NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2010
Wildlife Diversity Topic of Annual Meeting
2011 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp judging to be held during Conference
COLUMBUS, OH – Leaders of Ohio’s wildlife diversity community from across the state are meeting with state wildlife management biologists to discuss a variety of issues concerning wildlife resources, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. The two-day meeting, September 8 and 9, is being held at Mohican State Park Lodge.
Positive progress already has been made in Ohio regarding endangered and threatened species. In 2010, 180 bald eagle nests produced 207 eaglets, 82 osprey nests yielded 188 young, 29 peregrine falcon nests produced 67 chicks, and 30 trumpeter swan nests were responsible for 75 cygnets.
Funding to manage these species and others, such as the Lake Erie watersnake, and to restore other species, such as the snowshoe hare, comes from concerned Ohioans who support the division’s work by donating to the Ohio State Income Tax Checkoff Fund, buying conservation (bald eagle and cardinal) license plates, and purchasing the new Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp.
The Legacy Stamp, introduced this year, has generated close to $19,000 with more than 1,532 stamps sold. Stamp sales help support habitat restoration, wildlife and habitat research projects, wildlife education projects, and work to restore and conserve endangered and threatened species. The $15 collectible stamp can be purchased online at wildohio.com and by mail order. Fourteen dollars of that amount goes directly to supporting Ohio’s wildlife, and $1 covers the cost of the transaction. The stamp is available for purchase throughout the year.
The number of Ohioans participating in wildlife viewing opportunities and supporting conservation efforts continues to grow. According to a 2006 survey by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 3.5 million people enjoyed watching wildlife in Ohio, and 2.4 million specifically participated in viewing birds.
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For more information, contact:
Vicki Ervin, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614. 265. 6325
Laura Jones, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614. 265. 6811