Following a rigorous selection process, Geonetics was retained by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Information Technology to create an observation collection and management system that will assist with the identification and tracking of vernal pools and rare species. Although small in size, vernal pool ecosystems are extremely productive, exporting high volumes of amphibian biomass into the surrounding landscape and supporting a great diversity of insects and other invertebrates that specialize in occupying this ephemeral habitat.
The system proposed by Geonetics is based on the existing lakes and ponds system developed by Geonetics for DCR Lakes and Ponds. Integrating this system will provide many benefits including document /image management, a search function for documents, a photo and media management module, a GIS module (ArcGIS Server), a workflow engine, endangered species management, invasive species management, integration with the statewide dam inventory system, letter generation, and ad hoc reporting.
Funded in part by Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, part of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, the Vernal Pools and Rare Species Information Collection and Management System developed by Geonetics will provide a cost effective way to execute this project quickly and with a high level of technical proficiency. The project will be led by Matthew von Wahlde, Andrew Arace and subject matter expert Ingeborg Hegemann, PWS.