St. Croix WMD |
Land Acquisition
The Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Act (The Duck Stamp) authorizes the purchase of lands using revenue from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps for the purpose of improving the production of migratory birds, especially waterfowl. Under this program both fee title lands and easements are purchased to protect migratory bird habitat.
Waterfowl Production Areas
WPAs are public lands purchased with Federal Duck Stamp revenue. While many National Wildlife Refuges protect
large blocks of land, WPAs are small, ranging in size from as little as 10 acres to nearly 2,000 acres. They are
often broadly dispersed over many counties. More than 3,000 WPA s have been purchased since 1958 when Congress
authorized the use of Duck Stamp revenues for purchasing small wetlands.
Wetland Easements
The Duck Stamp Act also funds the purchase of wetland and habitat easements. The wetland easement involves a
signed agreement with a landowner protecting wetlands on their land from being burned, drained, filled or
leveled in perpetuity. The land owner receives a one-time payment for protecting the wetlands. When protected
wetlands go through dry cycles, they can be farmed, grazed or hayed without violating the agreement. The land \
remains in private control, and the landowner controls access to these wetlands.
