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October 17, 2006
OHIO WETLANDS HABITAT STAMP CELEBRATES 25-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
More than $7,000,000 spent to conserve wetland habitats
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| Gregory Clair, Northern pintail |
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| The first Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp by John Ruthven |
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| 1983 Competition winner by Harry Antis |
COLUMBUS, OH - The 2007 Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, depicting the majestic northern pintail duck, marks 25 years of work by the program to conserve waterfowl habitat, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
“By purchasing habitat stamps, Ohio’s waterfowl hunters have made great contributions to wetland conservation both in Canada and Ohio. Thousands of acres of waterfowl habitat have been restored or enhanced through the stamp program,” said Steven A. Gray, chief of the Division of Wildlife.
The Ohio legislature initiated the “duck stamp” program in 1982, mandating that 40 percent of sale proceeds go to a “recognized wetlands conservation organization.” Ducks Unlimited (DU) has been Ohio’s long-time partner in this endeavor, using the program proceeds to secure wetlands in Canada, which are the “nursery” areas for many migratory waterfowl that pass through Ohio.
To date, $2.8 million has been contributed to wetlands acquisition and preservation in Canada. Additionally, $4.3 million has been used for wetlands enhancement, restoration, management and research in Ohio.
The first Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp was completed by internationally recognized Ohio resident artist John Ruthven. His stamp depicted two wood ducks, and to date is still the best-selling stamp, with 41,319 issued.
The first Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp juried art competition was held in 1983, with artist Harry Antis’ depiction of mallards selected as the winner. Ten of the 25 winning artists have come from Ohio. In 2004, Ohio artists swept the contest, with Adam Grimm’s wood duck selected as the winner, and Greg Clair and Dick Benson finishing second and third, respectively. Overall, artists from 15 states (including Ohio) have won the competition.
Ohioans Harold Roe and Lynn Kaatz have won the contest multiple times. Roe won four times; Kaatz won twice. Since 1996, judging of submitted artwork has been held in conjunction with Ducks Unlimited’s annual convention, extending the Division of Wildlife’s partnership with that organization.
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