CARDINAL, BALD EAGLE AND SPORTSMEN'S LICENSE PLATES SUPPORT OHIO WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohioans who enjoy wildlife for a variety of reasons can display their interest in conservation and habitat restoration by purchasing cardinal, bald eagle and sportsmen's license plates. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these license plates benefits the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The cardinal plate, introduced in 1997, has generated just under $7.5 million for wildlife diversity, wildlife education in the schools, and to benefit endangered species. The bald eagle plate, available since July of 1999, has provided more than $1.6 million for bald eagle restoration, habitat acquisition and management.

In 2005, the Division of Wildlife introduced four additional wildlife-oriented plates. These sportsmen's license plates, which depict white-tailed deer, wild turkey, walleye, or smallmouth bass, have grown in popularity annually. Almost 3,700 sportsmen's plates were sold in 2007, with the white-tailed deer plate the most popular.

"These license plates give Ohioans the opportunity for self-expression in terms of their affinity for outdoor recreation or to display their support for wildlife in the state," said Kendra Wecker, wildlife diversity coordinator for the division. "Either way, wildlife in the state benefits."

There are three ways to purchase the cardinal, bald eagle or sportsmen's license plates: online at www.wildplates.com, by phone at 1-888-PLATES3 or by visiting a local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. Plates cost $25 above the annual registration fees, with $15 going to the Division of Wildlife.

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For Further Information Contact:
Kendra Wecker, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-7043
-or-
Vicki Ervin, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6325