Designed by South Dakota artist Joshua Spies, the 2009-2010 Federal Duck Stamp (or Migratory Bird Stamp) features a long-tailed duck and decoy. The stamp goes on sale today, June 26.

Nearly 98 cents out of every dollar collected from the sale of Duck Stamps (and Duck Stamp merchandise) goes directly into the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund to purchase wetlands and wildlife habitat for inclusion into the National Wildlife Refuge System — the only federal lands where wildlife comes first.

Since the stamp program was created, it has generated over $700 million and protected over 5.2 million acres of waterfowl habitat in America. And in this age where federal budgets for conservation are dwindling, federal Duck Stamps serve as a vital source of funds for protecting wetlands, wildlife refuges, and endangered species.

In the past, hunters in America have been the primary buyers of Duck Stamps, but this is changing since the number of hunters is decreasing. Now conservationists, birders, photographers and other nature-oriented groups are pitching in and purchasing Duck Stamps as well.

The $15 federal Duck Stamp can be purchased online at the Postal Store.