There is a new way to support habitat conservation in South Dakota. The new Habitat Conservation License Plate was announced by Governor Larry Rhoden and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) this past week, and these plates are now available for South Dakota residents.
“Habitat conservation is crucial to keep our animal populations strong and healthy and conserve South Dakota’s natural beauty. I look forward to seeing these new plates on the road,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “They will raise awareness for habitat management and also provide additional revenue to support conservation efforts.”
The Habitat Conservation License Plate is available at local courthouses/treasurer’s offices, and is valid for three years. There is no additional charge when renewing plates, but if plate renewals are not due there is an additional $10 charge. These Habitat Conservation License Plates function similarly to other specialty plates such as the organizational plate.
“Habitat is the foundation of wildlife management. It is truly exciting for individuals to be able to show their support with every drive,” said GFP Secretary Kevin Robling. “We thank everyone for their support, and we look forward to seeing fellow habitat supporters on the road.”
All fees and costs associated with obtaining the physical plate itself goes back into maintaining local and state roadways, while the habitat decals are purchased through GFP, and all proceeds support conservation.
Individuals will be able to select between four approved habitat decals, which include a deer, meadowlark, pasque flower, and pheasant. Habitat decals are $50 per set and can be purchased online at Go Outdoors South Dakota or at any GFP office.
Individuals are not required to obtain the habitat decals; the plate is legal to drive without these decals. However, this voluntary purchase is what ultimately supports habitat improvements in the state.
Habitat decals are only valid for the Habitat Conservation License Plate and cannot be placed on traditional or other organizational license plates. Conversely, other approved organizational decals cannot be placed on the Habitat Conservation License Plate. The decals can be mixed-and-matched though, for example a pheasant could be on the front plate and a deer could be on the rear plate. This would require purchasing a second decal set.
The revenue generated through this plate will improve habitat on public lands across South Dakota, similar to the Hunt for Habitat raffle.
Additional information regarding the Habitat Conservation License Plate can be found on the GFP website.
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