NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2010

GOVERNOR STRICKLAND PRESENTED WITH
 FIRST OHIO WILDLIFE LEGACY STAMP

COLUMBUS, OH – Governor Ted Strickland today was presented with an inaugural Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp during an event at his Statehouse office. The stamp, a new initiative of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife, is a meaningful way for Ohioans and others to help conserve, enhance and restore native wildlife and its habitat.

“Innovative funding opportunities, like the proceeds from this stamp, can continue our critical efforts to conserve Ohio’s wildlife and their habitats,” said Strickland. “The stamp is a great way to shine a spotlight on Ohio’s diverse wildlife, and protect their populations.”

ODNR Director Sean Logan, Governor Ted Strickland, photographer Russell Reynolds, and Division of Wildlife Chief Dave Graham show the inagural Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp.

Joining Strickland was ODNR Director Sean Logan, ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief David M. Graham and Lima resident Russell Reynolds, who snapped the winning photograph featured on the 2010 legacy stamp.

The stamp features a brilliantly colored Baltimore oriole, a well-recognized neotropical bird that nests in Ohio and migrates to South America during the winter months. The $15 collectible stamp is available for purchase online, by mail order and at all five Division of Wildlife district offices. Additional details about the stamp can be found at wildohiostamp.com

“The Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp is another way to share the message about wildlife diversity and conservation,” said ODNR Director Sean Logan. “Proceeds from the sale of this stamp will support habitat restoration, land acquisition, development of educational materials for Ohio students, and much more.”

Ohio’s current conservation efforts are funded largely by hunters, anglers and trappers through the required purchase of licenses and permits, but competition for those dollars is increasing. The legacy stamp will provide additional funding toward those efforts, especially for wildlife watchers, photographers, campers, hikers and others who support wildlife causes.

The oriole image was selected during a 2009 photo contest. Another contest will be held this summer to determine the image for the 2011 stamp, which will feature a dragonfly or damselfly.

“Wildlife is an important part of all of our lives. Conserving, restoring and managing that resource is at the heart of the Division of Wildlife’s efforts, but we can’t do it alone,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Graham. “I encourage everyone who is interested in ensuring the future of Ohio’s wildlife to buy this stamp.”