Niagara River Corridor

Kayaking on the Lower Niagara River
Niagara river corridor
Gorgeous morning over America falls

Niagara River Corridor

  • Country: 
    United States of America
  • Site number: 
    2402
  • Area: 
    5,247.7 ha
  • Designation date: 
    03-10-2019
  • Coordinates: 
    43°02'N 78°58'W
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

A freshwater, flowing, permanent river, connecting two large freshwater lakes. It covers over 5,247.7 hectares and hosts numerous significant coastal fish and wildlife habitats, including a riverine littoral zone in the upper Niagara River that is a unique ecosystem type in the Great Lakes. Rare and threatened ecological communities are present with at least 21 species such as the Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) and the lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens). Seven species are listed on the IUCN Red List, such as the black-capped petrel (Pterodroma hasitata), with the piping plover (Charadrius melodus) protected federally in the USA and 45 species protected at the state level in New York. It is also incredibly important as an overwintering site for water birds. During this period, 92 species of birds overwinter in the site, including large congregations of at least 40 species of waterbirds (including gulls and waterfowl). The site was also designated a globally significant Important Bird Area (IBA) supporting at least 338 species of birds. This wetland also provides diverse ecosystem services. It provides fresh water for approximately one million people, and is used to power two hydroelectric power plants in the USA and Canada. Eight million people visit the US side of Niagara Falls each year. It is the backdrop to hundreds of thousands of boaters, hikers, anglers, birdwatchers and swimmers. The river is a laboratory for research and education that informs the world and it serves as a model of successful conservation and restoration in the midst of large cities.

Administrative region: 
State of New York

  • National legal designation: 
    • Nationally designated site - Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
    • Nationally designated site - Niagara Falls National Heritage Area
  • Last publication date: 
    20-12-2019

Downloads

Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)

Additional reports and documents