The Ramsar Convention has named a southwest Florida wetlands of international importance. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation of wetlands. Wetlands are extremely productive habitats and it is highly important that they are conserved.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is located in southwest Florida and according to the map is not too far from Picayune Strand State Forest, which is just south of the Sanctuary. They both sound like fantastic places to visit.
Being put on the list of Wetlands of International Importance does not mean extra protection for the area, but it does mean that it is a very important wetland and may get better protection (if there isn’t already) in the future. Before the Sanctuary could be put on the list, major wetlands delineation had to occur. This means extensive review of the soil, maps, endangered species, plants, and hydrology. After all that, the 13,000 acre area was deemed good enough to be a wetland of international importance.
The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is owned by the Audubon of Florida. The area was created in 1954 to ward off loggers of the giant cypress trees.
The Sanctuary has the largest colony of wood storks, which are endangered. It also has the largest remaining virgin cypress forest in the nation. Over 200 bird species inhabit the area along with endangered orchids, alligators, panthers, and bears.
This Sanctuary is the second Audubon Santuary to be named for the list in the nation. It also joins the 22 other places in the United States for important wetlands. There are two other locations in Florida, Everglades National Park and Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.
