Frequently Asked Questions

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HOW THE TOWN OF UPTON DETERMINES

PROPERTY VALUES

All cities and towns in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts assess the value of property using a Mass Appraisal system. This system is a broad approach to predicting the value of properties that did not sell using the information collected about the properties that did sell. It is the application of a small database of information (the sold properties) to a large database of properties (the unsold properties).

As defined by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Mass Appraisal is the use of standardized procedures for collecting data and appraising property to ensure that all properties within a municipality are valued uniformly and equitably. Mass Appraisal is the processes of valuing a universe of properties as of a given valuation date using common data, a standardized procedure, and statistical testing. Unlike individual fee appraisal, which is intended to derive the market value of a single property, the goal of Mass Appraisal is to bring all properties to their full and fair market value, whether properties have sold recently or not, and thus to achieve equity among all property values.

The Department of Revenue requires cities and towns to revalue all properties every five years for certification according to specific requirements set by the Bureau of Local Assessment. The results of the revaluation process must meet statistical standards defined by the Department of Revenue. The Department of Revenue also requires that cities perform interim year adjustments, which are conducted between certification years. Waiting five years between revaluations leads to large adjustments, whereas revaluing every year and annually adjusting to market trends, generally results in smaller increments of change.

In Mass Appraisal, the universe of properties is defined as all properties in a city or town including single-family homes, two-family homes, three-family homes, condominiums, apartments, vacant land, commercial properties, industrial properties, and mixed-use properties. The process described in this document only addresses the mass appraisal of single-family homes and condominiums. 

The valuation date for an assessment as defined in the laws of the Commonwealth is January 1st prior to the fiscal year, and the assessed value reflects estimated market value as of that date. For example, the assessment date for Fiscal Year 2026 is January 1, 2025. To determine the estimated market value of a parcel on January 1, 2023, the arms-length sales (between a willing buyer and a willing seller with no unusual circumstances) that occurred between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 are analyzed.

The standardized procedure followed for determining full and fair market value involves using a model, defining parameters, and performing iterations of statistical analysis to validate the model results. To accomplish this, a sales database is created each year containing information about the sales that occurred in the year prior to the valuation date. This is the small database of information (the sold properties) which will be applied to the large database of properties (the unsold properties). The sales database is used to establish the criteria for applying the characteristics of sold properties to the unsold properties. The standardized procedure used is the following:

1. Create the Sales Analysis database: This is the data collection and verification stage. Actual sales of properties for twelve months prior to the valuation date are collected. Deeds for each sale are received from the Registry of Deeds. Attempts are made to gather any information about financing arrangements, types of transactions, and any special circumstances around each sale. A sales questionnaire is sent to the buyer of the property, the buyer or seller is contacted, and third-party sources, such as real estate brokers, contribute information about the sale. Sold properties are inspected whenever possible. Property card adjustments are made if necessary. At this point, the new assessment value for a sold property is set by the Assessors, and is usually quite close to the sale price.

2. Validate the sales: Sales which are considered verified (also called “qualified sales”) are those that conform to specific criteria set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. These sales are called arms-length sales and must be between a willing buyer and a willing seller with no unusual circumstances. Any sales that do not represent the market are not considered valid to use in the model, as they may cause errors in the results. Such sales are “coded out”. There are various Non-Arms-Length codes used by the Department of Revenue to identify a sale that cannot be considered part of the sales database. Some of these include sales between members of the same family, sale of property substantially changed after the assessment date but before the sale, sales resulting from court orders, foreclosure auctions, or bankruptcy, etc.

3. Verify that the sales meet the Department of Revenue requirements: The Department of Revenue requires that the sales database contain transactions that represent at least 2% of all properties, or a minimum of 20 sales in each class (single-family, condo, etc.). If there are fewer than 20 sales, more than 12 months of sales must be used, until 20 sales have been achieved. This can be twelve months prior to, or six months prior and six months following the valuation period. For the January 2023 valuation for Fiscal Year 2024 tax bills, there were 2,341 single-family homes in Upton and 78 qualified sales (3.33%), and there were 309 condominium units and 49 qualified sales (15.86%).

4. Begin the statistical analysis by stratifying the sales: The sales data is analyzed by grouping sales into specific categories and computing measures of assessment level and uniformity. There are two calculations required by the Department of Revenue called the ASR (which measures assessment level), and the COD (which measures assessment uniformity). Each must fall within specified ranges for each class of property. The ASR is the median assessment to sales ratio, and it measures actual differences between new assessments and sale prices. For all classes of property, the median assessment to sales ratio must be between 90% and 110%.

The COD is the coefficient of dispersion that occurs around the median assessment to sales ratio, and it measures the deviation between the new assessments and the sale prices. For single-family homes and condominiums, the coefficient of dispersion must be less than 10%.

The grouped sales, called “stratifications”, report the median assessment to sales ratio and the coefficient of dispersion for each sale in each category. The categories are: land use (single-family, condo, etc.), neighborhood, house style (ranch, colonial, cape, etc.), actual year the house was built, lot size, and house size. Two other reports called price quartiles and date quartiles show the median assessment to sales ratio and the coefficient of dispersion grouped by the sale price and the sale date. Each stratification report is intended to provide a different perspective of the same data, thus revealing discrepancies that require correction. If the ASR and COD values exceed the values required by the Department of Revenue, then this must be corrected.

5. Bring the ASR and the COD into compliance with the Department of Revenue requirements by changing the values of factors: To bring the new assessed values of sold properties closer to the sales prices of those properties, and thus achieve smaller ranges of ASR and COD values, factors are changed in the sales database. There are many factors which can be adjusted to correct the assessments.  Some apply to all properties and others are property specific. The most dominant factors are the location of the property and the style of the house.

Location: Each year, the neighborhood boundaries are reviewed and modified if necessary. Sales in particular neighborhoods, when taken in the context of all characteristics of that neighborhood, contribute to the value of the neighborhood factor. As the stratification reports are run, and median assessment to sales ratios and the coefficients of dispersion are reviewed, the value of the neighborhood adjustment factor is evaluated. If changing the value of the factor for the sold properties in a particular neighborhood improves the ASR and the COD and changing this factor does not cause the ASR and the COD to vary beyond required ranges in other stratifications, then this means the land value for that particular neighborhood has either risen or fallen, and the change to the neighborhood adjustment factor corrects this.

