Specialty license plates help raise $1.9 million for Utah wildlife conservation efforts

The elk Utah wildlife license plate. Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

UTAH — Whether it’s elk, mule deer, or trout, Utahns have been showing their love for wildlife one license plate at a time.

According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), specialty wildlife plates have raised more than $1.9 million for conservation projects across the state over the past five years.

The plates, which feature designs of an elk, mule deer, kestrel, or trout, give drivers a chance to support Utah’s fish and wildlife beyond hunting and fishing license fees.

“The wildlife license plates are a fun way to show support for Utah’s fish and wildlife,” said DWR Administrative Services Chief Kenny Johnson. “We’re grateful to the Utah Legislature for approving this additional funding option and for all the Utahns who support wildlife conservation through these plates.”

Sales have increased in recent years, particularly in 2021 and 2022 following the pandemic. The elk and mule deer plates are currently the most popular, ranking among the top three revenue-generating specialty plates in the state.

Money raised from the mule deer, elk, and trout plates goes toward game species management initiatives, while funds from the kestrel plate support conservation projects for non-game species.

In recent years, the plate revenue has helped fund projects such as:

• Operations at the Wahweap Fish Hatchery, which raises fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act.
• Installation of Motus bird-tracking stations across Utah to study migration patterns, including key data on the Great Salt Lake’s importance to birds.
  Breeding bird surveys and telemetry studies on American white pelicans.
• Tracking endangered California condors using radio transmitters.

“Often, the license plate funds are paired with other funding sources, like federal grants, which greatly increases the impact of those funds,” Johnson added.

Utah drivers can order the plates online or at any DMV location for $46.50, which includes a $25 donation to DWR. Each year, vehicle registration renewals include another $25 donation to help fund ongoing conservation efforts.

Learn more at wildlife.utah.gov.