Date: 1/23/08
Contact: C. Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

WORLD WETLANDS DAY IMPORTANT FOR NEVADA

February 2 is World Wetlands Day, but what does that mean for Nevada, the driest state in the union? It means the wetlands we do have are even more critical for wildlife than those found in states where water is plentiful. Nowhere is the precariousness of America’s wetlands more apparent than here in the Silver State where only 1.5 percent of the present surface area is vegetated wetlands or open water.

Wetlands are productive and fragile ecosystems. The majority of the sites listed in the 2006 Scorecard of Highest Priority Conservation Sites are wetlands. Glen Clemmer, former director of the Nevada Natural Heritage Program, which put together the report, said a large proportion of the sensitive wildlife species, including fish, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates occur at these wetland sites. “The main threats,” Clemmer said, “are urbanization, water developments, grazing, invasive species, and changing fire cycles.”

Despite its desert environments, Nevada ranks 11th among all states in total species diversity and 3rd among all states in having the highest percentage of species at risk. According to Jon Sjoberg, Supervising Fisheries Biologist for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the majority of Nevada’s native fish species are at risk.

Worldwide, the concern is just as emphatic, if not as urgent. The issues that are affecting wetlands can affect us all: water-related diseases, floods, pollution, drought, water diversion. Recognizing the need to conserve wetlands, The Convention on Wetlands created an intergovernmental treaty to provide a framework for international cooperation in their protection. Signed in 1971, the treaty includes partners such as Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, and World Wildlife Fund.

The treaty’s celebration on February 2 is aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits and will include activities varying from children’s art contests to community clean-up days. Donations from the Danone Group, which owns Evian Water, has made it possible for items such as posters, stickers and videos to be distributed free of charge. The theme of the 2008 Wetlands Day is “Healthy Wetlands, Healthy People,” and it will be focusing on the benefits of wetlands: clean water for drinking, wetland foods, water availability for economic uses, wetland medicines, ecosystem health and the diversity of species.

One of the benefits of wetlands that is not usually thought of is mental well-being. The beauty and tranquility of wetlands can create a sense of calm and activities such as walking, boating and fishing have a relaxing effect.

“When I am fishing, I can relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings without worrying about school or work,” said Chris Pietrafaso, volunteer coordinator for NDOW in the southern region. There are a number of places to enjoy wetlands in Southern Nevada – the Wetlands Park, Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, Lake Mead, and a little further north – Overton and Key Pittman Wildlife Management Areas. A good place to see the services of a wetland at work is at the “living machine,” which is a wetland filtration system found at the Ethel M Cactus Gardens. To find more information about World Wetlands Day, go to http://www.ramsar.org/wwd/8/cd/wwd2008.htm. To view the Nevada Scorecard of Conservation Sites, go to http://heritage.nv.gov/reports/scor2006.pdf.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.