Fall 2008
Volume 17 No. 3
Vernal Wetland Development Program on
the Hoosier National Forest
By Clark McCreedy
What are vernal wetlands?
Vernal wetlands are shallow wetlands generally without inlet or
outlet, and not likely to retain water year round. They do not support fish
populations but are an ideal habitat for a variety of aquatic species, such as
dragonflies, grey tree frogs, and salamanders.
Program Goals
The goal of the vernal wetland development program is to correct continuing erosion associated with illegally used and abandoned roads. Another benefit is the creation of wildlife habitat. On the Hoosier National Forest, the approach used is to obliterate old roads by inundation to create vernal wetland habitats in locations with severe erosion. Consequently, a situation negatively affecting soil and water resources turns into benefits for several wildlife species. Currently on the Hoosier, over 100 vernal wetlands have been created, providing habitat for forest bats, reptiles and amphibians; curtailing existing erosion; and limiting illegal ATV use.
Creating a vernal wetland
The vernal wetland construction process includes: Site walk-through where design is discussed and determined; Obliteration of the existing entrenched roadbed; Re-contouring to the road bed to form vernal pools; Seedbed preparation, seeding, and mulching. A wide-track, narrow blade, low ground pressure bulldozer is used to construct roadbeds; the operator is constrained to operate only within the existing roadbed to ensure the protection of cultural resources. Pools are constructed to retain as many existing natural features as possible, tree removal is also constrained. Typically, a site involving the construction of 10 pools requires approximately three days of heavy equipment use and 60 labor hours.
Construction is relatively rapid and cost effective. On the Hoosier National Forest, cost of construction, including equipment rental, materials, and personnel time, averages less than $200.00 per vernal pool. Download a free PDF version of Creating Vernal Ponds by Thomas Biebighauser at www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/resources/.
Partnerships
The program is a result of an on-going partnership between the Hoosier National Forest and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Division of Fish and Wildlife. For over 50 years, the two agencies have worked together combing resources to improve wildlife habitat.
Clark McCreedy is a Hoosier National Forest wildlife biologist. For additional information on vernal wetlands, contact Clark at 812- 547-7051, cdmccreedy@fs.fed.us.