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Stamping out Ambivalence
June 27th marks the “first day of sale” for the venerable Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, a vital tool in the protection of prairie potholes and other refuge habitat throughout the nation. For 75 years the Duck Stamp, as it is known to most, has conserved a sizeable 5.2 million acres of national wildlife refuge lands and waters for ducks and a host of migratory bird species.
Political cartoonist J.N. “Ding” Darling, who as the Director of the Bureau of Biological Survey under President Franklin Roosevelt, advocated for passage of the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act of 1934, and drew the first Duck Stamp, would certainly be proud of the results. Last year, with nearly $25 million in revenue, stamp proceeds purchased habitat throughout the country, including prairie potholes in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, but also properties in Massachusetts, Montana, California, Texas and Vermont, among others.
Darling would perhaps be somewhat chagrined, however, to learn that sales of the stamp have been largely limited to duck hunters who must annually purchase the stamp as a federal license. After all, wetland benefits are not limited to ducks and other waterfowl. To wit, on a visit earlier this month with the NWRA board to several Minnesota refuges and waterfowl production areas (WPAs), we viewed marbled godwits, bobolinks, Wilson’s phalaropes, sora rails, and a host of other species.
In fact, the recent Festival of Birds at Detroit Lakes, MN, drew 300 birders from 12 states who documented more than 190 species over the long weekend, mostly in connection with lands and waters conserved by Duck Stamps. While 23 stamps were sold at the event, and some participants may have had them already, it’s likely that many of these individuals - toting several thousand dollars worth of binoculars, scopes, books and other gear – did not possess them, nor had ever made a purchase.
If just a quarter of the more than 47 million reported birders purchased a Duck Stamp, annual revenues would approach $175 million, or nearly the amount allocated last year through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the leading federal land acquisition program.
To their credit, some companies that cater to the bird watching set have taken it upon themselves to promote the program. For example, Steiner and the NWRA teamed up last year to generate visibility for the stamp through a promotion in connection with their new Peregrine XP binoculars.
But the question remains, how is it that we educate not just bird watchers, but all wildlife enthusiasts, about the need to purchase these stamps to conserve vital wildlife refuge habitat. This is an ongoing topic of discussion on NWRA’s Duck Stamp listserve and at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which administers the program. There are a host of different ideas circulating, but one thing is for sure; with the possibility of the individual stamp price rising from $15 to $25 next year, waterfowl hunters are justifiably asking why others who enjoy the extraordinary wildlife resource provided for by the stamp aren’t also paying their way.
I, for one, am going to buy one on June 27th, and I hope our many readers will join me!
Onward and upward!
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New Report Details Refuge Funding Crisis
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CARE's "Restoring America's Wildlife Refuges 2008" report was distributed to all members of Congress and generated national media attention. |
A new report released May 23rd by the Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement (CARE), chaired by the NWRA, finds the nation’s wildlife refuges are vastly under-funded, leading to unstaffed refuges and closings; unsafe roads and trails; decreased safety; millions of acres of invasive species; unprotected at-risk species; and hundreds of layoffs.
CARE’s report served to remind Congress that although last year’s $39 million increase helped reverse a perilous decline, there remain serious and long-term ramifications for both wildlife and local economies without continued funding growth. The report calls upon Congress to increase the Refuge System annual operations and maintenance budget to $514 million for fiscal year 2009 (FY09), putting the System on the path for full funding - $765 million annually – by FY2013. Full funding for the Refuge System will result in vibrant wildlife habitats, outstanding opportunities for the public to learn about and enjoy wildlife and boosted local economies that thrive on wildlife-dependent recreation.
The report finds that:
* One in three refuges are operating without a single staff member;
* The System has already cut 300 staff positions. Without adequate funding increases, plans for a 20 percent staff reduction will resume;
* Unfunded projects regarded as “Mission Critical” total more than $115 million;
* The System needs 845 full-time law enforcement officers, but currently has just 180 – one officer for every 555,000 acres;
* The System is able to invest just 0.67 percent of its value in annual maintenance;
* More than two million acres have already been lost to invasive species, placing threatened and endangered species at even greater risk.
CARE is comprised of 22 diverse sporting, scientific and conservation organizations representing over 14 million Americans. CARE is seeking endorsement of groups across the country; to learn how, please follow this link: Endorse CARE today!
See press release.
Visit CARE homepage to download report.
Read Washington Post story.
