Sen. Boozman to serve on the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., has been appointed to serve on the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, the organization responsible for directing funds raised by the sale of the duck stamp to waterfowl habitat and hunting conservation.

“I am honored to serve on the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and be a voice for Arkansas wetlands, which are extremely important to the Natural State’s wildlife, tourism industry and economy. As a duck hunting destination, it’s critically important that we protect waterfowl habitat in order to continue attracting sportsmen to our state. I look forward to working with commission members to preserve our lands for outdoor enthusiasts,” Boozman said.

Established in 1929, the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission was created and authorized to consider and approve the purchase of wetlands and other areas recommended by the secretary of the interior for purchase or easement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), as well as establish new waterfowl refuges.

The duck stamp is a major source of revenue that helps fund the purchase of migratory bird habitat. Since the commission’s establishment, more than 5.6 million acres have been acquired by FWS forthe National Wildlife Refuge System. The commission typically meets three times a year.

Other members of the commission are: Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke; U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.; U.S. Rep. Robert Wittman, R-Va.; U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif.; Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue; and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt.