As this blog reported last week, the new 2009-2010 Duck Stamp — or Migratory Bird Stamp — went on sale June 26. As the number of hunters in America declines, it’s more important than ever that other types of conservationists chip in and buy a Duck Stamp. This includes birders, anglers, photographers, hikers, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

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.

Here is just a sampling of the many national wildlife refuges that have directly benefited from Duck Stamp funding. Percentage is amount of total acres acquired through Migratory Bird Conservation Fund money as of June 5, 2009:

California:
Merced - 100%
Humboldt Bay - 80.4%
Sacramento - 99.6%

Delaware:
Bombay Hook - 95.1%
Prime Hook - 82.5%

Florida:
Chassahowitzka - 73.1%
Lake Woodruff - 85.4%
St. Vincent - 98.9%

Georgia:
Okefenokee - 86.4%

Maryland:
Blackwater - 77.6%
Eastern Neck - 100%

Massachusetts:
Great Meadows - 75.4%
Monomoy - 97.8%
Parker River - 99.3%

New Jersey:
Edwin B. Forsythe - 84.3%
Supawna Meadows - 83.8%

North Carolina:
Cedar Island - 86.2%
Mackay Island - 86.2%
Pea Island - 99.2%
Pee Dee - 99.7%

North Dakota:
Chase Lake - 100%
Half-Way Lake - 100%
Hiddenwood - 100%
White Lake - 100%

Texas:
Little Sandy - 100%
McFaddin - 100%
Moody - 100%
Texas Point - 100%

Washington:
Conboy Lake - 94.5%
Ridgefield - 89.5%
Toppenish - 89.1%

(see full listing of refuges)

So buy a $15 Duck Stamp today — it’s the best conservation protection that money can buy.

Tags:
wildlife refuge, duck stamp, migratory bird stamp, National Wildlife Refuge System