Public shows interest in new wildlife conservation plates

The new wildlife conservation plates are off to a strong start, with the public acquiring more than 500 since the Jan. 1 unveiling.

The new plate features a mule deer design as a way to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and to help protect wildlife migration routes. The state Legislature passed a statute last year creating the new plate. The Wyoming Transportation Commission then approved the design in consultation with stakeholders.

As of Feb. 27, WYDOT has issued 503 of the new plates. Out of Wyoming’s 23 counties, Laramie issued the most so far at 75, figures from the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Services program showed for Feb. 27. The other counties topping the list included Sweetwater and Fremont at 65 each, Natrona at 47, Teton at 40 and Lincoln at 35. 

“The public indicated they wanted a specialty plate that supports wildlife conservation efforts,” said Taylor Rossetti, WYDOT Support Services administrator. “The state Legislature then approved the new plate and WYDOT worked to get it ready and available for the public. The proceeds from the sale of this plate will go toward supporting wildlife conservation projects related to the transportation system.”

Some of those projects include signage, animal crossings, fences and other related work.

The initial application fee is $180, of which $150 goes to the conservation fund and $30 toward the specialty plate fee. Then, motorists will pay $50 each year as an annual fee for the plate. For those who want an embossed plate, there is an additional $50 charge.

WYDOT issues the plates in the order received and they are issued based on demand, with no limit to the amount of plates.

However, per state statute, WYDOT will have to issue at least 1,000 plates from 2019 until Dec. 31, 2023 in order to continue to offer them after 2023.

The plate applications are available on WYDOT’s website.

“After a customer applies for the wildlife plate, WYDOT will send the license plate to the county treasurer,” said Debbie Lopez, Motor Vehicle Services manager. “The county treasurer will then contact the customer and let them know it’s in. They can then come in and trade out the plate they have on their vehicle for the wildlife plate.”

The wildlife conservation plate is one of 13 specialty plates offered by WYDOT. For a complete listing of plates, visit WYDOT’s website.

The conservation plate is also an outgrowth of the cooperation between WYDOT and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Over the years, both agencies have worked together to address wildlife connectivity issues. WYDOT also has an immense amount of data on wildlife and connectivity information it uses when considering highway projects. 

For additional information about this news release, contact Aimee Inama, senior Public Affairs specialist, at (307) 777-4013.