The year 2003 is special for the National Wildlife Refuge System. It not only marks the end of the first century of this great collection of lands and waters but also the beginning of a new century full of potential. The Fish and Wildlife Service's Division of Refuges is producing a special centennial calendar devoted to sharing with the American public glimpses of the beauty and diversity of refuges and the people who enjoy them.

For the centennial calendar, the Fish and Wildlife Service, in conjunction with the North American Nature Photography Association, is issuing a call for photographs to illustrate the calendar. It is open to all, amateur and professional photographers

The refuge system began in 1903 when then President Theodore Roosevelt set aside a tiny island off the east coast of Florida for the protection of pelicans and other species of birds from market hunters. Five acres known as Pelican Island started what is now known as the National Wildlife Refuge System. Almost 100 years later, there are more than 530 refuges encompassing more than 93 million acres of lands and waters. There is at least one refuge in every state and U.S. territory.

The system is the only network of public lands specifically set aside for wildlife, but it also provides special places for people. More than 34 million people visit national wildlife refuges each year to enjoy the tremendous opportunities to observe, photograph, and enjoy wildlife, as well as the other recreational activities available at these sites.

To be considered for this special calendar, submissions are being accepted between Feb. 1 and Oct. 1, 2001 (postmarked no later than Monday, Oct. 1). The image must have been taken at a national wildlife refuge or wetland management district. These lands are managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Visit the National Wildlife Refuge System website for information and a listing of refuges and wetland management districts. The website is at http://refuges.fws.gov/index.html. A National Wildlife Refuge Visitor's Guide listing all of the refuges offering public access can be obtained from your local national wildlife refuge or by calling 1-800 344-WILD.

The image must illustrate one or more of the following categories: Wildlife/Plant Life: mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, insects, reptiles, etc.; a closeup of a wildflower, a grass, tree, etc; Habitat: a refuge or wetland management district scene, with or without wildlife; People: Individuals or groups engaged in an activity or included in a scene on a refuge or wetland management district (volunteers, hunters, fishermen and women, birdwatchers, outdoor classrooms, etc.)

Please do not submit original transparencies. Images will be accepted in the following formats only: high-quality duplicate color transparencies (35mm or 70mm); digital images on CD-ROMs or zip disks at no more than 72dpi to enable fast viewing on a computer.

Do not submit via e-mail. Do not send color prints or negatives. Limit photo submissions to 20 images or fewer. Package all submissions with care. Place transparencies in individual sleeves, and then place all in a pocketed plastic sheet. Place this sheet between cardboard stiffeners, and place in mailing envelope.

Copyright and name must be on each slide and/or digital image. Each image must have an individual number or letter that corresponds to an itemized list identifying each image by individual number or letter with a description including: name and location of national wildlife refuge where taken; month image taken; description of subject/action.

Send submissions to Karen R. Hollingsworth, Three Black Ducks, P.O. Box 341, Ox Cove Road, Box 26100 (address for FedEx., UPS), Pembroke, ME 04666. Telephone: 207-726-3931; fax: 207-726-9520; e-mail to karen@threeblackducks.com (questions only; do not submit via e-mail).

Images will be reviewed within a short time of receipt and the outtakes returned. A final selection will be made in late 2001 and further outtakes returned. Original transparencies of the selected images will then be requested for printing.

Individuals submitting photographs must include return packaging and postage or completed shipping form and envelope from preferred carrier. If not included, the images will not be returned. Three Black Ducks disclaims any liability regarding materials lost, damaged, or destroyed by the U.S. mail, overnight delivery company, or by any other means of delivery.

Three Black Ducks does not automatically accept or agree to terms printed on delivery memos and related correspondences. Due to the special nature of this project and the corresponding high cost of insurance, the coverage obtained will cover a maximum of $100 per duplicate image lost or damaged. If any original image is sent, the maximum coverage is limited to $100. Therefore, only duplicates are being requested for consideration. By submitting images for this project the photographer is accepting this limitation.

Payment for one-time use in the calendar is $150 per large full-page monthly image; $100 per small image; and $350 for a cover image. No holding fees will be paid. Payment will be made as calendar goes to print in the spring of 2002. Photos should not be taken on government time with government equipment or film. Visit www.refuges.fws.gov/centennial for more information.