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Federal ‘Duck Stamp’ fees rising 1st time in 24 years
 

The Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or "Duck Stamp," will increase in price for the first time in 24 years. The cost will go from $15 to $25. The increase adjusts for inflation over the last 24 years.

Several conservation organizations, including Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl, support the increase. The 2005 National Duck Hunter Survey showed 65 percent of U.S. duck hunters spent more than $250 per season.

"In terms of expenditures by waterfowl hunters, a $10 increase each season is not a huge hit for most folks," said Adam Phelps, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) waterfowl biologist. "This increase is equivalent to a half-box or less of shotgun shells, three to four gallons of gas or one or two duck decoys."

The revenue will be incredibly important for ducks and duck hunting, according to Phelps. Ninety-eight cents of every dollar spent on federal Duck Stamps goes toward improving and preserving habitat, making it one of the most efficient funding sources for wildlife in the world.

Money is spent on the National Wildlife Refuge System, including Waterfowl Production Areas in the Prairie Pothole Region, through land purchases, leases and conservation easements protecting wetlands. Since 1934, funds from the sales of Duck Stamps have protected more than 6 million acres of wetlands in the United States – an area roughly the size of Vermont.

Unfortunately, the price has remained unchanged for so long the Duck Stamp’s impact on habitat has diminished. According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015 it would take $25.74 to have the same buying power as $15 in 1991. Though it is called the Duck Stamp, habitat protected by the funds is used by hundreds of other species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates and plants.

Any waterfowl hunter age 16 or older must buy a federal Duck Stamp every year. The Duck Stamp provides free entry for wildlife watchers into any National Wildlife Refuge charging admission.

The Duck Stamp is a good investment not only for waterfowl hunters and stamp collectors, but also for any conservationist, birder or wildlife viewer who wants to ensure wetland wildlife continues to have a place to live, Phelps said.

"The Duck Stamp is vital to wetland habitats," he added, "and we hope that this increase does not cause hardship to hunters and other conservationists. The federal Duck Stamp Program has never been more important."

The 2015 stamp will be released July 1, and may be purchased at some Indiana license retailers, many Post Offices, toll-free at 800-STAMP-24 (782-6724) and online at http://duckstamp.com

State park admission,

recreation fees increase

 

Entrance to most state parks and three state forest recreation areas have increased from $5 per in-state vehicle to $7. DNR officials, however, said visiting a state park or forest is still a great value, and the experiences and activities available are well worth the price of admission.

"Indiana’s state parks and state forests are places where memories are made," DNR Director Cameron Clark said. "A family of four can still hike, swim and enjoy nature exhibits and programs for less than the cost of dinner or a movie."

Indiana’s state properties also play an important economic role in nearby communities. They provide jobs and serve as partners in local and regional tourism activities. The properties are destinations for exercise, including walking, running, biking and swimming. Many activities, from guided hikes to bicycling to children’s crafts, are free after paying the gate fee.

The fee overhaul, the first since 2006, will allow state parks and forests to maintain the services visitors expect. Revenue generated from the fee increases will support staffing and the purchasing of supplies and equipment.

The entrance fee changes affect all state parks and three state forest properties having entrance gates – Ferdinand State Forest, Starve-Hollow State Recreation Area in Jackson-Washington State Forest and Deam Lake State Recreation Area in Clark State Forest. Among the other key fee changes are:

•Out-of-state admission at most proper-ties will increase from $7 to $9 per carload

•At Prophetstown State Park, in-state admission will increase from $5 to $8 per carload and out-of-state admission will increase from $7 to $10

•Out-of-State admission at Indiana Dunes State Park will increase from $10 to $12

•A $4 increase in most camping sites and a $2 increase in rooms at state park inns

•A $2 increase for state forest primitive camping

•Annual passes will increase from $40 to $50

•An annual motorized boat launch permit will increase from $22 to $25

The initial increases went into effective on May 13. Other fee increases for state parks and state forests will take effect July 1 or Nov. 1, pending approval by the Natural Resources Commission. A list of all the fee changes for 2015 and responses to frequently asked questions are at www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2391.htm

Bluegill fishing

improving at Kunkel Lake

 

Bluegill fishing is picking up at Kunkel Lake in Ouabache State Park thanks to a successful DNR fish eradication and restocking project. Before the renovation, the 25-acre impoundment in Wells County was overrun by carp, small bluegills and crayfish. The water was muddy and aquatic plants were sparse.

To remove the unwanted fish and improve fish habitat, DNR officials lowered the water level in September 2013 and treated the remaining pools with rotenone, a fish toxicant. The lake was refilled and stocked in March 2014 with 19,000 bluegill and 5,200 largemouth bass. An additional 2,600 channel catfish were added last fall. The project was funded through fishing license revenue.

According the Mike Miller, Ouabache assistant park manager, anglers are catching some 7- to 8-inch bluegills, but most are smaller and should reach keeper-size this summer.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments may contact Jack Spaulding by email at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.

6/25/2015