Greetings Wetland Supporters: With World Wetlands Day approaching on February 2, 2025, please do you part of spreading the word that wetlands are not only wonderful but also help create and maintain healthy communities by controlling floods, cleaning our water, and providing recreation and education and many other benefits. It is important now more than ever to protect our wetlands and the services they provide. World Wetlands Day marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971. A key commitment of the Convention on Wetlands is to identify and place suitable wetlands onto the List of Wetlands of International Importance, also known as the Ramsar List. South Carolina has two wetlands that have that designation, Francis Beidler Forest and Congaree National Park, but North Carolina does not have any wetlands on the list. About 4 years ago, the Carolina Wetlands Association decided to nominate Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) as a wetland of international significance. This effort led by Science Committee members, Dr. Curt Richardson (Duke University) and Ms. Kristie Gianopulos (NC DEQ). We have heard that the application process is in the final stages of being approved. This will be a significant accomplishment for the organization and for the state of North Carolina. Pocosin Lakes NWR is home to many acres of wetland and is managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (US FWS). The US FWS has be leading work to restore the wetland hydrology and increase the carbon storage of the peat soil. Stay tuned - we hope to have formal approval in the near future. So as we begin the new year and approach World Wetlands day, please remember the very important work of the Carolina Wetlands Association and consider volunteering or making a donation to support our efforts to protect and restore our valuable wetlands through the Carolinas. Rick Savage, Executive Director rick.savage@carolinawetlands.org
US EPA releases National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA) Report
- Less than half of wetland area was rated good, based on an analysis of plant communities.
- Nonnative plants are a widespread concern.
- Physical alterations to wetlands are the most widespread stressors measured.
- Nutrient levels are elevated for some wetlands.
Welcome to the Team
Wetland Monitoring Program
[Read more at wbtw.com]
[Read more at publicnewsservice.org]
[Read more at fws.gov]
[Read more at chathamcountync.gov]
