[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 40 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 9316]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-4704]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


2002 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck 
Stamp) Contest

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service announces the dates and 
locations of the 2002 Federal Duck stamp contest; the public is invited 
to enter and to attend.

DATES: 1. The official date to begin submission of entries to the 2002 
contest is July 1, 2002. All entries must be postmarked no later than 
midnight, Saturday, August 31, 2002.
    2. The public may view the 2002 Federal Duck Stamp Contest entries 
on Tuesday, October 15, 2002, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    Judging will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2002, from 10:30 
a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, October 17, 2002, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ADDRESSES: Requests for complete copies of the regulations, 
reproduction rights agreement, and display and participation agreement 
may be requested by calling 1-202-208-4354, or requests may be 
addressed to: Federal Duck Stamp Contest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW., Suite 2058, 
Washington, DC 20240. You may also download the information from the 
Federal Duck Stamp Home Page at duckstamps.fws.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Terry Bell, telephone (202) 208-
4354, or fax: (202) 208-6296.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On March 16, 1934, Congress passed and President Roosevelt signed 
the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act. Popularly known as the Duck Stamp 
Act, it required all waterfowl hunters 16 years or older to buy a stamp 
annually. The revenue generated was originally earmarked for the 
Department of Agriculture, but 5 years later was transferred to the 
Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to 
buy or lease waterfowl sanctuaries.
    In the years since its enactment, the Federal Duck Stamp Program 
has become one of the most popular and successful conservation programs 
ever initiated. Today, some 1.5 million stamps are sold each year, and, 
as of 2000, Federal Duck Stamps have generated $511 million for the 
preservation of more than 5 million acres of waterfowl habitat in the 
Untied States. Numerous other birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and 
amphibians have similarly prospered because of habitat protection made 
possible by the program. An estimated one-third of the nation's 
endangered and threatened species find food or shelter in refuges 
preserved by Duck Stamp funds. Moreover, the protected wetlands help 
dissipate storms, purify water supplies, store flood water, and nourish 
fish hatchlings important for sport and commercial fishermen.

The Contest

    The first Federal Duck Stamp was designed, at President Roosevelt's 
request, by Jay N. ``Ding'' Darling, a nationally known political 
cartoonist for the Des Moines Register and a noted hunter and wildlife 
conservationist. In subsequent years, noted wildlife artists were asked 
to submit designs. The first contest was opened in 1949 to any U.S. 
artist who wished to enter, and 65 artists submitted a total of 88 
design entries in the only art competition of its kind sponsored by the 
U.S. Government. To select each year's design, a panel of noted art, 
waterfowl, and philatelic authorities are appointed by the Secretary of 
the interior. Winners received no compensation for the work, except a 
pane of their stamps, but winners may sell prints of their designs, 
which are sought by hunters, conservationists, and art collectors.
    This year's contest is being held at an earlier date to provide a 
platform from which to kick off the National Wildlife Refuge Centennial 
celebration. In 2003, the refuge system will celebrate its 100th 
anniversary. The contest dates coincide with the 2002 National Wildlife 
Refuge Week.
    The public may view the 2002 Federal Duck Stamp Contest entries on 
Tuesday, October 15, 2002, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Department of 
the Interior Auditorium (``C'' Street entrance), 1849 C Street, NW., 
Washington, DC. This year's judging will be held Wednesday, October 16, 
2002, beginning at 10:30 a.m. and continuing at 9 a.m. on Thursday, 
October 17, 2002.

    Dated: January 22, 2002.
Marshall Jones, Jr.,
Acting Director.
[FR Doc. 02-4704 Filed 2-27-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M