House Style: The style of the house has an associated base rate per square foot assigned to it, which is used to adjust its value. Depending on sales, these base rates can change, and therefore are reviewed and adjusted each year as part of the sales analysis. If the base rate for a particular house style is changed, and all other stratifications maintain median assessment to sales ratios and coefficients of dispersion values within acceptable ranges, then such a change to the base rate can be considered a valid correction to the sales database.

6. Valuation of land: A property assessment is the sum of the land value and the structures value. The land value is determined either by land-only sales or by the “land residual method.” The structures value is determined by state regulated cost tables adjusted for Yarmouth, and by weighted measures such as the construction grade of the house or how well it has been maintained.

• Land Only Sales: Determining the value of land is straightforward when a sale occurs which had no structures on it. That sale can be considered representative of the land value for properties in the neighborhood in which it is located. Properties where the structures are removed after the sale require additional information and judgment to determine the land value, and this may involve further study of trends in the neighborhood in which the sale occurred.

• Land Residual Method: In a Town like Yarmouth, where few land sales occur each year, a method called “land residual” is also used to determine land values. This method extracts the value of the land from the total property value by subtracting the value of the structures from the total sale price. The remaining value is considered the land only value.

• Land Curve: The land values are then plotted on a graph called the “land curve” and are used to set the price per square foot for each zoning category. The land curve also determines the discounts for parcels that are smaller than minimum zoning requirements where the property is located.

7. Use the model repeatedly, adjusting factors as necessary: At this stage, three principal parameters (neighborhood adjustment factor, house style base rate, and land price) are being analyzed and adjusted. Examples of other factors that may be changed are the site index, the condition factor, the effective age of the house, and the construction grade of the structures. Even factors such as bedroom and bathroom count, interior wall material, building sub area sizes, outbuilding values, can all be changed to explain why a property sold for a particular price. Each time a new value for a factor is tried, another series of stratifications is run. All stratifications must yield the required range values for median assessment to sales ratios and coefficients of dispersion.

8. Run the final stratification: No matter how the data is divided, the adjustment of the selected factors should be arriving at the known sales price. The resulting analysis will show an approximately equal median assessment to sales ratio and coefficient of dispersion through all stratifications of the sales analysis database. At this point, the Department of Revenue requirements for certification have been met– the ASR is between 90% and 110%, and the COD is less than 10%.

9. Apply the sales analysis database to the entire universe of properties: The more carefully the sales data was researched and refined in each of the previous steps of this process, the better the model can predict the new assessment values of the unsold properties. It is time to apply the characteristics defined in the sold properties to the values of the unsold properties. At this point, the Mass Appraisal process is over and the preliminary assessment data is reviewed by the Board of Assessors and submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for approval.

This information is meant to be a brief overview of the assessment process; the actual process may require additional information and documentation, as deemed required by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and its Bureau of Local Assessments.

This is a very common occurrence with lenders being extremely cautious with their appraisals. An Appraisal can give an opinion of value greater than or less than the Assessed Value as the appraiser typically uses sales data within the past 6 months and Assessed Values is based on the prior calendar year sales. Assessed Value for Real Estate Tax is retrospective - it is based on past sales activity. An Appraisal is typically the opinion of the current market value. Bank appraisals are usually different than the town's assessment valuations. What you must compare is your tax assessment valuation relative to the assessment valuation set for the town of Upton. Is your home consistently assessed with other properties in the town of Upton?

All taxpayers have the right to contest their assessment. To do so you must file an application for abatement in writing on an approved form with the board of assessors. Tax abatement forms are available from your assessor's office. If tax bills were mailed on or before December 31st then you must file for abatement by February 1st of the next year.

It is very important that you complete the application and include specific details. The Assessors will provide you with the appropriate forms to complete your application process.

It is a good idea to visit the assessor's office and do a comparison of your property to similar properties within your neighborhood. To start, request a printout of your property record card and verify that all the data is correct including land size, house style, size based on total square footage as measured using the outside dimensions of the structure, amenities such as fireplace, bathrooms, air conditioning, garages, attic and basement finished/unfinished, decks, porches, and etc. The more details you include with the application showing comparisons the better. With over three thousand property assessments it is possible for us to make mistakes. The key and most important factor is consistency throughout the town and more specifically within neighborhoods. Please keep in mind the new assessments are based on sales analysis of property sold during the preceding year.

The Board of Assessors is working for you. Please contact us with any questions at 508-529-1002. Our office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 am to 4 pm, Tuesdays from 8 am to 6 pm, and Friday from 8 am to Noon. The Assessors are also available by appointment outside of office hours, at a mutually agreeable time.

Compare your value to similar properties in your neighborhood.

Land values can vary dramatically based on:

• Location
• Conformance to zoning
• Waterfront, View
• External or internal factors

The following are some, but not all of the variables that affect value:

• Location
• Style of home
• Desirability of the neighborhood
• External influences
• Traffic, schools, waterfront, view
• Buildings
• Size of the buildings
• Quality of construction
• Condition
• Amenities

These are carefully analyzed based on:

• Land sales
• Building costs
• Single and multiple family home sales
• Condominium sales
• Business Income and Expense statements
• Sales of land with buildings

The reason the total bill increases is because the town budget increases.

The tax rate is set as a direct result of Upton's town meeting process, so the voters decide if taxes go up. Individually, If the budget stays the same, some property owners will go up, some will go down, and some will stay just about the same.

The Town determines the amount of revenue (R) to be raised. The Town then totals all the assessments (A). The Town divides the revenue (R) by the Assessments (A) to get the actual tax rate: Tax Rate = R/A.

If the value of property decreases then the rate must increase to meet the budget. The opposite effect occurs when the values increase then the tax rate will decrease.

Example:

• The affect of valuation change on the tax rate

The town valuation is $5,000,000 and the town budget was $1,000,000. The tax rate is calculated by dividing the amount to be raised $1,000,000 by the Valuation divided by 1000 ($1,000,000 / (5000000/1000) equals a tax rate of $20.

If the valuation decreases and the budget stays the same then the rate increases.

If the Town valuation decreases to $4,000,000 and the town budget remains flat at $1,000,000. The tax rate is calculated by dividing the amount to be raised $1,000,000 by the Valuation divided by 1000 ($1,000,000 / (4000000/1000) equals a tax rate of $25.

If the valuation increases and the budget stays the same then the rate decreases.