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NWRA Challenges Elk Refuge Feedlots
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Elk crowding and susceptibility to disease at National Elk Refuge feedlot is focus of NWRA lawsuit. ©Marda Jordan |
Seeking to restore healthy populations of elk and reduce the risk of disease at the National Elk Refuge in NW Wyoming, the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) joined four other organizations in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of the Interior. The lawsuit, filed June 3, seeks to eliminate a winter-feeding program that draws thousands of elk each year and threatens rapid transmission of disease through the herd.
Almost since its establishment in 1912, the National Elk Refuge has fostered an elk-feeding program in winter months. The elk, which migrate down from colder and higher latitudes in the winters, congregate in the lower elevations of the refuge for approximately six months and are fed in much the same way cattle are on large feedlots. In the early 1900s this feeding of the elk during harsh winters probably ensured their survival, but now, it could actually lead to their demise.
Fewer than 70 miles from the boundary of the refuge the devastating chronic wasting disease (CWD), similar to mad cow disease, has been reported. CWD is fatal to deer and elk and if the disease enters the refuge, the elk herd could be decimated.
Learn more about the lawsuit and read NWRA’s statement.
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Photo Contest Winner Recognized at Black Bayou Lake NWR Event
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Toyota represntative Brad Graham recognized 2008 Photo Contest winner Mack Barham for winning a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. © Ann Smith |
Mack Barham, grand-prize winner of NWRA’s 2008 Photo Contest, was honored at a reception on Saturday, May 17 at Black Bayou Lake NWR, LA. More than 150 Friends of Black Bayou, elected officials and refuge visitors attended the event to watch as Toyota representative Bradley Graham presented Barham with ceremonial keys to the 2008 grand prize Highlander Hybrid.
A member of the Friends of Black Bayou, a local photographer, and an avid wildlife enthusiast, Barham secured his prize by capturing a flock of egrets taking off over Black Bayou Lake amidst dense early morning fog. “Timing is everthing,” noted Barham, mentioning that timing is not only key to taking prize-worthy photographs but also to winning a fuel efficient SUV at a time when gas prices are skyrocketing.
Robert Barham, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, welcomed the crowd and spoke about threats to habitat and wildlife in the state of Louisiana. Friends of Black Bayou President Wallace Hardy and Refuge Manager Kelby Ouchley spoke to the pride they felt in having this year’s first prize photograph taken at their refuge. Brad Graham, a District Manager for Toyota from Houston, spoke about Toyota’s environmental commitment. And NWRA Vice Chairman, Tony Judge, expressed his great appreciation to Toyota for their commitment to the 2008 Contest and to helping educate Americans about the importance of refuges to our diverse wildlife heritage.
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NWRA Board Meets in MN
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NWRA Board, guests and FWS staff break for a group photo at Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District. © Barbara Boyle |
Warmly greeted by Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge staff and Friends, the Board of Directors of the National Wildlife Refuge Association held its annual meeting May 30 – 31 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Notably, the board was joined by Robyn Thorson, FWS Regional Director and Nita Fuller, Refuge Chief, both of the Upper Midwest Region; Geoff Haskett, Chief of Refuges in Washingon, DC; and a host of other FWS and refuge Friends leaders.
In addition to excellent presentations and discussions, the board elected officers for the 2009 fiscal year: Chair, Donal O’Brien; Vice-Chair, Tony Judge; Treasurer, Charles Estes; Secretary, Kathy Woodward. In addition, NWRA recognized with deep appreciation the leadership, energy and enthusiasm of Jeff Smith, who is rotating off the board after completing 6 years of service, most recently as Chair.
Two and a half days of field trips followed the meeting, providing board members the opportunity to tour Tamarac NWR, Detroit Lakes WMD, the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls, Agassiz NWR, Glacial Ridge NWR and Rydell NWR and to learn more about the opportunities and challenges of wildlife conservation in this area of Minnesota where northern hardwood forest, coniferous forest and tall grass prairie habitats converge.
Each NWRA representative in attendance came away thoroughly impressed by the passion and dedication to wildlife conservation evidenced by every Region 3 FWS professional they encountered and by the members of the Tamarac Interpretative Association, the Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, the Friends of Detroit Lakes WMD, the Friends of the Morris WMD, and the Friends of Rydell. NWRA extends special thanks to Barbara Boyle, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge Manager, and Ron Jenson, Tamarac Interpretative Association President, for their assistance with logistics.
