News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2011

Winner Selected in the 3rd Annual Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Photo Contest
Conservation stamp continues to raise awareness and funds for wildlife diversity

This photograph of a spotted salamander taken by Nina Harfmann will be featured on the next Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp.

COLUMBUS, OH — A spotted salamander, submitted by wildlife enthusiast Nina Harfmann, has won first place in the 3rd annual Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Photo Contest. The winning photo will appear on the 2012 Legacy Stamp, which goes on sale March 1, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. Harfmann, of Pleasant Plain, captured her image in Warren County.

“Being a part of the Wildlife Legacy Stamp is important to me because it is so beneficial to the wildlife conservation programs that I care about,” said Harfmann, who captured the winning shot at a vernal pool located in her own backyard. This is the second year that Harfmann has entered photos in the Legacy Stamp Photo contest.

The first and second runner up photos were taken and submitted by Patrick Anderson, of Holland, with a photo of a blue-spotted salamander and a longtail salamander, respectively. Emerson Tucholski, of West Lake, was recognized in the youth category for his winning submission of a blue-spotted salamander.

The contest was only open to Ohio residents, 27 of whom submitted 58 salamander photos.

“Salamanders can be difficult to photograph, but that didn’t hinder the talented wildlife enthusiasts who entered this year,” said David Lane, chief of the Division of Wildlife. “The Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp is a direct and meaningful way to be a part of the conservation effort, and this contest is a good way to bring attention to and inform Ohioans about the need for wildlife conservation.”

Lane noted that the sale and promotion of the Legacy Stamp has been a grassroots effort that has continued success thanks to the dedication of conservation groups across Ohio.

Fourteen dollars of every $15 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp sold are invested in the state’s Wildlife Diversity Fund. The fund supports habitat restoration, wildlife and habitat research projects, creation of wildlife educational materials, as well as efforts that restore and conserve endangered and threatened species.

Judging for this year’s contest took place at Mohican State Park during the 4th Annual Wildlife Diversity Partners Conference, September 8-9. The judges were representatives from statewide conservation organizations, metro parks, science and education centers, as well as wildlife biologists, naturalists and outdoor writers. The photos were judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, and overall impact.

Participants of the first Wildlife Diversity Partners Conference in 2008 collaborated with the Division of Wildlife to create the Legacy Stamp. The goal was to provide all Ohioans an easy and visible way to support wildlife conservation efforts in their state. The inaugural stamp was introduced in March of 2010.

Stamp collectors and conservationists can continue to purchase the 2011 stamp, which features an Eastern amberwing dragonfly. Visit wildohiostamp.com for more details. More information about the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp and other wildlife-related topics can be found at wildohio.com.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

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For more information, contact:
Tim Daniel, Ohio Division of Wildlife
614. 265. 6537
Kendra Wecker, Wildlife Diversity Coordinator
614. 265. 7043
Jason Fallon, ODNR Office of Communications
614. 265. 6842