ODNR News Releases - Ohio Artist Wins State Wetlands Habitat Stamp Competition


Ohio Artist Wins State Wetlands Habitat Stamp Competition Feb 22 Written by: news editor 2/22/2010 12:00 AM 02/22/10 Hudson resident Joel Rogers won first place in this year's Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp Design Competition. Ohio Artist Wins State Wetlands Habitat Stamp Competition COLUMBUS, OH - The artwork of a red-breasted merganser by Hudson resident Joel Rogers won first place in this year's Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp Design Competition, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Joel Rogers’ painting will appear on the Ohio wetlands habitat stamp issued in the fall of 2011. The winning entry was selected from a field of 23 original paintings submitted by artists from 12 states, including 11 entries from Ohio. The competition was held on February 20 at the Ohio Ducks Unlimited annual banquet in Sandusky. "I've always thought that the red-breasted merganser was an unusual type of waterfowl and interesting to observe." said Rogers. Mike Brown of Georgia took second place in this year's state competition for his rendering of an American widgeon; third place went to Douglas Walpus of Tennessee for his entry of hooded mergansers. Four other Ohio artists placed in the top 10 in this year's competition. Last year's winner, North Dakota resident Jeffery Hoff, will see his painting of ruddy ducks appear on the 2010 wetlands habitat stamp. Approximately 25,000 Ohio wetland habitat stamps were purchased last year, according to the Division of Wildlife. Proceeds from stamp sales help fund vital wetland habitat restoration projects in Ohio. Such habitats are important to many resident wildlife species including state-endangered trumpeter swans, wetland birds, amphibians and numerous migratory species. The judges for this year's event included Mona Rutger of Back to the Wild Wildlife Rehabilitation Center; Robert Sweeney, wetlands conservationist; Dawn Zinc of Zinc Calls; Jeff Basting, illustrator with the Toledo Blade, and Larry Mixon, Ohio Wildlife Council member. 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 www.ohiodnr.com. -30- (Editor’s Note: The winning stamp design is attached; for additional images from the competition, please contact Tim Daniel. ODNR Division of Wildlife For further information, contact: Tim Daniel, ODNR Division of Wildlife 614. 265. 6537 Vicki Ervin, ODNR Division of Wildlife 614. 265. 6325 Laura Jones, ODNR Division of Wildlife 614. 265. 6811 Trackback Print Location: Blogs ODNR NEWS Wildlife Tags: