Trenton, N.J. Nov. 9, 2021 New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation into law that modernizes the state Duck Stamp, making it a more effective tool for wetlands conservation. Previously unchanged since 1996, the price of the stamp will be increased by $5 for residents and nonresidents.

In May, the New Jersey State Assembly unanimously passed a bill (A.3897) to increase the price of the state duck stamp. Not long after, the State Senate followed suit by passing their own version of the legislation (S.3263), sending it to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.

In 2020, 11,500 duck stamps were sold in New Jersey. Since 1984, New Jersey Duck Stamp dollars have helped conserve 17,000 acres of critical wetlands. Raising the price of the New Jersey Duck Stamp from $5 to $10 for residents and from $10 to $15 for nonresidents will provide much-needed support to protect the state's vulnerable wetlands.

"New Jersey's duck stamp is a critical tool for conservation in our state," said DU Volunteer Scott Paterson. "But while the cost of conservation has skyrocketed over the last 25 years, the price of the stamp has remained stagnant. Most waterfowlers and conservationists have long supported this modest price increase and we're very pleased New Jersey's governor and legislative leaders have come together to take this important step to prioritize wetland habitat conservation for waterfowl and other wildlife in our state."

DU would like to recognize New Jersey Assembly Members Serena DiMaso and Eric Houghtaling and New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal for their efforts in passing this legislation through their respective chambers of the legislature. Speaker Craig Coughlin, Assembly Members John Armato and Vince Mazzeo, State Senator Jim Beach and Senate President Steve Sweeney all worked hard to get this legislation across the finish line. The state's Waterfowl Stamp Advisory Committee was also instrumental in kickstarting this process.

This great accomplishment could not have been realized without our many partners in the state, including the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, New Jersey Audubon Society and New Jersey League of Conservation Voters.

For more information, visit www.ducks.org, and be sure to Follow DU's news Twitter feed @DUNews1937 to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 15 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org.


Media Contact:
Parker Williams
(202) 621-1646
pwilliams@ducks.org