Etangs de la Petite Woëvre. 08/04/91; Lorraine; 5,300 ha; 49°02'N 005°48'E. Special Protection Area EC Directive; Regional Natural Park. A clay depression consisting of a high density of lakes formed in the Middle Ages by draining the marsh to create fish rearing ponds. The lakes and ponds are interspersed by woodland, pasture, wet meadows, reedbeds and arable land. The complex supports a rich nesting avifauna, and is important for staging and wintering various species of migratory waterbirds. Human activities include fish farming, agriculture and hunting. Management measures include regular mowing, extensification of meadows (cutting hay late in the season), creation of mud flats, and restoration of a dry lake bed. Ramsar site no. 515. Most recent RIS information: 1995.