I wish the Friends group the best of luck in promoting and defending the Stamp program. It’s one of the nation’s most important and effective conservation programs, and it deserves broad support.
Eric Jay Dolin, co-author of The Duck Stamp Story and author of The Smithsonian Book of National Wildlife Refuges
Ninety-nine years ago President Theodore Roosevelt said, “There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country,” and the Federal Duck Stamp Program is a model of effective, results-oriented conservation. The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership is pleased to support the mission of the Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp and its efforts to leverage both the hunting waterfowl community and outdoor enthusiasts to sustain wildlife populations and the continued ability of citizens to experience and enjoy them.
Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
The Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp are indispensable to the future of Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. We’re excited to partner with the Friends in support of one of the most important tools we have for protecting National Wildlife Refuge System habitat.
Evan Hirsche, President, National Wildlife Refuge Association
Congratulations to the Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp for launching this important organization and website to further this conservation program that has such a strong and successful tradition. The Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Program has been a model of success, efficiently and effectively protecting bird habitat since 1934 and we will do everything we can at Ducks Unlimited to support the “Friends” and keep the Duck Stamp Program a vibrant part of the conservation effort in this country.
Dale Hall, CEO, Ducks Unlimited
All environmental educators should appreciate the intent and the activities of the Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp. We all need to broaden the reach of the ‘Duck Stamp’ as a way to secure quality habitat for the Refuge System, and we also need to ‘spread the word’ when it comes to engaging youth in ‘conservation through the arts’ through the Junior Duck Stamp.
Josetta Hawthorne, Executive Director, Council for Environmental Education
Robert W. Hines (1912-1994) went from designing the 1946 Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp to joining the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where he coordinated the open competition for the annual Federal Duck Stamp design for over thirty years, earning the nickname “Mr. Duck Stamp Contest.” During the centennial of Hines’s birth, I am confident that Hines would be gratified with this new Friends organization, which fosters an appreciation of the art of conservation.
John D. Juriga, author of Bob Hines: National Wildlife Artist (2012, Beaver’s Pond Press)
Eighty years ago disappearance of habitat threatened the survival of our nation’s waterfowl population. This threat to wildlife was coincident with the Great Depression. Recognizing that it was extremely unlikely that Congress would appropriate funds for land acquisition at a time of such great need, J.N. “Ding” Darling approached Congress not for an appropriation, but for legislation that would authorize the creation of a revenue stamp. Hunters would be required to purchase a “Duck Stamp” to affix to their hunting license in order to legally hunt waterfowl. Funds from the sale of that “Duck Stamp” would be used in their entirety for the purchase of critical wildlife habitat. Adjusted for inflation, the Federal Duck Stamp Program has raised more than two billion dollars, enabling the purchase of nearly six million acres of crucial habitat.
Christopher “Kip” Koss, Grandson of J.N. “Ding” Darling
As the leader of an organization representing duck hunters, we fully realize we need all the friends we can get. We are thrilled that the Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp have formed. In the face of so many pressures, we believe it is this sort of initiative by private citizens that is required to ensure there is enough habitat for ducks – all birds – for generations to come.
Rob Olson, President, Delta Waterfowl Foundation
Among my great passions are birding, wildlife conservation, and art. The Federal Duck Stamps blend these passions, mingling spectacular artistry with a conservation mission. I spend my weekends exploring refuges, many of which were made possible in part through proceeds from the sale of Duck Stamps. Having a “friends” group centered on the Duck Stamp and its mission offers a great way to celebrate migratory birds, refuges, and art, all linked together. Through the Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp” website, “virtual friends” can strengthen these links, follow refuge trends, and help build further support for the Refuge System.
Lynn Scarlett, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior (2005-2009)
We at the Federal Duck Stamp Office are encouraged over the possibilities for the new “Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp.” A Friends Group for the Duck Stamp is something we have needed for some time, and it appears that a real partnership is possible to “spread the word” through this new group… Awareness and increased sales are two basic needs that we have, needs that this new Friends Group can help provide.
Laurie M. Shaffer, Chief, Federal Duck Stamp Office
The U.S. NABCI Committee [North American Bird Conservation Initiative Committee] supports the mission of the Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp and is supportive of the potential for this organization to advance conservation efforts on the National Wildlife Refuge System through increased awareness and sales of duck stamps by both the hunting and wildlife viewing communities.
Allison Vogt, Bird Conservation and US NABCI Coordinator for the Partners of the US NABCI Committee