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Calling all artists! The Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Program's annual contest for original waterfowl artwork is open. The winning artwork will be depicted on the Colorado waterfowl stamp.

A stamp and a print of the stamp are created for sale to waterfowl and wetland enthusiasts, bird watchers, and stamp and print collectors. All revenue generated from the sale of the hunter version of the Waterfowl Stamp - more than $6.7 million to date - is used to fund wetlands projects throughout the state.

Almost 20,000 acres of wetlands have been protected with Waterfowl Stamp funds so far. In 2011, waterfowl stamp funds were used to help improve water management at the Andrick Ponds State Wildlife Area in Morgan County, which is managed as a quality waterfowl-hunting property.

The first place winner will receive $3,500, second place receives $1,000 and third place receives $500. Entries will be accepted through Friday, March 2, 2012, 4:00 p.m. MST. The winner will be announced by Monday, March 26, 2012.

Collector gum-backed stamps and art prints of the 2012 waterfowl stamp will be available for purchase in late July. Collector stamps and prints are sold through the Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation. The Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation also has past stamp winner prints available.

Contest applications and program information can be found on the Waterfowl Stamp page.

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Thirsty Thurston Reservoir got a much needed drink of water thanks to a partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Fort Lyon Canal Company and Colorado Springs Utilities.

Approximately 1,000 acre-feet of water was delivered to Thurston through Fort Lyon Canal Company's canal system in mid-November.

The water delivery was made possible through a delivery and storage agreement with the Fort Lyon Canal Company and a lease agreement for water between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Colorado Springs Utilities. The water came from CSU's excess water in Pueblo Reservoir.

"We are grateful to both the Fort Lyon Canal Company and Colorado Springs Utilities for their continued partnership and responsiveness to preserve a valuable community asset," said Dan Prenzlow, Southeast Region Manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "I would also like to thank Steve Witte of the State Engineer's office in Pueblo for his oversight and administering the water delivery."

Thurston Reservoir reached a low point in early November and this delivery of water -- the second in as many years -- helps to preserve the fishery over winter through low water conditions. Thurston Reservoir provides habitat for a number of bird species including dove, ducks, geese and other waterfowl.

"The higher water levels will help reduce the potential for a winter fish kill," said Jim Ramsay, the area aquatic biologist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "In the past few years, largemouth bass populations have really taken off."