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Threats to Vernal Pools and Wildlife
 In Ontario, poor management and planning practices related to urban development, agriculture, aggregate extraction and forestry have resulted in the destruction of woodlands, and the draining and filling of wetlands and vernal pools. As well, the infrastructures associated with servicing urban developments (sewers and roads) can also threaten vernal pools and their wildlife.
The construction of sewers and the impermeability of roads reduces water infiltration and increases water runoff; as a result, the water table is lowered, and consequently results in the loss of those vernal pools that are dependant on the seasonally high water table. Roads can fragment wildlife habitat by acting as a hazardous barrier to amphibians and reptiles along their historic migration routes and frequently result in high mortality among local populations. These roads also effectively isolate wildlife from their habitat and have serious implications on the viability of local populations.
The use of agricultural pesticides has been attributed to malformations in amphibian populations. Click here to visit the North American Reporting Center for Amphibian Malformations Website for more information.
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photo courtesy Kerry Jarvis
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Agriculture has historically and continues to result in the filling and draining of wetlands and vernal pools; however, in recent years the agricultural community has become instrumental in the conservation and restoration of wetlands. Aggregate extraction and poor forest management practices have resulted in mass deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and a lowering of the local water table in Southern Ontario.
As we learn more about the characteristics and functions of vernal pools, we will have the opportunity to effectively plan and manage human land use activities for the purpose of protecting these unique features and ensure their role in the maintenance of a healthy environment.
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