DUC urges continuation of duck stamp program

Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp revenues key to habitat conservation in Canada

Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., Oct. 2, 2007—Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is encouraging the Canadian Wildlife Service to continue the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp (Stamp) and maintain Wildlife Habitat Canada to distribute the funds generated through the Stamp. This model, which is currently undergoing review by Environment Canada, has contributed to habitat conservation in Canada for over two decades and should continue to do so into the future.

Since 1985 the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp has been a source of funds that are dedicated specifically to habitat conservation. The stamp, purchased by hunters, is required to validate the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit. Wildlife Habitat Canada has been effective in the distribution of these habitat funds and providing arm’s length accountability for the stamp revenues.

In a letter from Henry Murkin, DUC’s director of conservation programs, to the Chief of Conservation Partnerships and Programs of the Canadian Wildlife Service, DUC recommends that the Federal Duck stamp program should continue and that Wildlife Habitat Canada should continue as the vehicle to distribute the associated revenues but with improved efficiency and greater proportion of funds directed to habitat projects, improved focus on waterfowl and wetlands, and better communication with hunters and the positive role of hunters in habitat conservation. DUC has long recognized the contributions of hunters to habitat conservation and also recommends directing funds to promoting the growth in waterfowl hunting participation.

“The universal challenge facing the conservation community is to increase the rate and scale of habitat conservation. Program review, evaluation and change are fundamental to good business and we are encouraging Environment Canada to consider any changes from the point of view of increasing the impact of the investment of funds raised through the Stamp and developing a base of support for the Stamp,” Murkin said.

Murkin added that in light of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Stamp and Wildlife Habitat Canada, “we are urging Environment Canada to advance this process and to make its decision as soon as possible.”

For more information, contact:

Leigh Patterson
Corporate Media Relations Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: (204) 467-3306
Toll-free: 1-800-665-3825
Email: l_patterson@ducks.ca