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Hockomock Swamp
Designation Date: 2/10/90
Total Approximate Acreage:
16,950 acres
Watershed(s): Taunton
Municipalities: Bridgewater, Easton, Norton, Raynham,
Taunton, and West Bridgewater
Resource Summary
The Hockomock Swamp and associated wetlands and water
bodies comprise the largest vegetated freshwater wetland system in Massachusetts.
The boundaries of the Hockomock Swamp ACEC include approximately 16,950
acres in the southeastern part of the state. The wetlands act as a huge
water reservoir and serve as the headwaters for the Town River, which flows
into the Taunton River. The wetlands and floodplains are connected hydrologically
with an extensive underlying system of medium- and high-yield aquifers.
There are three public water supply wells located in the ACEC, and others
are proposed.
The Hockomock Swamp is a vast natural and scenic area. Because of its
size, it is a unique and irreplaceable wildlife habitat. It is also the
location of at least 13 rare and endangered species. According to the
Massachusetts Historical Commission, the archaeological sites in the vicinity
of this wetland complex are known to span a period of 9000 years; the
potential quality and significance of the archaeological resources are
enormous. Productive agricultural lands are located on the uplands adjacent
to the wetlands, brooks, and rivers.
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) owns approximately 5000
acres of the Hockomock Swamp, within all six communities. The Hockomock
Swamp Wildlife Management Area provides public access to the swamp and
to several recreational areas. Additional public and nonprofit lands are
located within the ACEC. The area is popular for hunting, fishing, boating,
canoeing, swimming, and for the observation and study of flora and fauna.
Water Bodies included (partially or entirely) in the ACEC
- Rivers: Hockomock River (Bridgewater,
West Bridgewater); Snake River (Norton, Taunton); Town River (Bridgewater,
West Bridgewater)
- Lakes, Ponds: Gushee Pond (Raynham); Hewitts
Pond (Raynham); Lake Nippenicket (Bridgewater, Raynham); Nunkets Pond
(Bridgewater, Raynham)
- Wetlands: Hockomock Swamp (Bridgewater,
Easton, Norton, Raynham, Taunton, West Bridgewater); Dead Swamp (Raynham);
Titicut Swamp (Bridgewater, Raynham); Little Cedar Swamp (Easton)
- Brooks, Creeks: Black Brook (Easton);
Coweesset Brook, West Meadow Brook, Onemile Brook (West Bridgewater)
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