NEWS FROM THE FEDERAL DUCK STAMP OFFICE

by Margaret Wendy, Acting Chief, Federal Duck Stamp Office

The federal duck stamp program has a number of changes in store for the 2000 duck stamp. Collectors will be treated to a new format, subtle design changes, upgraded souvenir cards and much more.

The first day of issue ceremony for the new stamp will be in Washington, DC, on June 30, at the National Postal Museum. The stamps go on sale nationwide on July 1.

The 2000 duck stamp (RW67) will be printed as a gummed sheet of 20, with plate numbers in all four corners. This is a totally new format, the third sheet design in the history of the program. In addition, for the first time, the artist's name will be on the salvage of the sheet, as well as included on the self-adhesive sheet. A wildlife scene was chosen as the background for the self-adhesive sheet, and it beautifully highlights the stamp design.

Souvenir cards, printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, have benefited from some upgrades. The cards will be embossed this year, and they look spectacular. Mint and cancelled cards will be available, along with gold numbered cards. Purchase order letters will be sent to all numbered cardholders by the second week of May. If you have not received your letter by June 1, please let us know. Unassigned numbers are available. Let the duck stamp office know if you have an interest in being added to the list.

Beginning July 1, the Duck Stamp Office will only stock and sell the current year's stamp and stamp products. We are sending customers a letter detailing the changes to our sales operation. This letter will also include a list of duck stamp dealers they can contact to purchase older stamps.

The marketing and advertising effort for the "Save the Wetlands" certificate is attracting notice. Non-hunting conservationists are learning about the benefits all wildlife receives from duck stamp sales. Full page ads have run in Readers Digest, Audubon, and National Geographic. In addition, television ads in Baltimore and San Diego have introduced new audiences to the duck stamp/national wildlife refuge story. The customized certificate, which includes a current duck stamp, is $30 and can be ordered on line from: www.amplex.com.

Finally, I would like to bring you up-to-date on some internal staff changes in our office. Bob Lesino has recently returned from extended sick leave, which is why I was acting chief from November to March. We are going ahead with the reorganization plan proposed when Anita Nogura departed to become National Outreach Coordinator for the Fish and Wildlife Service. The new plan will have two management assistants - Georgia Bednar and Cheri Morgan - who will train in all areas, and as senior staff members retire, will be in place to manage the ongoing programs. Terry Bell will become the new Junior Duck Manager, in addition to her duties as Special Events Coordinator. Cheryl Hart our Administrative Officer has added the office management chores to her duties. Unfortunately, I will be leaving the office on May 1, initially to take care of my aged parents and, finally, to move to Miami, Florida, to assist a disabled daughter. I hope to continue working with the Service in some capacity in Miami. The search is on to find a new Sales and Marketing Manager and someone should be in place before the first day of issue. All of us in the Federal Duck Stamp Office hope these changes will create a more receptive and efficient organization, allowing us to provide better service to our customers.