The heart of the ACEC is Kampoosa Bog and its associated surface waters,
wetlands, groundwater and rare species habitat. Scientifically, Kampoosa
is not a bog, but a fen, contained in a small basin (the Kampoosa drainage
basin), with an inflow of calcareous cold groundwater. Scientists refer
to Kampoosa Bog technically as a Lake Basin Graminoid (grass-like) Calcareous
Fen. Due to the critical ecological importance of surface and ground water
to the fen and the high concentration of rare species found there, the
boundary of the ACEC is designed to approximate the sub-drainage basin
of Kampoosa Bog.
The Kampoosa Bog ACEC contains one of the Commonwealth's most significant
rare species habitats. The fen and adjacent areas within the ACEC provide
habitat for at least 19 state-listed rare species, within a relatively
small area of 1,350 acres. According to the Massachusetts Natural Heritage
and Endangered Species Program, Kampoosa Bog supports not only a very
high number of state-listed rare species, but provides habitat for several
rare species that are found at very few other sites in Massachusetts.
According to the Natural Heritage Program, "preserving the integrity
of this calcareous fen is critical to maintaining one of the premier rare
species sites in Massachusetts." The Nature Conservancy has given
Kampoosa a global ranking in terms of its significance, meaning it is
imperiled throughout its range due to rarity or highly vulnerable to extinction
due to biological factors, and requires "the highest priority for
protection."
Highly significant archaeological resources are also located within
the ACEC, determined by the Massachusetts Historical Commission as eligible
for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Following ACEC designation, the Kampoosa Stewardship Committee was formed
by a variety of local, regional and state private and public agencies
and organizations, as well as interested citizens, to preserve and restore
the resources of the ACEC by fostering community stewardship.
Water bodies included (partially or entirely) in the ACEC