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Jim Sprankle Joins NWRA Board
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World-renowned wildfowl wood sculptor Jim Sprankle, seen here painting a Drake Wood Duck, joined NWRA's Board of Directors earlier this month. © FWS |
World-renowned wildfowl wood sculptor Jim Sprankle was elected to the NWRA Board of Directors in May. Widely known as a wildlife artist and former professional baseball player, Jim has also served several terms as President of the Ding Darling Wildlife Society. With a wealth of diverse experiences and an extensive knowledge of Friends, NWRA and FWS, Jim is a tremendous addition to the Refuge Association.
Originally from Lafayette, Indiana, Jim was a professional pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds, as well as a public relations banking executive and a self-employed businessman. He began carving 42 years ago and has become one of the best-known wildfowl wood sculptors in the world. His carvings have earned him considerable recognition throughout Europe, Japan and North America. Jim even presented his life-sized Eagle sculpture, entitled “Freedom Fighter,” to President Bush in the Oval Office of the White House in 2004.
Jim was among the eight original inductees admitted into the Waterfowl Festival's National Hall of Fame and the first person ever to judge the Department of the Interior’s Federal Duck Stamp Competition twice. Jim’s carving and painting techniques and philosophies have been featured and taught in numerous books and videos, including his self-published Waterfowl Patterns & Painting by Jim Sprankle.
After moving to Sanibel Island, Florida in 1994, Jim became increasingly familiar with J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. His strong connection to the refuge led him to join the board of the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society where he has served for twelve years, with five terms as President. In this capacity, he played an important role in strengthening the relationship between the Society and refuge, and also advocated for financial support of the National Wildlife Refuge Association, which he believes plays a vital role in representing Friends and refuge interests in Washington, DC. Having attended several national Friends conferences and regional workshops, he is well versed in the work of the NWRA and Friends.
The NWRA enthusiastically welcomes Jim to its board and looks forward to drawing insight from his outstanding expertise.
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National Bison Range Turns 100
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Guests at a history display booth at the Bison Range Centennial Celebration
© Jeannine Kimble |
On May 23, 1908, Theodore Roosevelt established the National Bison Range in Montana to save a species from extinction, and last month a Centennial Celebration was held to recognize this admirable achievement.
“The whole concept of saving an endangered species sort of began with the American Bison Society,” notes Bison Range Project Leader Bill West. “The Bison Range was established at about the time bison numbers hit rock bottom.” By 1902, only 700 bison remained from the estimated 30 to 60 million that had roamed North America prior to Western settlement in the 1800s.
Today, the herd numbers nearly 350. The National Bison Range has succeeded admirably thanks to the foresight, planning and careful management of its founders and staff. Regrettably, the Bison Range has been mired in recent years in a management debate between the FWS and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, within whose reservation the Bison Range is located. An agreement is expected imminently, and the NWRA is hopeful that it will lead to a productive relationship between the two parties that will serve to successfully advance the mission and purposes of the refuge.
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House Subcommittee Proposes Major Increase for Refuges
The House Appropriations Subcommittee for Interior and Related Agencies led by Chairman Norm Dicks (WA) and Ranking Member Todd Tiahrt (KS) recommended in early June a $35 million increase for the Refuge System’s FY09 budget. If enacted, this would help the Refuge System regain its footing in achieving its core wildlife conservation and public outreach priorities and bring the total funding amount for refuges to $469 million or $4.69 per acre.
Years of stagnant and reduced budgets prior to the FY08 budget left the FWS scrambling to fulfill the mission of the Refuge System with reduced capacity and resources. They implemented strategic downsizing plans that called for a 20% reduction in workforce by FY 2009 unless funding was restored. This year’s $39 million increase effectively shelved those plans and if the proposed increase by the House Appropriations subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies is enacted, it would truly put the Refuge System on the path towards recovery.
The full House Appropriations Committee will take up the measure as early as June 19th.
Find out ways you can help or send an instant letter to your members of Congress!
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Amid High Energy Prices, Arctic NWR Threatened
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Polar Bear and Bowhead Whale carcass on Barter Island, Arctic NWR © Brian Zwiebel |
With gas prices at all time highs, calls to open the Arctic NWR in northeastern Alaska to oil drilling have resumed. Attempts in May to attach drilling in the Arctic NWR to the budget process and to energy bills were rejected but with gas prices expected to increase over the summer and the fall election around the corner, the pressure is expected to increase.
On May 13th, an Arctic drilling provision was defeated in the Senate and the House beat back a similar provision on May 15th. Although energy prices are high, drilling in the Arctic NWR will not substantively reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Even the most optimistic estimates for oil in the refuge predict that at peak production the refuge would only provide 0.2% of the world’s oil production.
