The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will acquire approximately 1,368 acres for the National Wildlife Refuge System with $1.3 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, the proceeds of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp). In addition, the Service will be providing $25 million in grants for wetlands conservation through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. The funding was approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission at its meeting in early June, reports the Wildlife Management Institute.

"With these acquisitions and grants, we are strengthening our wetlands protection through the National Wildlife Refuge System and in other key waterfowl and wildlife habitat throughout North America," said Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar. "Thanks to the contributions of hunters and others who purchase Duck Stamps, our National Wildlife Refuge System continues to the best in the world and keeps important habitat ?open for business' for our nation's wildlife."

The federal migratory bird conservation stamp was established in 1934 with the primary purpose to generate funding for critical waterfowl habitat conservation. Ninety-eight cents out of every dollar on the purchase price of the stamp is directed towards habitat acquisition for the refuge system. Sales of the stamp has generated more than $750 million since its establishment helping to purchase or lease over 5.3 million acres of waterfowl habitat in the U.S.

Waterfowl hunters over the age of 16 are required to purchase the federal "duck stamp" for each hunting season, the stamp also allows purchasers access to all units of the refuge system that charge entry fees. Because the stamp funded land conservation impacts a wide variety species, there is an effort to increase the revenues by encouraging non-hunters to purchase the stamp. ??The Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp launched a new website this month to raise awareness of the benefits from the stamp and to broaden the customer base. The Friends urge hunters, birders, photographers, collectors and conservationists to purchase at least one stamp each year in a show of support and to grow the Refuge System.

Currently, the stamps cost $15 dollars, however that price has been in place since 1991. Land costs have nearly tripled since that time causing stamp proponents and agency officials to urge Congress to increase the cost of the stamp (Outdoor News Bulletin, September 2011). The effort has been unsuccessful to date, but the Senate sportsmen's package introduced as an amendment to the Farm Bill (see related story) includes a provision that would allow the Secretary of the Interior to set the price of the stamp for three-year intervals starting in 2013.

The 2012/2013 duck stamp goes on sale on June 29 with a kick-off celebration at the Bass Pro Shops in Hampton, Virginia.

In addition to the 2012 Migratory Bird Conservation funding, the FWS also announced the release of $25 million in grants for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. Of that funding, $22.3 million in grants through the NAWCA Standard Grants Program will support six Canadian projects on more than 134,000 acres in 12 provinces and territories. Partners will contribute at least $22.3 million in matching non-federal dollars toward these projects.

The commission also heard a presentation summarizing 44 projects that were previously approved for funding by the North American Wetlands Conservation Council under the NAWCA U.S. Small Grants Program. The grant awards total more than $2.8 million in federal funds. Partners will contribute more than $7.3 million in matching funds toward these projects, which will protect and enhance 10,500 acres of wetlands and associated habitats in 23 states from Maine to California.

"Wetlands are vital landscapes for our nation's birds and other wildlife who rest, feed and breed there throughout the year," said Ashe. "In addition to benefiting wildlife, wetlands provide countless benefits to people, including water quality maintenance, erosion control, flood protection, and recreational opportunities for public and private landowners." (jas)