During these periods, migration rest areas and wintering grounds are severely impacted. As recent as 1993, record-breaking floods ravaged the fertile midwest, leaving more devastation in their wake. A large part of this catastrophe could have been avoided had many of the natural wetlands of that area not been drained and filled in for farming and housing and industrial development. Many people do not realize that wetlands help to maintain ground water supplies, act as a filtration system for pollutants, store floodwaters, protect shorelines from erosion, and modify climatic changes. Under this Act, all waterfowl hunters 16 years of age and over must annually purchase and carry a Federal Duck Stamp.
Most hunters willingly pay the stamp price to insure the survival of our natural resources.
We have not inherited the land from our forefathers, we have borrowed it from our children. Approximately 98 cents of every duck stamp dollar goes directly into the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund to purchase wetlands and wildlife habitat for inclusion into the National Wildlife Refuge System a fact that ensures this land will be protected and available for all generations to come. Little wonder the Federal Duck Stamp Program has been called one of the most successful conservation programs ever initiated. In recent years, with the hunter population dwindling, three groups of Americans have had an increasing role in filling the gap in the purchase of Federal Duck Stamps-collectors, art enthusiasts and other conservationists. The collection of duck stamps is a growing and constantly evolving phenomenon.