The National Wildlife Federation and its affiliates is asking Americans to buy federal duck stamps to show their support for protecting wildlife habitats and public lands in response to the armed protests at a wildlife refuge in Oregon.
“Whether a hunter, angler, birder, hiker, or wildlife enthusiast, every American benefits from the amazing public lands that have been protected for generations for the benefit of all Americans,” Collin O’Mara, the federation’s president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.
{mosads}“By purchasing Federal Duck Stamps, we can show our strong support for conserving wildlife, enhancing wildlife refuges, and ensuring that America’s public lands remain accessible to all Americans.”
The federation is pushing the federal duck stamp because 98 cents of every dollar spent goes directly to purchase vital habitat or acquire conservation easements to protect land in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
The armed protests began Saturday night at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The protesters say they are acting in response to unfair prison sentences for a pair of ranchers convicted of arson on federal land.
The federation said the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, home to over 320 species of birds, follows multiple unsuccessful state-level and congressional efforts to privatize public lands, which are now accessible to all Americans.