Survey of U.S. Ramsar Sites

The United States has designated 22 sites as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The USNRC is conducting a survey to identify the effects of this designation on these sites. This survey seeks to update and expand upon a 1995 U.S. Fish and Wildlife survey in order to identify areas in which the USNRC might assist currently designated sites, to identify specific benefits associated with Ramsar designation, and to promote the listing of additional sites.

If you would like to participate in this survey, please visit www.ramsarcommittee.us, or contact Royal C. Gardner (gardner@law.stetson.edu) or Kim Diana Connolly (connolly@law.sc.edu).

Draft Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Okefenokee

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has recently completed public meetings and a formal written comment period on the Draft Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) that will guide refuge management decisions for the next fifteen years. The CCP is being revised based on significant comments, and it is anticipated that it be finalized by early 2006. Interested parties can read or down load the plan at http://www.fws.gov/southeast/planning.

Upcoming Meetings

3 October 2005
The US National Ramsar Committee will be held in Washington, DC.

26 - 29 October 2005
Stetson University College of Law is hosting the 10th Annual International Environmental Moot Court Competition in Florida. This year's issue involves the impact of an off-shore wind farm on a transboundary migratory bird species, implicating the Ramsar Convention, Convention on Biological Diversity, and Kyoto Protocol. Law students from Australia, India, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States are expected to participate. Click here for more information.

8 - 15 November 2005
The 9th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Wetlands or Ramsar Convention (Ramsar COP9) will be held in Kampala, Uganda. Click here for the provisional agenda and more updates as they are released.

Environmental Concern Inc Presents:
Constructed Wetlands for Water Quality:

November 16-17, 2005
South Shore Natural Science Center, Norwell, Massachusetts
Registration: $550
Instructors: Bob Knight and Al McCullough

Description:
The goal to achieve stringent water quality standards incurs a cost for every facet of society. From on-site treatment to municipal advanced wastewater treatment, from livestock producers to industrial giants, environmental protection is necessary but costly. Treatment wetlands offer a reliable and cost effective alternative for many wastewater treatment applications. With over 30 years of projects meeting water quality management goals, treatment wetlands have proven their worth to meet these goals.