If the Town valuation increases to $6,000,000 and the town budget remains flat at $1,000,000. The tax rate is calculated by dividing the amount to be raised $1,000,000 by the Valuation divided by 1000 ($1,000,000 / (6000000/1000) equals a tax rate of $16.66.

The tax rate is a result of the correlation of the total assessed value of all property in the town of Upton and the amount of money the town requires satisfying its budgetary commitments.

The State of Massachusetts offers a variety of exemptions for certain qualifying individuals, including elderly persons, blind persons, disabled veterans, a surviving spouse or orphaned minor child, a widow or orphaned minor of a police officer or fire fighter killed in the line of duty, and individuals with extreme medical and financial hardships. Exemptions are distinguished from abatements in that exemptions refer to the condition of a person, while abatements refer to an incorrect assessment of a property.

The qualifying date for all exemptions is July 1st, the first day of the Fiscal Year. Applications are due within ninety (90) days of the date of the postmark of the third quarter, or actual, tax bill. An additional qualification for all exemptions is ownership and occupancy of the property.

Because of the number and complexity of exemptions, the following information is intended to give you a general idea of what is available. If you suspect that you may be eligible for an exemption or have any questions, call the Assessor's Office at 508-529-1002.

Clause Tax Exemptions

• 17D
  • Basic Qualifications: Age 70 or older, Surviving spouse or orphaned minor
  • Max Income: None
  • Max Assets: $40,000
  • Exemption Amount: $175
• 41C
  • Age 65 or older - single
    • Max Income: $20,000
    • Max Assets: $40,000
    • Exemption Amount: $1,000
  • Age 65 or older - married
    • Max Income: $30,000
    • Max Assets: $55,000
    • Exemption Amount: $1,000
• 37A
  • Basic Qualifications: Legally Blind
  • Max Income: None
  • Max Assets: None
  • Exemption Amount: $437.50
• 18
  • Basic Qualifications: Extreme Hardship
  • Max Income: None, please note: Granted at the discretion of the Board of Assessors
  • Max Assets: None, please note: Granted at the discretion of the Board of Assessors

Veterans

• 22
  • 10% disability or purple heart
  • Max Income: None
  • Max Assets: None
  • Exemption Amount: $250
• 22A
  • Basic Qualifications: loss of foot, hand, or eye
  • Max Income: None
  • Max Assets: None
  • Exemption Amount: $425
• 22B
  • Basic Qualifications: loss of two limbs or eyes
  • Max Income: None
  • Max Assets: None
  • Exemption Amount: $775
• 22C
  • Basic Qualifications: specially adapted housing
  • Max Income: None
  • Max Assets: None
  • Exemption Amount: $950
• 22E
  • Basic Qualifications: 100% disability
  • Max Income: None
  • Max Assets: None
  • Exemption Amount: $600
• 22F
  • Basic Qualifications: paraplegic
  • Max Income: None
  • Max Assets: None
  • Exemption Amount: 100%

The Tax Deferral Program

Unlike a property exemption, the tax deferral is a program that allows a homeowner to defer the payment of their tax to a later date, typically when the owner passes away or sells the home. If you are 65 or older and have an annual income not exceeding $40,000 you may defer up to 100% of your annual property tax. The taxpayer must enter into a Deferral and Recovery Agreement with the Board of Assessors. A lien is placed upon the property, and deferred taxes accumulate with simple interest at 8%.

An Additional Alternative: The Property Tax Work-Off Program

Beginning in Fiscal 2006, the Board of Selectmen adopted a program called the Property Tax Work-Off Program. This program allows older residents to reduce their property tax liability by up to $888 by volunteering to work in various departments of the Town. You must be aged 60 or older and possess the appropriate skill for the department requiring the assistance. If you think you might be interested in this program, contact the Council on Aging at 508-529-4558.

If the Board of Assessors denies your application for abatement, or if you believe the abated value is still incorrect, you have the right to appeal this decision to the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board. You must file your appeal within three months of the Board's decision. You may contact the Appellate Tax Board at 617-727-3100, or visit their website.

If you believe your property value is too high you should speak to someone in the Assessor's Office. The first step is to review your property record card to insure that the data is correct. Quite often, if the value is incorrect it is due to a simple data error. The next step would be to review the sales of similar properties within the community, and particularly within a neighborhood similar to yours. The assessing staff will assist you with this process if you need help, as all data is available in their office.

Once you have completed these steps, if you still believe the assessment of your property is incorrect you should apply for an abatement. You must apply for an abatement by February 1st of any given year, or thirty (30) days from the postmark on the third quarter tax bill, whichever date is later. Upon receipt of your application, the Assessor will most likely contact you to arrange for an inspection of your property to take place in order to verify the accuracy of the data. The Board of Assessors has three months from the date they are received to act upon abatement applications, and is required to notify you in writing within ten days of their decision, regardless of whether the decision is to abate or deny your application.

Finally, it is important that you understand that abatements are granted or denied based upon valuation issues, not tax issues. In other words, if your issue is with your tax bill but not your value you have no grounds to apply for an abatement. Tax dollars are determined by the spending at Town Meeting, not the value of your property, and while the Assessor has total jurisdiction over the assessments on all properties within the community, they have no jurisdiction over spending.

You have no legal obligation to allow the Assessor to inspect your property unless you apply for an abatement of your property tax. However, for the Assessor to properly perform their duty of applying fair and equitable values to all properties within the community it is imperative that the data they have on each property is accurate. For this reason, the taxpayers' cooperation with the inspection process is very important and greatly appreciated by the Assessor.

Valuation in Massachusetts is based on "full and fair cash value", or the amount a willing buyer would pay a willing seller on the open market. Determining the "full and fair cash value" involves reviewing the sales of similar properties (the market approach to value), what the property would cost today to replace (the cost approach to value), and for income-producing properties, a knowledge of current economic conditions such as rental and vacancy rates, current interest rates, and the rate of return a potential purchaser can expect to receive on their investment (the income approach to value). The Assessor does not create value. Rather, he/she has the responsibility to discover and reflect the changes that are occurring in the marketplace.

