Etangs de la Champagne humide. 08/04/91; Champagne-Ardenne; 135,000 ha; 48°35'N 004°45'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Regional Natural Park, Hunting Reserve. A vast lowland complex of rivers, reservoir lakes and forests, ponds, canals, gravel pits, reedbeds, wet meadows and alluvial forests. Three major vegetation zones are present. The site is important for wintering and passage migratory waterbirds, especially geese, ducks and cranes (Anatidae and Gruidae); and for nesting birds, such as herons Ardea purpurea and Botaurus stellaris. It is the only regular French wintering site for the globally threatened sea eagle. Numerous species of plants, birds and invertebrates are rare, vulnerable, threatened or restricted. Human activities include livestock rearing, fishing, forestry, hunting and tourism. The site has experienced the conversion of hay meadows to arable land and river regulation. Ramsar site no. 514. Most recent RIS information: 1995.