Wisconsin Applications Available for Wild Turkey, Pheasant, and Waterfowl Stamp Funds, Due April 5
OutdoorHub 02.20.13
Applications are available for Wisconsin wild turkey, pheasant and waterfowl stamp funds to be applied to habitat work for the 2014 and 2015 Department of Natural Resources funding cycle.
The stamp funds are available to conservation organizations and units of government that work to develop, manage, preserve, restore and maintain habitat for these species.
“Since their inception, millions of dollars of wild turkey, pheasant and waterfowl stamp funds have been awarded to conduct habitat management, research and outreach that benefits the species, their habitat and the people who enjoy hunting and viewing them,” said Scott Walter, DNR upland wildlife ecologist. “These funds have been instrumental in providing critical habitat and species management across the state.”
Walter notes funds may only be used for developing, managing, preserving, restoring and maintaining the wild turkey, pheasant and waterfowl populations and their habitat in the state. Habitat projects typically involve restoration and management of valuable woodland, savanna, grassland and wetland communities.
“All Wisconsin residents have benefited from the waterfowl habitat work funded by the sale of Wisconsin waterfowl stamps,” said Jason Fleener, acting DNR wetland habitat specialist. “Wetland habitat work not only benefits hunters, but also provides waterfowl watching opportunities for non-hunters, provides clean water and helps to control flooding by slowing the release of floodwaters.”
Stamp funds are generated through sales of required wild turkey, pheasant and waterfowl stamps to hunters and a portion of revenues from the sale of the conservation patron license. Many stamp collectors also purchase the stamps.
On average, the wildlife stamps receive annual revenues exceeding $300,000 for pheasant, $750,000 for wild turkey and $550,000 for waterfowl. By state law, 60 percent of pheasant stamp funds are reserved for game farm pheasant production, and one-third of waterfowl stamp funds are reserved for habitat projects in Canada where some of Wisconsin’s fall ducks are raised.
Eligibility information and criteria, application guidance, funding priorities and further information can be found at dnr.wi.gov, search keyword “wildlife stamps.” Applications are due no later than April 5, 2013.
