RE: [vernalpool] GITW/NEWFS Framingham area migration

You hit it exactly. Revealing the site led to abuse by some of the
locals. Once the salamander is out of the bag, it's hard to control.

I am a former employee of NEWFS and I am a Conservation Commissioner for
the town (and I know Michele, former agent here, now in Weston) as well
as being an abutter. But none of this allows control of parents and
children in the neighborhood. Even some of the classes led by teachers
get kind of wild. There was the child who I caught showing his friends
how a ruler, brought to measure them, can be used to chop off salamander
tails.

But that's why you normally don't bring anyone to the location who might
not be trusted if they returned on their own. I would urge all to keep
that in mind as they reveal locations.

Nicola Cataldo

________________________________

From: vernalpool@yahoogroups.com [mailto:vernalpool@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Frederica Gillespie
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 1:56 PM
To: vernalpool@yahoogroups.com
Subject: 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%40yahoogroups.com>
[mailto:vernalpool@yahoogroups.com <mailto:vernalpool%40yahoogroups.com>
]On
Behalf Of Nicola Cataldo
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 9:16 AM
To: vernalpool@yahoogroups.com <mailto:vernalpool%40yahoogroups.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%40yahoogroups.com>
[mailto: vernalpool@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:vernalpool%40yahoogroups.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>
<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

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