Duck stamp increase supported

Waterfowl groups are backing President Bush’s 2009 budget proposal to increase the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp from $15 to $25, the first increase since 1991.

Last year, 1.6 million “duck stamps” were sold, raising $24.2 million to protect and restore habitat for migratory waterfowl. The price increase would raise an additional $14 million a year.

“The time has come to the raise the price of the duck stamp to meet the many habitat challenges facing ducks, but particularly those on the prairie breeding grounds,” said John Devney, Delta Waterfowl spokesman. Senior Vice President John Devney.

“Duck hunters realize what’s at stake: We need to protect the breeding grounds.”

Since 1934, federal duck stamp sales have raised nearly $700 million and conserved roughly 5.2 million acres of waterfowl habitat across the country, including roughly 2.7 million in the PPR, where the bulk of the continent’s ducks originate.

Losses in PPR habitat are coming from record-high commodity prices, soaring land values and increased demand for biofuels like corn-based ethanol.

Staff and wire reports

SEA KAYAKING

Paddlers lose boats

Four sea kayakers became stranded around 5 p.m. last Sunday after their kayaks washed away while they were hiking on Saddlebag Island east of Anacortes.

The paddlers were rescued and no injuries reported, Coast Guard officials said.

One kayaker was able to swim out to a kayak that had washed away and then paddled to the mainland to call for help.

Associated Press

SHOOTING

Black powder fest

The Muzzle Loading Arms and Pioneer Craft Show, billed as the biggest black-powder event of its kind, is set for March 8-9 at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe, Wash.

Info: www.cascademountainmen.com.

Rich Landers