The price of a federal Duck Stamp -- $15 -- hasn't been increased in 17 years, the longest span without a change since the stamp was launched in 1934 to raise money for waterfowl habitat.

And it appears as if the price will remain the same in the foreseeable future although conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl argue that the stamp price should be raised because inflation has eroded the stamp's buying power. The $15 stamp in 1991 dollars is worth only $9.48 in 2008 dollars. Had the stamp price been indexed to inflation, it would cost $23.74 this year.

"Fifteen dollars today doesn't go nearly as far as it did in 1991," said Neil Shader, Ducks Unlimited communications specialist. "Land costs have gone through the roof."

Two recent separate proposals would have increased the stamp price. The Wetland Loan Act was a proposal to borrow $400 million from future duck stamp sales and use the cash to protect vital wetland habitat now, at today's prices.

The plan would have increased the price of a stamp by $10 immediately, and another $10 in 2015.

The bill is dead in the water for now, Shader said. The next Congress will have to decide whether to pick up the idea. President Bush's 2009 budget had proposed raising the price of the stamp by $10, but that proposal also died.

DOUG SMITH

BY THE NUMBERS

9.1 million

Duck stamps sold in Minnesota

119 million

Total duck stamps sold nationwide

$760 million

Amount raised.

$15

Cost of stamp today.

Where it goes: to purchase or lease lands for the National Wildlife Refuge system, including waterfowl production areas, which are open to hunting.