For the City Times

One of the nation’s most successful conservation programs will come to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Sept. 15-16.

The 2017 Federal Duck Stamp Contest will be held in Wisconsin for the first time as the university hosts the premier national wildlife art competition in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The winning art for the 2018-2019 Federal Duck Stamp will be selected from this year’s entries, which will be on display at the university’s Edna Carlsten Art Gallery. The gallery also will host a student-curated exhibit of works of this year’s five featured duck species, on loan from the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau.

Last year’s Federal Duck Stamp, featuring Canadian geese, was designed by James Hautman of Chaska, Minn. (Contributed)

“With its history of excellence in both natural resources and fine arts education, UW-Stevens Point is a natural fit for the event,” said Christine Thomas, dean of the College of Natural Resources, who was instrumental in bringing the contest to UW-Stevens Point.

Public art viewing and contest judging will take place in the Noel Fine Arts Center with doors opening to the public at 9 a.m. both days. A panel of five notable judges will select the artwork from this year’s entries.

All waterfowl hunters age 16 and older must purchase and carry a Federal Duck Stamp. In addition to hunters, many conservationists, artists, collectors, bird watchers and other outdoor recreationists also buy the stamps as a way of supporting and participating in wildlife conservation.

Sales of Duck Stamps have raised more than $950 million, which has been used to protect nearly 6 million acres for birds and other wildlife. The Duck Stamp is considered one of the most successful conservation programs ever initiated and is a highly effective way to conserve America’s natural resources. For every dollar spent on Duck Stamps, 98 cents go toward acquiring vital habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.

Wisconsin is a major contributor to Duck Stamp revenue and ranks in the top five for number of waterfowl hunters across the country. Over the years, the program has had a significant impact in Wisconsin, helping to protect the following areas:

· 21,136 acres at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
· 11,799 acres at Leopold Wetland Management District
· 7,435 acres at St. Croix Wetland Management District
· 597 acres at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
· 262 acres at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge

Wisconsin also has a rich history of involvement in the Federal Duck Stamp Contest with several prior judges and four previous Wisconsin winners, including Owen Gromme (1945-46 stamp).

The schedule of events, including activities for all ages, is at www.uwsp.edu/cnr/Pages/Federal-Duck-Stamp-Contest.aspx.

Learn more about the history of the Federal Duck Stamp and how to purchase it at www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp.php.