Who is qualified to determine and document the existence of a vernal pool?

The determination and documentation of the existence of a vernal pool require specialized knowledge of wetland ecology and the specific characteristics that define a vernal pool. A biologist with training in this area possesses the expertise to properly identify the biological and ecological criteria necessary for classifying a vernal pool, including understanding its seasonal hydrology and the types of species that may inhabit or rely on such environments for breeding and survival.

While other professionals, such as Code Enforcement Officers or individuals in environmental organizations, may play roles in related legal or regulatory aspects, they typically do not have the detailed ecological training required to make such determinations. The role of an officer in the Maine Marine Patrol mainly focuses on marine environments rather than wetland habitats, and a manager in the Department of Environmental Protection may oversee policies but would not necessarily be involved on the ground with ecological surveys unless they were trained as biologists.