"The struggle of today is not altogether for today . . . it is for a vast future, also."
-Abe Lincoln-
"Conserve Wildlife" License Plates
Show Your Commitment
Your purchase of a "Conserve Wildlife" license plate generates needed funds exclusively used to benefit all wildlife species in Florida and their habitats. The license plates are available at all tax collectors' offices or
http://www.buyaplate.com/Conserve%20Wildlife.
The "Conserve Wildlife" license plate was created specifically to generate additional revenue necessary to conduct the programs aimed at conserving our State's natural heritage.
Order online today at: http://www.buyaplate.com/Conserve%20Wildlife
How the "CONSERVE WILDLIFE" License Plate Came To Be
The "Conserve Wildlife" license plate is the product of a four-way, public-private partnership involving the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Inc., Defenders of Wildlife, and the Florida Chapter of the Sierra Club.
These partners worked together to secure the 10,000 petition signatures and $30,000 application fee necessary to bring the proposal before the Florida Legislature, which authorized the license plate in 1998.
The plates are now on sale at all tax collectors' offices--waiting for you to show your support for Florida's fish and wildlife resources.
Cost
The license plate costs $25 more than a standard plate. That additional cost is a tax deductible contribution to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
The Foundation awards restricted grants for wildlife conservation programs administered by the FWC. Examples of such initiatives include:
- Species and habitat research
- Watchable wildlife initiatives
- Law enforcement
- Educational programs about Florida's diverse wildlife
- Programs that encourage conservation of Florida's natural heritage.
Revenues are also used to increase public awareness and understanding, especially among children, about the importance of wildlife and wildlife habitat, and to encourage participation in wildlife-viewing activities.
Special emphasis is placed on projects involving the Florida black bear. Survival of this species depends in part on preservation of its habitat, which, in turn, will benefit other wildlife species.
About the Design
The "Conserve Wildlife" license plate was designed by free-lance artist Peggy Perkerson. If you've seen the Florida Panther license plate, you are familiar with the quality of her work. Ms. Perkerson re-designed the panther plate in 1993.
The design of the "Conserve Wildlife" plate features a standing black bear on the left side of the plate, surrounded by palmettos and saw grass. A snowy egret is depicted in flight over the bear's shoulder.
The Florida black bear is an ideal symbol of the many species that will benefit from your purchase of a "Conserve Wildlife" license plate. As a wide-ranging omnivore, the black bear utilizes many different habitats throughout Florida. Key strongholds for the black bear are found in areas stretching from the Panhandle's Eglin Air Force Base and Apalachicola region, to the Osceola and Ocala regions in north and central Florida, down to the Big Cypress in south Florida.
"Protect Florida Springs" License Plates
A big challenge is ahead of us. We must preserve the water quality of Florida’s springs, while meeting the needs of Florida’s residents, visitors, and wildlife.
Did you know that:
- Geologists estimate that the more than 700 springs in Florida represent the largest concentration of freshwater springs on Earth.
- The unique beauty of Florida’s springs continues to attract residents and visitors, while the springs themselves have provided immeasurable natural, recreational, and economic benefits for more than 100 years.
- Ginnie Springs is the most popular freshwater diving location in the world.
- The 15 state parks named for springs across Florida attract more than two million visitors annually.
- The two million state-park visitors to Florida’s spring parks generate $7 million in park revenues.
So why do we need a Protect Florida Springs license plate?
- Lack of available State funding to meet identified spring needs.
- Lack of established on-going sources for grant funding for local communities and organizations to address issues related to their springs.
- Lack of competitive grants aimed at Florida’s springs, with highest priorities given to community-based spring programs and projects specifically related to education, outreach, and springs protection.
- Lack of grant funding for important springs projects currently not eligible for funding elsewhere; much needed projects that address specific conservation and management needs of Florida’s springs.
- Lack of augmented funding for springs conservation and research activities.
- Lack of training and educational materials for teachers and students about the importance of Florida’s springs.
- Lack of new technologies enabling a better understanding of spring ecology and support of spring enhancement and restoration in Florida.
- Lack of assistance for local communities in understanding the economic benefits of springs, as well as their recreational benefits.
- Lack of implemented programs that seek objective, common-sense, scientific solutions to the complex issues associated with protecting and managing Florida's springs, one of the most valuable and important resources in Florida.
Concerned citizen groups and interested parties have joined together to make this effort a reality. Led by the Wildlife Foundation of Florida and the Wildlife Trust, we need your support for this very timely, important, and gravely needed cause of better protecting Florida’s springs.
The license plate costs $25 more than a standard plate. That additional cost is a tax deductible contribution to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
The license plates are available at all tax collectors' offices or you can order online today at
http://www.buyaplate.com/Protect%20Florida%20Springs.
For more information call us at 1-800-988-4889 or e-mail Susan Kahraman at:
kahraman@wildlifetrust.org.
