The Niagara River Corridor
The Niagara River Corridor is a designated Ramsar site. Ramsar promotes the sustainable use of the world’s wetlands. This designation endorses the river's ecological significance and its global importance to biodiversity. The Niagara River is home to more than 700 species of plants, 300 bird species, 100 fish species, and many more mammals, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, and insects. More than fifty of these species are endangered, threatened, or protected in New York State.
Importance of Our Corridor
An International Bird Area
The Niagara River Corridor is the first internationally globally significant International Bird Area (IBA) recognized by organizations in both Canada and the U.S. The corridor supports at least 338 species of birds and it is an incredibly important as an overwintering site for water birds. This international designation is one that is shared with places such as the Galapagos, the Florida Everglades and Yellowstone National Park.
A Ramsar Site
The Niagara River and its wetlands received worldwide recognition in 2019 becoming a designated a Ramsar Site, placing this natural resource at the same level as ecological importance as places like Chesapeake Bay and the Okefenokee Swamp. Being a “Wetland of International Importance", it sustains endangered species, migratory birds, and rare ecosystems.The designation protects against irresponsible development and land use modification.