Proposition 2 ½ is a State law that places constraints on the amount of real and personal property taxes that the Town is allowed to raise in any given Fiscal Year. The amount of tax dollars, or levy, allowed under Proposition 2 ½ is called the "levy limit". The levy limit is determined by multiplying the previous year's limit by 2 ½ percent, and adding to that the tax dollars generated from any new construction within the Town that is not the result of property revaluation. The levy limit under Proposition 2 ½ may be exceeded only by the Town's approval of a debt exclusion or override. A debt exclusion allows the Town to exceed the levy limit only for the life of the debt, i.e., the terms of the borrowing, while an override is a permanent increase in the levy limit.

The Board of Assessors is responsible for determining the fair market value of all property located within the Town. There are three principal types of local taxes administered by the Board: real estate, personal property, and motor vehicle excise. The Board is also responsible for the administration of all laws relative to local taxation as outlined in the General Laws of Massachusetts and is supervised in the administration of these laws by the Department of Revenue's Division of Local Services. Additionally, the Board of Assessors is responsible for compiling and submitting all data required for setting the tax rate on an annual basis to the Department of Revenue for approval on an annual basis.

The assessing department does not raise or lower taxes. The amount of taxes charged is determined by the amount of tax dollars, or tax levy, required to cover the cost of local services. The tax levy is determined by the town's spending, which is determined by the voters at town meeting. While the assessing department is responsible for determining each person's share of the levy, they have no control over an individual's tax bill.

We ask that the request be in writing. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

• Please include the assessed property owner, address, map, and parcel (if known) for real estate and personal property. 
• The owner's name, make, model, year, and registration number for excise tax. Please allow 4 to 5 days for research and processing.

Please note, excise information can only be sent to the vehicle owner.

Please contact the treasurer/collector's office or our Deputy Collector, Kelly, and Ryan Associates at 508-473-9660. You must make payment in cash, money order, or cashier's check to have the mark removed immediately.

If you have any questions that have not been answered above, call the Treasurer/Collectors office at 508-529-3737.

Property taxes are billed with the information as of January 1st preceding the beginning of the current Fiscal Year. If you purchased the property any time after January 1st, you may not appear on the tax bill as the assessed owner until the next fiscal year. This rule is mandated by Massachusetts Law. However, if the Assessor's office is notified that there is a new owner, the next bill can be sent as " Care Of".

Please contact the Upton Assessor's Office for abatement information (PDF).

If for some reason you are unable to pay your tax bill, Massachusetts Law mandates that interest, at 14%, be added to the tax from the due through the payment date.

The fiscal year's taxes must be paid in full by the May 1st due date to avoid any further action taken by the town.

Tax dollars are the primary source of funds used to finance almost every service the town provides such as:

• Public Education
• Maintenance of Public Schools, Buildings, and Roadways
• Elderly Services
• Library Services

and many other services that are provided by the town at no cost to its residents.

For a more in-depth analysis of how your tax dollars are spent, view the ClearGov website.

Check with the Upton Assessor's Office to see if you qualify for a tax exemption or deferral. If you still owe taxes, please contact the Town Collector as soon as possible. We cannot eliminate the tax, but we are here to listen to your situation and offer possible solutions.

The town collects Real Estate Tax on a fiscal quarterly schedule as follows:

Open burning is regulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with the open burning season conducted from January 15th through May 1st of each year. To obtain a burning permit you can apply online. Once you obtain your permit, you may burn any allowable day during the season, between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. You must call for permission to burn. There are restrictions on what is permissible to burn.

No!

The Propane cylinders still have product in them and should be disposed of properly. If you wish to dispose of a propane cylinder you must first insure that it is empty, then remove the control valve and rinse the tank with water. Once this is complete, you may bring the cylinder to the transfer station on Beaver Street.

A tour of any fire station can be arranged by calling our business telephone number 508-529-3421. Our SAFE Officer, Bonnie Lopez is responsible for public education and can arrange for your tour.

When not in use, the Fire EMS Department Training Room or EOC may be used by Town Boards and Committee's. Upton Fire EMS Department functions and operations are the primary use of these rooms and shall be given first preference. Scheduling of the Department Training Room or EOC can be arranged through the Room Request Form or by calling the Fire EMS Headquarters during normal business hours at 508-529-3421.

The rooms are available Monday through Friday evenings. No food or drinks are allowed. Children must be supervised at all times. Visitors are asked not wander the facility as it is a working Fire EMS station. Visitors are requested to park in the rear of the building and enter through the rear entrance. The room must be clean and put back in an orderly condition following use.

No, the fire department does not have the capacity to recharge fire extinguishers. According to Massachusetts General Law, we are not permitted to recommend the services of companies to perform services. Therefore, if you need a fire extinguisher recharged, we recommend you consult the business directory in your telephone book for fire extinguisher companies.

Most communities like Upton have completely separate systems. The sewer system, also known as the sanitary sewer or wastewater sewage system, conveys household, commercial and industrial wastewater through a separate plumbing system into an underground sewer pipe system. Wastewater in the sanitary sewer system is from sources such as water and waste from sinks, toilets, and washers, to name but a few. Discharges to the sanitary sewer system are conveyed and treated at the Upton Wastewater Treatment Plant prior to being discharged into West River. The storm drain system, on the other hand, discharges primarily untreated stormwater runoff directly into the local water bodies.

Only rain belongs down the storm drain system. Dumping into storm drains is illegal. To report illegal dumping in Upton, call 508-529-3067 between 8 am to 5 pm. After 5 pm, contact the Upton Police at 508-529-3200.

A catch basin is a curbside receptacle whose function is to convey water from streets and other impervious surfaces into the storm drainage system. The design of this drainage structure includes a sump and hood that captures and temporarily stores some pollutants such as oils and sediment. Maintenance to clean out the sump removes the stored pollutants and prevents them from washing further into the storm drain system and into receiving waters such as the West River and Pratt Pond.

A rain garden is a shallow depression that is planted with deep-rooted native plants and grasses. The garden should be positioned near a runoff source like a downspout, driveway or sump pump to capture rainwater runoff and stop the water from reaching the sewer system.

Impervious surface means those disturbed or hard-surfaced areas that either prevent or restrict the natural entry of water into the soil. Rooftops, buildings, streets, parking lots, sidewalks, asphalt, concrete, other paving, driveways, gravel, patios, artificial turf, and storage areas are all examples of impervious surfaces. Impervious areas affect natural infiltration, creates more runoff, increases the rate of runoff, and alters runoff patterns of stormwater that drains from an area.

