Roswell Artesian Wetlands(Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Bottomless Lakes State Park); 20/01/2010; New Mexico; 917 ha; 33°27N 104°23W. The Roswell Artesian Wetlands Ramsar Site consists of a series of springs, seeps and sinkhole lakes located along the Pecos River but largely fed by natural groundwater discharged from the Roswell Basin; its wetlands contain two distinct areas: Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Bottomless Lakes State Park. The Ramsar Site supports a diverse collection of plants and animals including several endemic species such as the Roswell springsnail (Pyrgulopsis roswellensis), Koster's springsnail (Juturnia kosteri), and Noel's amphipod (Gammarus desperatus) as well as many migratory songbirds, waterfowl, and wading birds such as the Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis); and a large amount of dragonflies and damselflies. The site enables a number of recreation and research activities such as swimming, hiking and wildlife observation; it also plays an important role in the hydrology of the Pecos River and is important economically for the communities living in the Chavez County. The site's main threats include increased groundwater use and surface water diversion, changes in land use towards urbanization, and presence of invasive species like the saltcedar (Tamarix chinensis). Both areas in the Roswell Artesian Wetlands Ramsar Site are designated as a National Natural Landmark and a Research Natural Area and their respective management plans serve as a tool to provide direction for its management. Ramsar Site no. 1917. Most recent information: 2010.

New Mexico