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| duck stamp testimonials. . . |
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"Exquisite waterfowl prints, painted by
celebrated wildlife artists, priced at $15, and the program safeguards
critical habitat? Almost sounds too good to be true. I've been buying
duck stamps for nearly forty years and recently I've gotten into the
habit of buying two."
"To someone long involved with bird
conservation, the virtues and value of the Duck Stamp are unequivocal.
From a birder's perspective, the Stamp's usefulness in helping to gain
easy and efficient access to National Wildlife Refuges across the
country is obvious, particularly when one recalls that the proceeds from
the Stamp's sale have for many years supported the acquisition and
protection of millions of acres of important bird and other wildlife
habitat across North America. For collectors, I think that many of the
stunning renditions represented by Migratory Bird Hunting and
Conservation Stamps offer some of the most dramatic portrayal of
waterfowl to be found anywhere."
"The Georgia Ornithological Society
has flown to the front of the flock by selling the duck stamp and by
providing a way that birders can proclaim their support for the program.
Buying the stamp may be the single most effective action birders can
take to conserve habitat. This could be start of a birder-led revolution
in funding for habitat conservation. Way to go, GOS! My order is in the
mail."
"Kudos to you and the Georgia
Ornithological Society for promoting the sale of Duck Stamps to birders.
More and more birders are coming to understand that their recreational
pursuit is dependent upon the conservation of quality wildlife
habitat--especially wetlands. One very important way that all birders
can help acquire important bird habitat is to purchase a Migratory Bird
Hunting and Conservation Stamp and use of the plastic display-holder. It
is a wise investment in the future of our preferred outdoor activity and
the birds we pursue.
"With so much emphasis on "market
segmentation," it's fulfilling to see dedicated, far-sighted
conservationists from different "markets" finding ways to focus energy
and resources on their common ground * habitat. Birders and duck hunters
all depend on habitat to provide the bird resources that we all care so
passionately about, each in our own way. As just one example, the
irreversible conversion of 10,000-year-old native prairie in the Prairie
Pothole Region to tilled cropland is accelerating. Pintails and Marbled
Godwits share those habitats and they are sharing the consequences *
declining populations. It only makes sense that birders and duck hunters
rally together to protect as much of that disappearing habitat as
quickly as possible. The purchase of duck stamps, and direct
contributions to other habitat conservation efforts, is a good way for
all of us to contribute toward our shared interest * habitat
conservation."
- Scott Yaich Director of Conservation Programs, Ducks Unlimited
"Where there are wetlands, there are
ducks, but there also are rails, yellowthroats, marsh wrens, plovers and
sandpipers, terrapins and turtles, salamanders and frogs. Wetlands give
a big wildlife diversity bang for the buck. Buy a duck stamp, whether
you hunt ducks or not. Know that virtually all of your $15 goes directly
into wetland purchases. Think of it as a wetlands conservation stamp.
Carry it with pride, and spread the word."
“Purchasing a Migratory Bird Stamp is
a simple and effective way to protect wetlands-- for birds, other
wildlife and people! Essential to a wide range of migratory birds,
healthy wetlands also clean our water, provide nurseries for
commercially valuable fish, help control increasingly common flood
waters and help to mitigate other harmful effects of a warming world.
Whether you are an avid birder or simply care about the legacy we leave
future generations, buy your stamp and wear it proudly today!”
"As we select the art to appear on
the 75th stamp, it is an opportunity to remind the American public how
important these stamp funds are for wildlife conservation," said Hall.
"In addition to the migratory waterfowl hunters who purchase stamps, we
encourage all bird-watchers and other nature enthusiasts to buy duck
stamps to help conserve wildlife habitat throughout the country."
"This stamp-support effort is really
admirable. I hope it spreads around the country for both hunters and
birders."
"It is heartening to see the Georgia
Ornithological Society promote the Stamp in this campaign. It's an
effort to get birders and waterfowlers on the same page, supporting the
same resources, the birds and habitat that drive our passions. I commend
GOS for its creativity."
"I have been wearing a Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (MBHC Stamp) attached to my frequently-used birding binoculars for nearly three years. The original stamp-holder I used was provided by Paul Baicich, the leader of the ever-growing "birders should buy a MBHC Stamp too" movement. The original was something Paul invented, not knowing a much better device was available. His invention worked OK, but it soaked up perspiration in hot weather, immediately showed a lot of wear, etc. The plastic stamp-holder that you provide to stamp-buyers is a superb answer to the problems I had with the original version I used. I've been wearing the new plastic stamp-holder attached to my binoculars for nearly a year now - on Latin American trips, in Canada, and in various places in the U.S. The plastic device makes no noise, does not reflect light that might scare birds, and does not get in ones way while doing serious birding. When birders notice the stamp I'm wearing a good number of them inquire about it. I then have an ideal opportunity to encourage others to buy stamps for the amazing benefits they provide. During my extensive test period, I never had a single problem of any kind with the plastic stamp-holder. I highly recommend it to everyone. Of course the benefits to buying the MBHC Stamp are legendary - but mainly only to waterfowl hunters who MUST possess this stamp to hunt legally. The vast majority of birders and other outdoor recreationists - who utilize the same natural areas purchased with stamp revenues - are not even aware that the stamp exists. With a wonderful 98% ($14.70) of every $15 stamp purchase going directly to acquisition of a large backlog of prioritized natural habitats across the entire nation, the stamp program is the most cost-effective land conservation initiative that I am aware of. Importantly, the stamp is readily available at every large U.S. Post Office, and it only costs about as much as ONE fancy meal. None of us should expect waterfowl hunters to bear alone the burden of purchasing stamps to acquire habitats that support numerous species of non-hunted birds and other biodiversity, improve water quality and air quality, and provide needed open space. The number of waterfowl hunters is on a steady decline, while the threats to existing wetlands and other natural habitats are increasing rapidly and continuously. If just 20% of birders and other outdoor recreationists purchased this inexpensive stamp annually, the resulting amount of natural habitat that could be protected would be fabulous. Thank you for the wise decision to offer the excellent stamp-holder to encourage people to buy MBHC Stamps and do what is correct for the American landscape." - Ric Zarwell, Co-Director
"I have a confession to make. I've been birding actively for 20 years and this was the FIRST year I bought a "Duck Stamp". I don't know why it has taken me so long. I'm frugal, but not THAT frugal. I've given money to Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, and others over the years. I think what finally did it for me was learning the fact that 98% ($14.70) of every $15 stamp goes directly for land acquisition or lease on National Wildlife Refuges. This is an unbelievable percentage for any organization or program. I wear my new stamp proudly and let everyone know how they can support habitat conservation for all birds." - Steve Holzman |
01/2007
