World Wetlands Day 2006 in Wisconsin, United States

On World Wetlands Day 2006, Wisconsin Wetlands Association opened its 11th Annual Wetland Science Forum in Madison, Wisconsin. This 2-day conference convened 300 wetland enthusiasts (scientists, regulators, educators, professionals, conservationists, and others) from at least eight states to focus on the theme Wisconsin's Wetlands: Biodiversity and Threats through oral presentations, exhibits, posters, field trips and working group sessions.

Wisconsin's wetlands shelter an extraordinary diversity of plants and animals. More than a third of Wisconsin's endangered and threatened species depend on marshes, swamps, bogs, fens, and other wetland habitats. Wisconsin's wetlands are numerous and diverse, but so are threats to the biodiversity, health, and continued existence of the 5 million acres of wetlands that remain on our landscapes. Conservation and protection of wetland biodiversity and functional values will require collaboration among wetland researchers, professionals, and conservationists. Following the Wetland Science Forum tradition, this conference was an important step towards a growing collaboration for protecting and conserving our state's wetland heritage.

For more information and to download the conference program (with abstracts), visit www.wiscwetlands.org/2006forum.htm.
Contact: Laura England (laura@wiscwetlands.org), Outreach Programs Director, Wisconsin Wetlands Association