Ducks Unlimited, in its March/April magazine, is continuing an effort it began in 2011, by encouraging members and others to "Double-Up for the Ducks" and purchase two federal ducks stamps each year.
Since 1934, sales from the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Federal Duck Stamp, have helped to acquire more than 5.3 million acres of waterfowl habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Ninety-eight cents out of every dollar is spent to acquire land and protect waterfowl habitat. Stamp revenues benefit waterfowl and countless other wildlife species as well as people by expanding opportunities and access for wildlife dependent recreation.
"The Service certainly appreciates this effort being undertaken by Ducks Unlimited to further waterfowl and wetlands conservation across the country," said Service Director Dan Ashe. "The Duck Stamp program has been one of the most successful conservation programs in history and buying not one but two duck stamps is one of the best ways around to protect wildlife and waterfowl habitat."
Legislation in Congress that would have increased the cost of a duck stamp from $15 to $25 stalled last year, so Ducks Unlimited launched the "Double Up for the Ducks" campaign to encourage members to show their elected officials that they are willing to pay more for the stamp and for waterfowl preservation and habitat expansion.
The cost of the Duck Stamp has remained the same since 1991. Based on the Consumer Price Index, the stamp would need to cost more than $24 today to have the same buying power that $15 had in 1991. In 1991, revenue from the Duck Stamp enabled the Service to acquire 89,000 acres of habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System at an average cost of $306 an acre. In 2010, the Service was able to acquire only 32,000 acres because land values had tripled to an average of $1,091 an acre.
Federal duck stamps may be purchased online at www.duckstamp.com
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