There are probably a few thousand occurrences statewide. Vernal pools are typically small (i.e., generally under one acre) and may be overlooked as wetlands after the water draws down. A few documented occurrences have good viability and are protected on public land or private conservation land. This community has statewide distribution, and likely includes several high quality examples. The current trend of this community is probably stable for occurrences on public land, or declining slightly elsewhere due to moderate threats related to development pressure, alteration to the natural hydrology, and reduced protection regulations for isolated wetlands. This community has probably declined moderately from historical numbers likely correlated with logging and development of the surrounding landscape.

The number and acreage of vernal pools in New York have probably declined in recent decades as a result of reduced protection regulations for isolated wetlands. Their relatively small size and seasonal hydroperiod may have contributed to the decline with many occurrences going undetected as regulated wetlands.

The number and acreage of vernal pools in New York have declined moderately from historical numbers likely correlated to the alteration to the natural hydrology and direct destruction, in both forested and urban areas.