In a major win for wetlands and waterfowl conservation, the U.S. Senate passed the Duck Stamp Act of 2014 on Tuesday. This critically important conservation legislation increases the cost of the federal duck stamp from $15 to $25, and now awaits President Obama’s signature.
“With the assistance of Senator David Vitter and his leadership in helping pass the Duck Stamp Act of 2014, much-needed funding has been secured for wetlands and waterfowl conservation,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall.
“The additional duck stamp funding provided by waterfowl hunters and other conservationists will not only conserve critical waterfowl habitat, but will also help ensure the future of our waterfowling traditions.”
Since 1991 – the last time the price of the duck stamp was increased – its purchasing power has declined due to inflation and rising land costs. The Duck Stamp Act of 2014 would build on this program’s long tradition of helping to conserve vital waterfowl habitat across America, especially in the Prairie Pothole Region, one of the continent’s most important production areas.
“This is huge news for conservation and duck hunters,” said Senator Vitter of Louisiana. “As we move forward to conserve millions of acres of waterfowl habitat, it's important to remember the mutually beneficial relationship between our nation's sportsmen and ducks. This legislation boosts conservation efforts, which in turn directly impacts the success of duck hunters in near and future hunting seasons.”
Since the federal duck stamp’s introduction in 1934, it has raised more than $750 million and has conserved more than six million acres of waterfowl habitat.