Islanders have raised more than $160,000 for wildlife protection efforts through the sale of conservation licence plates, says Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar.
“Islanders continue to support conservation initiatives and watershed groups through purchasing conservation plates.” said Minister Biggar. “A total of 13,621 conservation plates have been purchased since September 2013.”
The red fox remains the most popular design. Other designs feature the blue jay, the goose, the lady slipper and the trout. The conservation plates are available for a $10 annual fee and all proceeds go to the Wildlife Conservation Fund, which helps to protect and enhance wildlife and habitat. The plates are available in French and in English.
“Sales of conservation plates have increased the size of the Wildlife Conservation Fund,” said Communities, Land and Environment Minister Robert Mitchell. “The Wildlife Conservation Fund supports a range of projects across the Island, including habitat enhancement, fish stocking, fishing derbies, research, education, and engagement.”
Money for these wildlife conservation projects comes from the conservation plates, as well as contributions by anglers, hunters and trappers when they purchase their annual licence. From 2006 to date, more than 340 projects have been funded, most of which were habitat improvement projects.
“The conservation plates are a great way for Islanders to take an active role in supporting the province’s wildlife and natural habitats,” said Duncan Crawford, president of the PEI Wildlife Federation and a member of the Wildlife Conservation Fund Committee. " On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank all the groups involved for their hard work and continued support of the Wildlife Conservation Fund which provides financial resources to support dozens of wildlife groups, nature organizations, conservation initiatives and watershed groups.”
Islanders can purchase a conservation plate by visiting an Access PEI site.