The Arctic NWR is home to an amazing array of wildlife, from brown bear, musk oxen, polar bears and caribou, to 180 species of birds that utilize on the rich coastal plain – right where oil exploration would occur. NWRA and our partners will work to ensure these lands and waters remain untouched for future generations.
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Friends Focus: Friends of Pocosin Lakes NWR
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The magnificent wildlife values protected by Pocosin Lakes NWR, a RAMSAR site of international importance, will benefit further from a new Friends group. © Emily Scott |
The Friends of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in Columbia, NC became an official friends group on May 22, 2008. Less than one month old, the group already has a healthy membership of 58, NWRA affiliate status, and a website (www.pocosinlakes.com) in the works. The Friends formed to protect and enhance the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Due to budget and personnel cuts at the refuge, staff is stretched thin, and lately, they need all the help they can get.
Pocosin Lakes NWR, established in 1990, gained national recognition in 2002 when the Navy began to express the desire to construct an Outlying Landing Field (OLF) adjacent to the refuge’s Pungo Unit, established in 1963 as an inviolate waterfowl sanctuary. Teeming with wildlife, Pocosin Lakes NWR provides winter sanctuary for tens of thousands of Tundra Swans, Snow Geese, a variety of duck species and other birds. It is also home to the Red Wolf, a rare and Endangered Species, and one of the largest concentrations of American Black Bear in the state. In response to the outcry from wildlife habitat conservationists, neighboring farmers, and congressmen, on January 22, 2008 the Navy announced that this OLF site was no longer under consideration, but those who had worked to protect the refuge recognized the continued need to preserve this vital wildlife habitat.
Thus a mere four months after the Navy’s decision, the Friends of Pocosin Lakes NWR formed. Less than two weeks later, on June 1, lightening struck, and a fire started that has been burning ever since, consuming more than 39,000 acres, upward of 60 square miles, in and around the refuge. The refuge is closed to all public entry until further notice because of fire danger and the potential for rapid spread. Many local residents have been asked to evacuate and much of the area is engulfed in smoke. While little can be done to stop the flames, the Friends of Pocosin Lakes are there to help wherever they’re needed!
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Support the NWRA Today and Receive the 2008 Refuge Photo Contest Booklet!!
Like all membership organizations, we depend on individuals like you to make it possible for us to advocate for the National Wildlife Refuge System!
Contributions from private citizens enable us to educate Congress and the Administration about critical Refuge System issues - from why it’s important that refuges receive major funding increases, to why carving a 9-mile, $30 million taxpayer-funded road through the heart of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska is a bad idea.
Your dollars also make it possible for us to reach out and mobilize refuge Friends groups around these same issues. The future of the Refuge System depends on a well-organized base of grassroots support for refuges, and our work with Friends groups is creating an unprecedented constituency for refuges comprised of hunters, anglers, bird watchers, environmentalists, outdoor photographers and other diverse interests that cherish refuges.
Thanks to your support, NWRA is making a big difference for refuges. For example,
* NWRA’s work with refuge Friends and national partners led to the Refuge System receiving a $39 million funding increase for FY08, and a proposed $35 million increase for FY09;
* As a result of our Road to Nowhere report, and powerful advocacy partnership with the Friends of Alaska Refuges and other conservation partners, we have been able to stop the proposed Izembek road in the House of Representatives;
* In the past 6 years, NWRA has trained more than 2,500 citizens to be successful advocates with decision-makers, and to communicate effectively with the media on behalf of their refuges and the Refuge System;
* In response to an onslaught of invasive plants and animals on refuges, NWRA secured $4 million in federal funding which has enabled nearly 3,000 volunteers to contribute more than 49,000 hours to the treatment, inventory, and restoration of over 235,000 acres of refuge lands.
Without your support, we could never have achieved these major accomplishments.
Please renew your membership or make a contribution today. And if you make a contribution of more than $50, you’ll receive the 2008 Wildlife Refuge Photo Contest booklet, featuring spectacular photos from around the System.
Because of you, NWRA is making a real difference for refuges everywhere. Please click the link below and help us keep up the momentum by making a contribution today!
Sincerely,
Evan Hirsche
President
Click here to make your tax-deductible renewal or contribution today!
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June 27, 2008 – “First Day of Sale” for the Federal Duck Stamp
More than 9.13 million federal duck stamps have been sold in Minnesota since 1934, more than any other state. Other states in the top five in sales are California (8.2 million), Texas (7.6 million), Wisconsin (6.78 million) and Louisiana (5.72 million).
(source: www.FWS.gov)
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