Why a Stamp “Friends Group”?

Why a Stamp “Friends Group”?The Friends of the Migratory Bird/Duck Stamp is an

independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion, preservation, sales, and better understanding of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (commonly called the Duck Stamp). The organization will foster an appreciation of how the funds collected through the Stamp build the National Wildlife Refuge System and emphasize the conservation of habitat and the many wildlife species that benefit through the Stamp.

Why a Stamp “Friends Group”?PromotionPreservationSalesBetter Understanding

Promotion$850+ million and the best-kept secret… Well over $850 million has already gone through the fund…

Almost 5.5 million acres of wetland and grassland habitat…

One of the best kept bird conservation secrets in the US… Bombay Hook NWR, Delaware

Promotion$850+ million and the best-kept secret… Why is “the best kept secret” something good?

Not enough publicity. The Migratory Bird

Conservation Commission operates mostly behind the scenes.

Division of Realty not well understood.

Bombay Hook NWR, Delaware

PreservationGreat Art and Great Traditions

The tradition has helped sustained wetland and waterfowl conservation for almost 80 years.

It has a loyal constituency of proud waterfowl hunters and an enthusiastic set of collector-fans

PreservationA great history doesn’t always mean current success!

Harlequin Ducks by John H. Dick (2.3 million sold)

Judging, 1951

SalesFrom the 2012 NAWMP:

SalesVirtually all the proceeds from stamps go for Refuge System lands

Acquisitions Easements Guarantees since 1958

SalesVirtually all the proceeds from stamps go for Refuge System lands

Acquisitions Easements Guarantees since 1958 RECENT TRENDS:

2000-01 1,698,780 $25,481,700.00

2001-02 1,683,106 $25,246,590.00

2002-03 1,620,497 $24,307,455.00

2003-04 1,608,905 $24,133,575.00

2004-05 1,553,759 $23,306,385.00

2005-06 1,485,733 $22,285,995.00

2006-07 1,449,181 $21,737,715.00

2007-08 1,379,199 $20,687,985.00

2008-09 1,382,535 $20,738,025.00

2009-10 1,497,685 $22,465,275.00

2010-11 1,693,812 $25,407,180.00

Sales

Better UnderstandingIt’s not just for ducks….

It helps multiple suites of bird species…. wetlands, grasslands, and other wildlife…

Better Understanding

•Building on tradition and helping grow the stamp•Assisting in PR for this month’s contest and for sales•Moving an MOU between the Friends and the Service•Assuring that the Federal Duck Stamp Office is fully supported•Raising the profile of the Division of Realty•A better appreciation for the MBCC

What now?

And let’s not forgetFederal Junior Duck Stamp

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program, begun 1989/90, encouraging conservation through the arts.

www.friendsofthestamp.org

Better Understanding and Appreciation

Why a Stamp “Friends Group”?

PromotionPreservationSalesBetter Understanding