Powwow River - Atlantic White Cedar Swamp

Atlantic White Cedar Swamp

Between Country Pond and Powwow Pond, the river is home to the most extensive complex of Atlantic white cedar swamp forest wetlands in New Hampshire. Atlantic white cedar swamps are a globally rare type of natural community. Of the 500,000 acres (200,000 ha) of wetlands in New Hampshire, only about 550 acres (220 ha) are Atlantic white cedar swamps.

In 2004, The Nature Conservancy purchased 50 acres (20 ha), including more than 3,000 feet (910 m) of frontage on the Powwow River and nearly all of a large Atlantic white cedar basin swamp. In 2006, The Nature Conservancy acquired four more tracts, totaling 41.8 acres (16.9 ha) and providing 1,300 feet (400 m) of river frontage, adding further protection to the swamp. The partners eventually hope to conserve a contiguous block of more than 900 acres (360 ha), safeguarding the river and its special habitats and providing opportunities for public boating, hunting, fishing and wildlife observation.

The area of the river between Country Pond and Powwow Pond is also an excellent example of a streamside fen ecosystem and is situated over one of southeastern New Hampshire’s largest and most productive aquifers.