pick up and carry the salamanders, even
make a pile of them as a photo opportunity. How many of them have insect
repellent on their hands?

I love kids; I love herps, I love education. But something is awry here
and has been for many years.

Nicola Cataldo

________________________________

From: vernalpool@yahoogroups.com <mailto:vernalpool%40yahoogroups.com>
[mailto: vernalpool@yahoogroups.com <mailto:vernalpool%40yahoogroups.com> ]
On
Behalf Of Peter Skrzypczak
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 9:59 PM
To: vernalpool@yahoogroups.com <mailto:vernalpool%40yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [vernalpool] GITW/NEWFS Framingham area migration

Sighted at least 12-15 yellow spotted salamanders on land, and at least
8-12 swimming and splashing in a slightly murky vernal pool.

One peeper in the road.
Two wood frogs.
One red eft.

This at about 9:20PM until 9:35 PM, quick spot check.

NEWFS staff onsite outside fence, also observing, were there when I
arrived.

From other arrivals, heard parents and children were there earlier.

Peter Skrzypczak
Marlborough, MA

===============================================================

This email message including any attachments is for the sole use of the
intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged
information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is
prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the
sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. If
you are the intended recipient, please be advised that the content of
this message is subject to access, review and disclosure by the sender's
Email System Administrator.

Please consider the environment before printing this email

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 9.0.894 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3550 - Release Date: 04/05/11
02:34:00

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]