If you would rather not read additional comment on why birders should buy duck stamps, delete now.
Otherwise ..... Subject: Re: What do Duck Stamps and Ivory-bills have in common? Answer: The Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. I wanted to reflect some on the past use of Duck Stamp dollars. A large number of conservation partners have been long working on the Big Woods Conservation Partnership. However, I thought folks might be interested to learn a little about the Cache River specifically and what pivotal role was played through the efforts and vision of duck hunters, including both local and national advocates and of course funds raised through the purchase of Duck Stamps. Paraphrasing from some talking points that Dennis Widner, the Poject Leader for Cache River, provided recently I'd like to make a few points below on the history behind the Cache and how it relates today to the rediscovery of Ivory-billed Woodpecker: 1. If it had not been for the concern of duck hunters to save the Cache, notably Dr. Rex Hancock, the habitat where this bird is found would not exist today. Duck hunters from across the nation contributed to the Coalition to Save the Cache which led the battle which ultimately was victorious and also led to the establishment of the refuge. 2. Duck Hunters basically purchased the bulk of Cache River NWR through the purchase of duck stamps. 3. This bird was located in the premier duck hunting area in AR and has undoubtedly cohabited the area with duck hunters. 4. When you look at all the above and sum it up, the habitat would not be here, the refuge would not be here, and the ivory bill would not be here if it were not for waterfowl hunters. I read that the Duck Stamp contest will be held for the first time outside of Washington later this year at DU Headquarters in Memphis, TN. This is about a two hour drive from where the Ivory-billed Woodpecker can be found (but remember actually seeing it is another matter, can't help make that tie in with Elvis again). It's been a while since I have thought this far ahead about buying next year's Duck Stamp, I hope ya'll will reflect on this past also and what it has led to in the present when thinking whether you will buy that Duck Stamp this year. Thanks, Chuck Hunter Partners in Flight ======== Response from Paul Baicich Swarovski Birding and National Wildlife Refuge Association Way to go, Chuck! To me, however, the issue also begs a vital question: "Can we get MORE people to buy the stamp - and can we secure more habitat in refuges - by getting a commitment to spend 2005-2006 stamp revenue on Ivory-billed Woodpecker habitat in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana?" Since there are some VERY good reasons why ALL the revenue for the 2005-2006 stamp shouldn't be dedicated to that region, how about EVERYTHING ABOVE the expected regular yearly stamp income of $25 million? General message: "It's not just for duck habitat!" (Of course, the fact that it IS duck habitat, surely helps!) The stamp is to be released on 30 June (Hooded Merganser pictured). It would be fabulous if we could get a commitment in advance of the release, so that birders, enviros, and other folks of good will (yes, people BESIDES waterfowlers who are required to get the stamp) can start buying the stamp from day one. Paul Baicich
