The Site is an unspoilt characteristic coastal Atlantic mire and lake system and one of the largest mire and wetland systems in Norway. The area is dotted with hundreds of ponds and lakes. The Site is an important breeding area for several bird species, most notably the Southern dunlin (Calidris alpina subsp. schinzii). The dunlin and red-throated loon (Gavia arctica) are not regularly found in this region, but they occur in high numbers while breeding. Nevertheless, all of these species have experienced population declines, especially the whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus). The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is found in the Skumfosselva river, which partly runs through the Site. Human uses include low-impact fishing and bird watching. Offal from deer hunting attracts crows and ravens, both predators of eggs and a threat for breeding birds, leading to the decline of waterfowl numbers. Monitoring of the freshwater pearl mussels has been in place since 2000, and another study observes the effect of possible increased nitrogen levels found in precipitation originating from a newly-opened gas refinery four kilometres away.