[mou] what do duck stamps do? this is what they do

[Jim Williams]

Begin forwarded message:
From: "Kevin Kearns" <dkkearns@tds.net>
Date: March 16, 2006 6:37:57 PM CST
Wetlands Projects, Additions to National Wildlife Refuges

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission recently approved additions 
to the National Wildlife Refuge System as well as 35 conservation 
projects under the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund to help 
conserve migratory bird populations and habitats.

At its March 8, 2006 meeting, the Commission approved more than $3 
million to acquire 2,169 acres of wetlands and associated upland 
habitats for the National Wildlife Refuge System in Vermont, New 
Jersey, Louisiana, Texas, and California.  Funding for these 
acquisitions comes primarily from the purchase of Federal Duck Stamps 
by hunters and other conservationists.

The Commission also approved more than $18.5 million from the North 
American Wetlands Conservation Fund for 35 conservation projects in 18 
U.S. states and Mexico.  U.S. partners in 19 of the projects will match 
that amount with nearly $65 million, enabling partners to restore more 
than 105,000 acres of wetlands, while partners in Mexico will add more 
than $3.8 million to conserve nearly 36,000 acres of habitat in that 
country.  The Commission also approved nearly $370,000 to complete two 
previously approved projects that suffered hurricane damage.

More than 2,400 partners have been involved in nearly 1,500 wetlands 
conservation projects throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico 
since 1990.  Projects in all three countries focus on long-term 
protection, restoration, or enhancement of important wetland habitats. 
In Mexico, partners may also develop training, management, and 
environmental education programs and conduct studies on sustainable 
use.  To date, more than $700 million in Act grants have been invested 
in the three countries, and partner contributions have topped $2 
billion.  Nearly 23 million acres of wetlands and associated uplands 
have in some way been enhanced through this program.

The Commission funds grants to states and other partners through 
provisions of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).  
The grants are financed by congressional appropriation; fines, 
penalties and forfeitures under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act; interest 
accrued to the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act; and excise 
taxes paid on small engine fuels through the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish 
Restoration Fund.

Refuge land acquisitions are funded by Duck Stamp sales and from import 
duties collected on arms and ammunition, right-of-way payments to the 
refuge system and receipts from National Wildlife Refuge entrance fees. 
  Since its inception in 1934, the Federal duck stamp program has 
generated more than $700 million.  That has been used to acquire more 
than 5.2 million acres for the refuge system.

New National Wildlife Refuge System acquisitions, all previously 
approved by the respective states, include:

California:  Purchase of easements on of 316 acres in the North Central 
Valley Wildlife Management Area across 11 counties to protect, restore 
and maintain wetlands for waterfowl and other migratory bird 
populations.

Texas:  Acquisition of 1,802 acres to provide habitat for waterfowl at 
the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge.

New Jersey:  Acquisition of 31 acres at the Cape May National Wildlife 
Refuge for migratory bird resting habitat.

New Jersey:  Acquisition of 19.69 acres to protect wintering and 
nesting waterfowl habitat, especially black ducks, at Edwin B. Forsythe 
National Wildlife Refuge.

Vermont:  Acquisition of 10.1 acres for Missisquoi National Wildlife 
refuge to provide resting and feeding habitat for several waterfowl 
species as well as marsh birds and many species of songbirds.







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A retired hunter who still buys duck stamps.
Duck stamps fund habitat for non-game birds, too.
The 2006-07 stamp will be available at your post office on June 30.