Stormwater is water from rain and snowmelt. As rain and snow fall to earth in forested and undeveloped areas, it is either absorbed or slowly runs off and dissipates. In a densely urban environment like Upton, where rooftops and paved areas not only prevent the water from being absorbed but also help it run off at a much faster rate, problems arise. Unmitigated, the stormwater could accumulate, causing nuisance flooding and possible threats to public health and safety. Flooding is only a part of the problem. As the rain falls onto our streets and runs off, it carries with it pollutants such as pet waste, gasoline, oil, and heavy metals. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are washed from lawns and other green spaces. Sediments are eroded by wind and water from construction sites and un-vegetated landscape areas. With the passage of time, these pollutants will buildup in our local waterways causing environmental damage.

Surface runoff is water, from rain, snowmelt, or other sources, that flows over the land surface, and is a major component of the water cycle. Runoff that occurs on surfaces before reaching a channel is also called overland flow. A land area that produces runoff draining to a common point is called a watershed. When runoff flows along the ground, it can pick up soil contaminants such as petroleum, pesticides, or fertilizers that become discharge or overland flow. Urbanization increases surface runoff, by creating more impervious surfaces such as pavement and buildings do not allow percolation of the water down through the soil to the aquifer. It is instead forced directly into streams, where erosion and siltation can be major problems, even when flooding is not. Increased runoff reduces groundwater recharge, thus lowering the water table and making droughts worse, especially for farmers and others who depend on water wells.

Paint thinner and paint products, used motor oil and antifreeze, pesticides and fertilizers, sediments containing heavy metals, cigarette butts, trash, and animal feces are but a few of the many pollutants found in the system on a regular basis. We all have the ability to help reduce stormwater pollution by taking individual actions to pick up after our pets, dispose of trash and waste properly, and use fertilizers and insecticides sparingly and wisely.

A watershed is made up of the land area that drains to a specific body of water. Upton lies within the Blackstone River watershed. For more information see the Blackstone River Watershed Association website.

You may contact the BOH office for a list of inspectors, or call the company you use to pump out your septic tank to see if they are certified (most are). You will need to provide the inspectors with a copy of your septic system design plan, and the water table. Both should be available at the BOH office, by supplying us with the year the house was built, the lot number and any names originally associated with the home.

Call or email the BOH office for a copy of your septic system design. Please have as much information as possible; date the house was built, name the house was built under, lot number (not street number). If the design plan is available, we will make a copy for you.

The mosquitoes that carry these diseases could be present until this area has a hard frost.

Yes, any resident or business that wants a dumpster needs to first obtain a permit from the BOH, even if it's for a short duration.

The Department of Public Health is no longer testing birds in the area, they have obtained all the information needed. Dispose of the bird properly but be sure to wear gloves.

Contact the Animal Control Officer, Mike Moran, at 508-612-9752. We will also be offering on the A.C. website, a page with lost and found animals in the near future. Residents who find an animal and are unsure who the owner is should also contact the officer at the above telephone number.

An inspection of your kitchen must first be made by the food inspector, who will then determine if you meet the necessary requirements. To schedule such an inspection, contact the BOH office at 508-529-6813.

Yes, all the food inspection reports are public record and can be viewed during office hours.

Upton no longer offers a disposal site for these items, but you may contact a private organization such as High Acres Farm on Christian Hill Road in Upton 508-478-2887.

No. Evacuation is not the only protective action available to the public. In some situations, sheltering may provide protection that is equal to or even greater than evacuation. Sheltering may be the preferred protective action in cases where weather, competing events, or short-term releases are factors.

Emergency preparedness means taking action to be ready for emergencies before they happen. The objective is to simplify decision making during emergencies.

Families should develop an emergency plan to prepare their home, family, and office in case of a natural disaster or other emergency.

• Get an emergency kit
• Make a plan
• Have extra cash, medication, water, clothing, and food on hand to be prepared
• Have a list of family emergency numbers and school contacts
• Have an emergency meeting place
• Stay informed on what is happening

Agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have brochures to help you develop a family emergency plan. Your community group or neighborhood association might also want to consider establishing a phone tree or email list to relay important information.

Emergency preparedness refers to actions that can and should be performed prior to an emergency, such as planning and coordination meetings, procedure writing, team training, emergency drills and exercises, and prepositioning of emergency equipment. Emergency response refers to actions taken in response to an actual, ongoing event.

Upton's Emergency Management, Upton Fire/EMS, Upton Police, Upton Department of Public Works (DPW), Upton Board of Health and Upton Board of Selectmen. In addition, MEMA, FEMA, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and The American Red Cross are all involved in emergency preparedness. These agencies and groups have produced comprehensive emergency preparedness programs that assure the adequate protection of the public in the event of emergencies.

It is everyone's responsibility to be prepared for emergencies. Initially, emergency services will be consumed with responding to the disaster. It is up to each of us to prepare. Planning in advance will help you, your family and friends manage an emergency in a calm and effective way, which will help keep you safe.

The Cemetery Commissioners are happy to help people locate family members who are buried here. Please call the DPW at 508-529-3067.

Trees and shrubs are allowed, but you must check with the cemetery commissioners and obtain permission first.

For single lots, the maximum size is one foot wide by two feet long.

For double lots, the maximum size is one foot wide by four feet long.

Yes we can, we are here to assist funeral directors in any way we can during a funeral service.

The Town does not recommend one vendor over another. Having said that, the two companies that are most commonly providing monuments for our cemetery are:

Whitinsville Monument
1312 Providence Road 
Whitinsville, MA 01588 
Phone: 508-234-5603 

Ackerman Monument Company
2234 Washington Street
Holliston, MA 01746
Phone: 508-429-5465

No we do not; those must be purchased at a funeral home.

Checks should be made out to the Town of Upton. 

Please contact the DPW 508-529-3067. They will show you the plots that are available, verify your residency and provide you with the rules and regulations for the cemetery.

The answer to this question is yes. The cemetery commissioners do have the discretion to sell a plot to a person that was a resident but for some circumstances had to move out of Town.

The cemetery is open daily throughout the year for visitors to graves. The Cemetery Commissioners are available for appointments from the 3rd week in April until the end of November from 7:30 am - 11:30 am. Monday through Friday. During the rest of the year, they are available by making an appointment.

Maplewood Cemetery is located on Maple Avenue and was acquired by the town of Upton in May 2022 and is now run by the Upton Cemetery Commission who can be reached at 508-529-3067.

The Cemetery is located at 39 North Main Street, Upton, MA.

