Duck Stamp Act of 2014 Passes House; Heads to Senate

In a major win for wetlands and waterfowl conservation, the House of Representatives passed the Duck Stamp Act of 2014 today. This critically important conservation legislation increases the cost of the federal duck stamp from $15 to $25.

“Ducks Unlimited strongly supports this effort to increase the conservation impact of the federal duck stamp,” said Ducks Unlimited (DU) 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.

“We would like to thank Members of the House for their strong showing of support in passing the Duck Stamp Act of 2014,” said Katie Murtha, DU’s chief policy officer. “Now on to the Senate, where we anticipate having the same showing of support for this much-needed legislation. DU’s goal is to have the Duck Stamp Act of 2014 signed into law by the end of the year. The time is now.”

Since the federal duck stamp’s introduction in 1934, it has raised more than $750 million and has conserved more than 6 million acres of waterfowl habitat.

The Senate is expected to take up the legislation sometime in the next few weeks. Interested individuals should contact Senator Jerry Moran and Senator Pat Roberts and let them know how you feel.

For more information, visit www.ducks.org.