The California State Duck Stamp Project, established by legislation in 1971, aims to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance waterfowl breeding and wintering habitats, with funding generated through the sale of State Duck Stamps. Administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and overseen by the Fish and Game Commission, funds from stamp sales are allocated to habitat improvements, resource assessments, and waterfowl-related research. These funds have significantly contributed to wetland enhancement in California and Canada, benefiting over 50,000 acres of habitat and supporting millions of migratory waterfowl in the Pacific Flyway.
The project's objectives focus on conserving waterfowl habitats on public lands, funding strategies for habitat restoration and enhancement, maintaining waterfowl populations, and administering grants for conservation projects. Examples of eligible activities include enhancing wintering and nesting habitats, creating brood ponds, repairing levees and water control structures, and conducting research on population parameters or resource limitations for specific waterfowl species. The program emphasizes the importance of restoring and managing habitats critical for sustaining California's waterfowl populations.
Funding for the program is drawn from duck stamp sales, with $2.25 of each stamp dedicated to supporting the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in Canadian areas that contribute waterfowl to California. The program allocates up to $1,135,000 annually, with a cap on administrative overhead at 6%. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local government agencies, state departments, and federal agencies with demonstrated expertise in waterfowl habitat conservation and research.
The Stamp Project represents a collaborative effort to maintain and improve waterfowl habitats, reflecting the critical role of human intervention in preserving wetland ecosystems and supporting migratory bird populations. This initiative continues to advance the goals of habitat conservation, population sustainability, and scientific research for waterfowl in California and beyond.
