Running A-Fowl of Conservation: 2012 Duck Stamp Highlights Need to Protect Wetlands

Every duck hunter and bird watcher in America will be able to spot more waterfowl in their local post offices and sporting goods stores. The upcoming 2012 Duck Stamp will feature a wood duck in all of its colorful, iridescent glory. Sales of the stamp generate money to restore and protect America’s wetlands, the critical natural habitat of waterfowl. The wood duck is one of the most recognizable birds in the United States, with paintings and wooden carving decorating walls and mantles across the country. To ensure its place in the wild, we must conserve wetlands and streams.

“While the Duck Stamp celebrates our nation’s wetlands and wildlife, some lawmakers are trying to undermine these precious resources by crippling the Clean Water Act,” said Jan Goldman-Carter, National Wildlife Federation senior manager for wetlands and water resources. “Now that duck hunting season in underway, elected officials should stop trying to shoot down environmental safeguards and aim to protect our nation’s rivers, lakes, and streams for wildlife and communities that depend on clean water for life and livelihoods.”

The United States is losing its precious wetlands at an alarming rate. These natural areas provide habitat for fish and wildlife, flood protection for communities, clean drinking water and recreation opportunities for hunters, anglers, bird watchers and other outdoors enthusiasts. The Clean Water Act is designed to protect wetlands, rivers, lakes and streams from pollution and destruction. However, some out of touch members of Congress and big polluters are running a-fowl of conservation and environmental laws in favor of profits and backroom deals that put people and wildlife at risk. But, there’s something you can do about it.

Tell President Obama, the Council on Environmental Quality, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency to stop being lame ducks and restore the Clean Water Act to protect wood ducks and other wildlife that depend on healthy wetlands.