We offer services to the residents of Upton with a focus on seniors and those who are disabled. Services such as assistance with Medicare and Health Insurance, fuel assistance, Mass Health information, home visits and outreach, senior tax work-off program, flu shots, tax clinic, information about financial assistance, blood pressure, food stamps and other applications, onsite meals and more. Feel free to stop by for a visit or call us at 508-529-4558.

You can speak to anyone of the staff here at the Center. When you enter the Senior Center, head towards the reception desk and someone there will be happy to assist you. If you prefer to call, our number is 508-529-4558. If no one answers your call, please leave a message and our staff will respond as soon as possible. 

If you are inquiring about Meals on Wheels you can speak to our Nutritional Center Manager, Al Vautour. He can be reached at 978-907-5709. 

No, the Upton Center is not a club. We welcome everyone, even if you're not a senior or a resident of the town. Stop by the front desk and we'll give you a tour.

If you would like you can sign up for a MySeniorCenter Card. It is a card you can attach to your key chain, and when you visit the center for any events or programs you can sign in. MySeniorCenter is a program that allows us to keep track of the number of people who attend our center.

No, the Upton Center offers a full range of services to disabled and low income individuals and families. Additionally, the Center serves as a focal point from which individuals of all ages can attain information and referrals for different services offered to elders. The Center would like to think of itself as a resource engine to the community.

The Upton Center tries to offer something for everyone's interest. We have exercise classes for every fitness level, cards, Bingo, shopping trips, special monthly trip(s) (concerts, movies, out to eat, museums, gardens, etc), monthly birthday bash, Mens' Club Supper, movies, holiday celebrations with entertainment and so much more! Our monthly newsletter lists the activities for the month. We are happy to take suggestions.

Absolutely! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at 508-529-4558. We have several volunteer opportunities we'd love to tell you about. 

The Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) and The Nature Conservancy's Massachusetts Program developed BioMap2 in 2010 as a conservation plan to protect the state's biodiversity.

BioMap2 is designed to guide strategic biodiversity conservation in Massachusetts over the next decade by focusing land protection and stewardship on the areas that are most critical for ensuring the long-term persistence of rare and other native species and their habitats, exemplary natural communities, and a diversity of ecosystems.

Beavers are increasing in population across the state. They are an important feature of the environment but we also understand the problems their damming habits can sometimes bring to homeowners and the community.

Read through: Beavers and the Law: A Citizen's Guide to Addressing Beaver Conflicts.

Please note that the Town of Upton can only take action if the problem occurs on or affects municipal properties or roads.

Private property owners are responsible for resolving beaver issues on their own land (see specific guidelines for private property below). Unless an emergency order is issued, wetlands regulations must be adhered to.

Call the Conservation Commission office 508-529-6286 if you need advice about a beaver problem.

View the Procedure to Review Resident Beaver Complaints (PDF).

Specific guidelines for beaver control on private property:

1. Removal of a beaver dam on private property: Requires an emergency order from the Conservation Commission.
2. Installation of fencing or other beaver exclusion devices on private property: Requires RDA or NOI approval from the Conservation Commission.
3. Beaver trapping on private property: Requires a professional trapper with Board of Health permit. Permit requirements vary based on in-season vs out-of-season trapping.
4. All expenses for beaver control on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.
5. All beaver control activities are regulated by Massachusetts State Law.

The Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act was adopted by the Massachusetts Legislature in the early 1960s out of concern for the degradation and loss of wetlands. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Wetlands Program ensures the protection of Massachusetts' inland and coastal wetlands, tidelands, great ponds, rivers and floodplains. It regulates activities in coastal and wetlands areas, and contributes to the protection of ground and surface water quality, the prevention of flooding and storm damage and the protection of wildlife and aquatic habitat.

For more information:

• Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations (310 Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) 10)
• Protecting Wetlands in Massachusetts

You can follow these three simple steps:

1. Do not attempt to deal with any violators yourself, as some violators may engage you in a confrontation.
2. Do call the Conservation Commission 508-529-6286 to report what you have seen and ask them to investigate the situation.
3. Do jot down important information such as motor vehicle license plates, time, date, description of the violator(s) or any information that would be helpful in the apprehension of these lawbreakers. Photographs are always helpful!

You can do many things:

1. Remove trash and bottles by hand from a wetland resource area.
2. Dispose of yard waste off site or set up a compost pile greater than 50 feet from the wetland resource area. Leaves and grass clippings will decompose to become your best soil. However, if yard waste is disposed of within the wetland resource area or within the 50' No-Disturbance Zone, it will be considered a violation under the local Wetlands Bylaw. If observed by the Conservation Department, it will be required to be removed by hand. Yard waste within a wetland resource area is considered fill and is strictly prohibited.
3. Near the resource area, set up a small brush pile or two made of branches from yard waste. Brush piles make good wildlife cover. However, in general, brush piles should not be deposited in wetland resource areas as a means of disposal.
4. Do not dump motor oil into street drains. What goes into the drains and the ground in Upton eventually goes into our drinking supply water. Proper disposal of oil is available at the store where you purchased it.
5. Do not dump anything that pollutes.
6. Avoid or minimize the use of de-icing salt near resource areas and drainage systems. Many stores carry more nature-friendly alternatives.
7. Avoid or minimize the use of fertilizers and poisons near resource areas and drainage systems. Some fertilizers can cause algae blooms in our surface waters. Some poisons can impact the plants and wildlife in the resource areas. Fertilizers utilized for landscaping and lawn care shall be slow-release, low-nitrogen types (5% or less), and shall not be used within 25-feet to any resource area.
8. Make use of drywells for drainage to avoid heavy runoff into our watercourses from roofs and paving. The use of drywells also recharges the groundwater table by infiltrating rainwater.
9. Maintain your septic system properly. Contact the Upton Board of Health for more information on proper septic system maintenance, such as pumping needs and the impacts of chemicals and hazardous wastes on important system microorganisms.
10. When washing your car, direct the rinse water away from wetland resource areas and drainage systems.
11. Talk to your neighbor if they are inadvertently impacting a resource area.
12. Report violations to the Conservation Commission 508-529-6286.

If you have an underground storage tank for home heating oil, have it tested to ensure it is not leaking through the soil and into the groundwater. Visit the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) website for additional tips on avoiding a heating oil leak or spill.

