For Release: Friday, May 13, 2005
DEC Announces New "Conserve Habitat" License Plate
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced that the new "Conserve Habitat" custom license plates are now available for purchase from the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The revenue from the sale of these license plates will be used to improve habitat and increase habitat access throughout the State.
"DEC is committed to working with our partners to ensure that our natural resources continue to be protected, as well as to restore habitat that benefits our fish and wildlife populations and preserves our natural heritage," Acting Commissioner Sheehan said. "This new license plate provides another innovative way for New Yorkers to support the protection and restoration of habitat and I encourage all those interested to invest in a plate today."
New York State encompasses more than 47,000 square miles, including mountains, plains, valleys, and seashores. Four-fifths of our State's uplands consist of farmland or woodland. Our abundant water resources include four million acres of freshwater lakes and ponds, 70,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 200 miles of marine coastline.
Loss of habitat is a real concern in New York State. Legislation signed by Governor Pataki created the "Conserve Habitat"plate and provided that $25 of the annual renewal fee will support the protection and management of State fish and wildlife, overseen by DEC. Revenues will be deposited in a special account within the Conservation Fund. The habitat account is used solely to protect, restore, and manage habitat, and to develop public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation and study.
A ruffed grouse in flight was selected to illustrate the "Conserve Habitat" plate. Ruffed grouse is a forest species widely distributed across New York State. They prefer younger-aged forest habitats, which are declining as New York State's forests grow older and changes occur in land use. Ruffed grouse numbers have been decreasing since the 1960s, making it an excellent choice to illustrate the importance of conserving habitat. The artwork for the license plate was provided by Albany-area artist and DEC wildlife biologist Jean Gawalt.
DMV Commissioner Raymond Martinez said, "The Conserve Habitat Plate is a great way for New Yorkers to demonstrate their commitment to protecting our environment. By purchasing the plate, they are also helping to keep New York beautiful so that New Yorkers for generations to come can enjoy our state's great landscape and wonderful wildlife."
Howard Cushing Jr., President of the New York State Conservation Council, Inc. (NYSCC) said, "Our organization supports initiatives that can improve habitat for New York State's wildlife, and the "Conserve Habitat" license plates and Habitat/Access Stamps will further our goals. NYSCC worked hard for passage of the legislation creating the plate and purchases of the plates, as well as the federal matching funds available, will be a great boost for habitat in the State."
The initial cost for the "Conserve Habitat" license plate with a number assigned by the DMV is $43 with an annual renewal fee of $25. A personalized version with the motorist's choice of two to six characters, including spaces, is available for $68, with an annual renewal fee of $50.
This plate is available to anyone who has a passenger or commercial vehicle registered in New York State. To order your "Conserve Habitat" license plate, visit any DMV issuing office, DMV's website at http://www.nysdmv.com/ or call the DMV Custom Plates office at 518-402-4838, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Other license plates available through the DMV to support environmental protection include the Bluebird Plate, which helps support the State's Environmental Protection Fund and the Marine and Coastal District of New York plate, which helps support the Conservation, Education, and Research Fund of the Marine and Coastal District of New York.
DEC also offers Habitat/Access Stamps to help further contribute to additional habitat preservation efforts. The voluntary sale of the $5 Habitat/Access Stamp is sold by hunting and fishing license sales agents throughout New York. Legislation signed by Governor Pataki created the Habitat/Access Stamp to support DEC's efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife related recreation. In April 2005, Commissioner Sheehan announced nearly $100,000 for habitat management projects and the improvement of public access as part of the first group of grants supported by sales of the Stamp. For more information about the stamp and the programs it helps fund on DEC's website.
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