SWANTON, Vt. (AP) — Vermont's Missisquoi Bay delta and bay wetlands are being recognized as important wetlands.

The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuges and Vermont's Maquam, Carmen's Marsh and Rock River wildlife management areas along the northeastern edge of Lake Champlain are receiving the recognition from the international Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

The 7,665 acres site is the largest wetland complex in the Lake Champlain Basin.

The designation is the first of its kind in Vermont.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the Ramsar Convention is a 40-year-old treaty, signed by over 160 countries to promote wetland and waterfowl conservation.

There are currently 35 other designated sites in the U.S. and over 2,000 around the world.