09-10-2010, 11:10 AM
<em>New conservation stamp raises more than $19,000 in its first year for wildlife diversity</em>
COLUMBUS, OHIO-Two separate photo entries of an Eastern amberwing, submitted by wildlife photographer Sharon Cummings, garnered both the winning and first runner up honors in the 2nd annual Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Photo Contest. The winning photo will appear on the 2011 Legacy Stamp, which goes on sale March 1, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. Cummings, of Graytown, captured her images in Ottawa County.
The second runner up was Bruce Miller, of Upper Arlington, with a photo of a twelve-spotted skimmer that was photographed at Highbanks Metropark. Thirteen-year-old Noah Stork, of Bellbrook, was recognized in the youth category for his winning submission of a widow skimmer.
The contest was only open to Ohio residents, 125 of whom submitted more than 280 dragonfly and damselfly photos.
"We are really pleased by the obvious interest in this year's photo contest," said Jim Marshall, acting chief for the Division of Wildlife. "The contest is one way to help inform Ohioans about the need for wildlife conservation, and ultimately the purchase of the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp is a direct and meaningful way to be a part of that effort."
Marshall noted that the sale and promotion of the Legacy Stamp has been a grassroots effort that has found early success thanks to the dedication of several conservation groups across Ohio.
"More than $19,000 has been raised since March 1 from the sale of this stamp in support of wildlife diversity. It's important that we continue to grow and promote this program together," said Marshall.
Fourteen dollars of every $15 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp sold is invested in the state's Wildlife Diversity Fund. The fund supports habitat restoration, wildlife and habitat research projects, creation of wildlife educational materials, as well as efforts that restore and conserve endangered and threatened species.
Judging for this year's contest took place at Mohican State Park during the 3rd Annual Wildlife Diversity Partners Conference, September 8-9. The judges were representatives from statewide conservation organizations, metro parks, science and education centers, garden clubs, as well as wildlife biologists, naturalists and outdoor writers. The photos were judged on originality, technical excellence, composition and overall impact.
Participants of the first Wildlife Diversity Partners Conference in 2008 collaborated with the Division of Wildlife to create the Legacy Stamp. The goal was to provide all Ohioans an easy and meaningful way to support wildlife conservation efforts in their home state. The inaugural stamp was introduced in March of 2010. To date, 1,532 of these collectible stamps have been sold, earning more than $19,000 for wildlife conservation.
For a limited time, stamp collectors and conservationists will be able to purchase the 2010 inaugural stamp, which features a Baltimore oriole. Visit wildohiostamp.com for more details. More information about the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp and other wildlife-related topics can be found at wildohio.com
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com
COLUMBUS, OHIO-Two separate photo entries of an Eastern amberwing, submitted by wildlife photographer Sharon Cummings, garnered both the winning and first runner up honors in the 2nd annual Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Photo Contest. The winning photo will appear on the 2011 Legacy Stamp, which goes on sale March 1, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. Cummings, of Graytown, captured her images in Ottawa County.
The second runner up was Bruce Miller, of Upper Arlington, with a photo of a twelve-spotted skimmer that was photographed at Highbanks Metropark. Thirteen-year-old Noah Stork, of Bellbrook, was recognized in the youth category for his winning submission of a widow skimmer.
The contest was only open to Ohio residents, 125 of whom submitted more than 280 dragonfly and damselfly photos.
"We are really pleased by the obvious interest in this year's photo contest," said Jim Marshall, acting chief for the Division of Wildlife. "The contest is one way to help inform Ohioans about the need for wildlife conservation, and ultimately the purchase of the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp is a direct and meaningful way to be a part of that effort."
Marshall noted that the sale and promotion of the Legacy Stamp has been a grassroots effort that has found early success thanks to the dedication of several conservation groups across Ohio.
"More than $19,000 has been raised since March 1 from the sale of this stamp in support of wildlife diversity. It's important that we continue to grow and promote this program together," said Marshall.
Fourteen dollars of every $15 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp sold is invested in the state's Wildlife Diversity Fund. The fund supports habitat restoration, wildlife and habitat research projects, creation of wildlife educational materials, as well as efforts that restore and conserve endangered and threatened species.
Judging for this year's contest took place at Mohican State Park during the 3rd Annual Wildlife Diversity Partners Conference, September 8-9. The judges were representatives from statewide conservation organizations, metro parks, science and education centers, garden clubs, as well as wildlife biologists, naturalists and outdoor writers. The photos were judged on originality, technical excellence, composition and overall impact.
Participants of the first Wildlife Diversity Partners Conference in 2008 collaborated with the Division of Wildlife to create the Legacy Stamp. The goal was to provide all Ohioans an easy and meaningful way to support wildlife conservation efforts in their home state. The inaugural stamp was introduced in March of 2010. To date, 1,532 of these collectible stamps have been sold, earning more than $19,000 for wildlife conservation.
For a limited time, stamp collectors and conservationists will be able to purchase the 2010 inaugural stamp, which features a Baltimore oriole. Visit wildohiostamp.com for more details. More information about the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp and other wildlife-related topics can be found at wildohio.com
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com