WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced legislation Thursday to restore and improve the popular and successful Duck Stamp program, which provides funding to conserve wetlands habitat needed for waterfowl.
“It’s up to all of us to protect and preserve Delaware’s precious natural resources for future generations,” Senator Coons said. “Hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation contribute billions of dollars each year to our local economy and enhance the quality of life of thousands in our state. The Federal Duck Stamp makes these activities possible by funding efforts to conserve critical waterfowl habitat across Delaware. This bill will ensure this effective program can continue to play an important role in restoring and preserving our wetlands.”
Introduced today, the Migratory Bird Habitat Investment and Enhancement Act would authorize the secretary of the Department of the Interior, in consultation with the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, to increase the price of the stamp from the current $15 up to $25, and consider an additional increase of up to $30 in five years. The price increase, the first since 1991, will compensate for lost purchasing power due to inflation and restore the effectiveness of the program.
"The federal duck stamp is an incredibly important financial tool that helps conserve critical wetlands and waterfowl habitat in Delaware and across the country,” said Louis Caputo, Jr., state chairman of Delaware Ducks Unlimited. “These funds and the work that can be done with them, will continue to assist the ducks, geese and other migratory birds to ‘Complete the Cycle’ of migration up and down the Atlantic Flyway. These areas provide necessary and essential feeding and resting grounds for the birds during their migratory cycles. In addition to this important work, the program provides artists of all ages the opportunity to enter their work each year in the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. This artwork is purchased by outdoor enthusiasts and collectors, furthering marketing and branding of this worthwhile and essential program to people of all walks of life that enjoy the beauty of the birds and the outdoors. I am hopeful that this legislation can pass the Congress and ensure that the migration of birds continues here in the Atlantic Flyway and all throughout the United States."
Established in 1934, the Duck Stamp program has raised $750 million and preserved over five million acres of wetlands critical for waterfowl conservation. Wetlands also support the activities of sportsmen, birders, and subsistence users. The bill also allows for the consideration of limited waivers of stamp fees as long as they have a minimal impact on program revenues.
The legislation is supported by Ducks Unlimited and is also sponsored by Senators Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.).