Watching Out for Wetlands

We are making progress in understanding and conserving wetlands. However, wetlands continue to occupy space considered potentially valuable for agriculture and development. When people can make millions of dollars from draining a wetland, it is hard to sustain wetlands for the long term and support local efforts to establish land use protections. By learning about wetlands, watching out for them, and using information provided in this web site, citizens can contribute to wetlands conservation through understanding and action.

Another way to be a friend to wetlands is through the Duck Stamp Program. Stamps sold since the 1930s have helped to save millions of acres of wetlands. These aren't postage stamps, but stamps that hunters must purchase if they want to hunt waterfowl. The money from these sales goes directly to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to preserve wetlands and other habitats that waterfowl require.

At $15 a piece, and with more than 1.5 million sold annually, duck stamps provide a lot of money for wetlands. As of 1995, duck stamps generated more than 500 million dollars to preserve more than 4 million acres of waterfowl habitat. Many of these acres are protected as national wildlife refuges.

Anyone can purchase a federal duck stamp. It's a direct and easy way to help preserve America's wetlands. Inquire at your local post office, sporting goods store, or check out this internet site: duckstamps.fws.gov

Children can participate in this program another way: Each year the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducts a contest for the Junior Duck Stamp. You can find out more at the internet site listed above. These stamps are also sold, and their proceeds support conservation education.

Best of all, get to know your local wetlands, and enjoy!

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