If you have a spill of oil or other hazardous material call the Upton Fire Department 508-529-3421 and the Conservation Commission 508-529-6286 immediately. The DEP website gives a complete guide to the cleanup process.

For more information:

• DEP Cleanup of Sites and Spills

In 1996 the MA DEP issued this policy to establish clear and consistent guidelines for stormwater management across the state. The standards of this policy, enforced by the Conservation Commission, are intended to prevent untreated discharges to wetlands and waters; preserve hydrologic conditions that closely resemble pre-development conditions; reduce or prevent flooding by managing the peak discharge and volumes of runoff; minimize erosion and sedimentation; reduce suspended solids and other pollutants to improve water quality; and provide increased protection of sensitive natural resources.

Localities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are required to comply with a number of both State and Federal laws, regulations, and permits which require a locality to address the impacts of development and post-development stormwater runoff quality and non-point source pollution.

Upton developed a Stormwater Management Bylaw which was approved at the Annual Town Meeting in May of 2012. The Town of Upton has adopted this stormwater management bylaw to eliminate non-stormwater discharges to the Town's stormwater management system, and to provide reasonable guidance for the regulation of development and post-development stormwater runoff for the purpose of protecting local water resources from degradation. This bylaw prohibits the discharges of illicit materials to the Town's stormwater management system and requires the removal of all such illicit connections.

The purpose of this bylaw is to protect, maintain and enhance the public health, safety, environment, and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures to control the adverse effects of development stormwater runoff and non-point source pollution associated with development.

For more information:

• Upton Stormwater Management Bylaw (PDF)

Flood zones are geographic areas defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) according to varying levels of flood risk.

These zones are depicted on a community's Flood Hazard Boundary Map or a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Each zone reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area.

Land areas that are at high risk for flooding are called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). A home located within an SFHA has a 26% chance of suffering flood damage during the term of a 30-year mortgage and only a 4% chance of suffering a fire over that same time.

To find out if your home is in a flood zone visit the FloodSmart website.

The Upton floodplain districts were determined from elevations along stream corridors with reference to the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Markers.

According to the Upton Zoning Code Bylaw "No building permit shall be issued for any structure and no other permit shall be issued for any purpose … located within an area designated as Floodplain District on a map entitled 'Floodplain Zoning Map, Revised May 1, 1980'. "

Call the Upton Planning Board 508-529-1008 or the Conservation Commission 508-529-6286 if you have questions about the location of floodplains.

If you have a dangerous tree in the No-Disturb area that is threatening to come down on your property call the Conservation Commission 508-529-6286 immediately. We will come out to assess the situation and issue an Emergency Certificate (if appropriate) for the earliest removal of the tree.

Not if you are working outside the 100-foot wetland buffer zone and 200-foot river protection buffer zone.

Within 50-Foot Zone

If you plan to work within 50-foot of a resource area be aware that the Upton Wetland Protection Regulations stipulate that a 50-foot No-Cut - No-Disturb zone must be maintained from the edge of a resource area.

This means that trees and other forms of vegetation may not be cut within the 50-foot zone.

The trees, shrubs and native plants around the wetland edge provide a filtering zone, soaking up the run-off from lawns, roads, roofs, and driveways that may contaminate the wetland water with chemicals, fertilizers, oils, heavy metals, salts or solvents. When you remember that these areas feed our drinking water you'll understand how essential this No-Disturb buffer is in protecting the quality and health of our groundwater supplies.

50-Foot to 100-Foot Zone

Tree cutting and brush removal within the 50-foot to 100-foot zone must be carried out with approval from the Conservation Commission. Call the Conservation Commission office for assistance.

Street Trees

Remember that street trees are under the jurisdiction of the Upton Tree Warden. Please call the Tree Warden at 508-529-3067 if you have questions about street trees.

Further Information

For more information:

• Summary of Wetlands Setbacks (PDF)

A wetland delineation is typically prepared by a private consultant that a landowner hires. Upton's Conservation Agent and members of the Conservation Commission are not available to do wetland delineations.

Make sure that you inspect the property during the wettest time of the year. Ensure that the property is suitable to whatever your potential plans may be. One could ask the seller to produce an approved wetland delineation prior to closing on the property. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps and aerial photos could be reviewed.

Contact the Upton Conservation Commission office 508-529-6286. We can give you an initial "birds-eye" appraisal of the resource areas on your property and advise you on how to proceed with a proposed project.

For more information:

• Summary of Wetlands Setbacks (PDF)

Vernal (meaning Spring) pools, also known as ephemeral pools, are unique wildlife habitats, which have become an increasingly rare type of wetland in Massachusetts. Due to their sensitivity, vernal pools and the surrounding areas are protected under the MA Wetlands Protection Act, as well as the Upton Wetlands Protection Bylaw. Vernal pools provide critical habitat for amphibians and invertebrate animals, such as the wood frog (Rana sylvatica), blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale), Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), and spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata). A vernal pool is a confined basin that typically fills with water in the autumn or winter due to rising groundwater and rainfall. The water remains ponded throughout the spring, until the water dries up in the summer months. Many amphibians and invertebrate species rely on vernal pools for their breeding, feeding, and shelter purposes.

For that reason, vernal pools are essential for the continued survival of the wildlife species that are dependent upon this rare and threatened resource area.

If your project includes grading, landscaping and/or construction work within the 100' wetland buffer zone (or 200' river protection buffer) call the Conservation Commission office to determine what type of permit you may need for the work you are planning.

According to the Upton Wetland Protection Bylaw the following activities are judged to "alter" a resource area and must be brought to the Commission before work can commence:

"The term "alter" shall include, without limitation, the following activities when undertaken to, upon, within or affecting resource areas protected by this bylaw:

1. Removal, excavation or dredging of soil, sand, gravel or aggregate materials of any kind.
2. Changing of preexisting drainage characteristics, flushing characteristics, salinity, sedimentation patterns, flow patterns or flood retention characteristics.
3. Drainage or other disturbance of water level or water table.
4. Dumping, discharging or filling with any material which may degrade water quality.
5. Placing of fill or removal of material which would alter elevation.
6. Driving of piles, erection or repair of buildings or structures of any kind.
7. Placing of obstructions or objects in water.
8. Destruction of plant life, including cutting or trimming of trees.
9. Changing temperature, biochemical oxygen demand or other physical or chemical characteristics of any waters.
10. Any activities, changes or work which may cause or tend to contribute to pollution of any body of water or groundwater.
11. Incremental activities which have, or may have, a cumulative adverse impact on the resources protected by this bylaw."

