Michael Price asks, in reference to Ducks Unlimited land parcels:

>If hunters can make this kind of purchase, why don't the vastly more
numerous birders? What's to stop a similar 'Birders' Stamp'/land purchase
program? >

I think that kind of thing is in the works in the U.S., with the
"Teaming with Wildlife" initiative that would levy an excise
tax on optics and outdoor equipment to be used for wildlife
conservation issues, including land acquisition. I'm trying
to find out the status of the enabling legislation right now
and will post something when I do.

Also, the Nature Conservancy has purchase many tracts
that are managed for wildlife and important habitat
conservation. Don't see why birders per se couldn't get
together on a purchase now and then.

Chris Maack
Anchorage, AK
CMaack at compuserve.com