A buffer zone is an undeveloped area directly adjacent to a body of water. Buffer zones include aquatic plants in shallow water, moisture-loving plants along the shore, and upland plants in dry soils.

In Massachusetts the buffer zone extends 100-feet horizontally outward from the boundary of any resource area and 200 horizontal linear feet outward from the boundary of any river or perennial stream. This area is subject to protection under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) 131, Section 40) and its Regulations (310 Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) 10 - 10.60), and the Upton Wetlands Protection Bylaw and its Regulations.

The primary purposes of buffer zones are to:

1. Reduce runoff by increasing stormwater infiltration into soil. Less runoff means fewer nutrients and other pollutants entering the water - excess nutrients are the primary cause of algal blooms and increased aquatic plant growth.
2. Stabilize soils with plant root systems.
3. Reduce shoreline erosion due to wave action.
4. Purify water with aquatic vegetation.
5. Improve wildlife and fish habitat by providing food, shelter, and shade.

For more information:

• Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act
• Upton Wetlands Protection Bylaw (PDF)
• Upton Wetlands Protection Regulations (PDF)

The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) identifies eight public interests that wetlands serve.

1. Protection of Public and Private Drinking Water Supplies - Wetlands contribute to both the quality and quantity of public and private drinking water supplies by contributing to the ground water supply, protecting against storm damage, and prevention of pollution.
2. Pollution Prevention - Wetland plants and soils slow down the flow of water, allowing suspended sediments to settle out. The plants and soils of Vegetated Wetlands remove or detain sediments, nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorous) and toxic substances (such as heavy metal compounds) that occur in run-off and flood waters. Some nutrients and toxic substances are detained for years in plant root systems or in the soils. Vegetated Wetlands are areas where ground water discharges to the surface and where, under some circumstances, surface water discharges to the ground water.
3. Groundwater Supply - Not only does groundwater contribute to drinking water supplies, as mentioned above, it is also very important in maintaining water levels in many rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. Finally, groundwater provides a vital source of water to plants between rainstorms.
4. Flood Control - The profusion of vegetation in Vegetated Wetlands acts to slow down and reduce the passage of floodwaters during periods of peak flows by providing temporary floodwater storage and by facilitating water removal through evaporation and transpiration. During dry periods the water retained in Vegetated Wetlands is essential to the maintenance of base flow levels in rivers and streams, which in turn is important to the protection of water quality and water supplies.
5. Storm Damage Prevention - During a storm, wetland vegetation stabilizes the soil and prevents erosion from wind, ice, and fast-moving water. Friction from the plants found in wetlands also slows down the velocity of potentially damaging storm waters.
6. Protection of Fisheries - In addition to preventing contamination, wetlands provide a valuable food source and habitat to many fish species.
7. Wildlife Habitat - Wetlands provide habitat for various animals. Birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians use wetlands for food, shelter, breeding and nesting. Wetlands are also valuable migratory areas.
8. Protection of Land Containing Shellfish - In coastal areas, wetlands provide habitat and protection against pollution for shellfish such as mussels, clams, and oysters.

For more information:

• Wetlands: Our "Common Wealth" (PDF)

Riverfront Area

This includes all land within 200 feet of the bank of any perennial stream. There are specific performance standards for work within the Riverfront Area. The Riverfront Area does not have a Buffer Zone around it.

Lakes & Ponds

Upton has numerous smaller ponds, as well as three large bodies of water:

Banks & Beaches

A bank or beach is the place where water meets land for any waterbody whether a pond, lake, stream or river. (Note: a bank is sometimes different from the edge of the water, especially if the water rises and falls frequently due to seasonal or other variations). Bank provides critical habitat for such native animals as mink and river otter.

The 100-year Floodplain

The 100-year Floodplain is the area affected when water rises after a storm of a magnitude that occurs, on average, only once every hundred years. The 100-year Floodplain does not flood only once every one hundred years.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency publishes official maps that show where these floodplains are. The Floodplain does not have a Buffer Zone around it.

Isolated Land Subject to Flooding

Isolated Land Subject to Flooding is any land that holds about 11,000 cubic feet of water at least once a year, or an average of six inches of water over 22,000 square feet (a little more than half an acre). Isolated Land Subject to Flooding does not have a Buffer Zone around it.

Bordering Vegetated Wetlands

Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW) include any marsh, swamp, wet meadow, or bog that border on a stream or pond. Each kind of wetland has different characteristics, and according to the Wetlands Protection Act are defined by the plant communities they support.

Swamps

Swamps are thickly wooded wetlands. Most swamps in Upton are Wooded Deciduous Swamps that have mostly Red (Swamp) Maples and other water-loving trees. There are also shrub swamps throughout the town.

Marshes

Marshes, both deep and shallow, support cat tails and reeds.

Wet Meadows

Wet Meadows are comprised primarily of grasses, rushes and sedges.

Vernal Pools

Vernal pools are temporary bodies of fresh water that provide critical habitat for many vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife species. Vernal pools do not support fish (usually because they dry out annually or periodically). Some may contain water year-round but are free of fish.

Vernal pools provide unique habitat for a variety of forest and wetland organisms, some of which depend on this pool habitat for their survival. "Obligate" vernal pool species, such as the wood frog (Rana sylvatica), mole salamanders (Ambystoma sp.) and fairy shrimp (Order Anostraca) will only breed in vernal pools and therefore are dependent on this critical habitat. "Facultative" species, such as certain amphibians and reptiles along with several kinds of aquatic invertebrates, often exploit the fish-free waters of vernal pools but do not depend on them.

Wetlands are areas that are either permanently or seasonally wet, and the soil and the plant community has adapted to that water. Many types of wetlands exist, each with a community of plants adapted to specific conditions that are determined by the hydrology (the source, quantity, and quality of the water supply), and the underlying soil chemistry.

Some wetlands, such as fens or sedge meadows, may be fed by subsurface or surfacing groundwater. Others, such as a floodplain forest, are periodically flooded by overflowing rivers or streams. Still others, such as bogs or vernal pools, capture rainwater in depressions or basins on the land. Marshes are areas with plants that normally grow in relatively shallow water, while a swamp is much like a marsh that is forested.

For more information:

• Different Wetland Types and Plant Communities