GILLETTE, Wyo. — Motorists can show their support for state wildlife by purchasing a new conservation plate for their vehicles, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
The new conservation plates feature a common, though undeniably unique, Wyoming plains dweller — the pronghorn, a species found only in North America, Game and Fish says.
Per Game and Fish, the plates cost $180 at purchase and $50 to renew, with all funds raised earmarked for overpasses, underpasses, fencing and signage to reduce vehicle–animal collisions along wildlife migration corridors.
More than 8,000 wildlife–vehicle collisions happen every year in Wyoming, the equivalent of 21 per day. State transportation officials estimate an average of $11,600 in injuries and property damage per big game collision, Game and Fish says.
Highway underpasses and overpasses, coupled with fencing, can reduce crashes by up to 90% and ensure animals can safely cross roads to get to seasonal ranges, per Game and Fish.
“People in Wyoming take an amazing amount of pride in the diverse and abundant wildlife in our state,” said Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce, adding that the conservation plate supports a good cause and symbolizes being part of a movement geared toward making a difference for wildlife and humans.
Conservation plates were authorized by the Wyoming Legislature with the passing of House Bill 39 in 2018, which created the wildlife conservation plate to help fund efforts to reduce crashes between wildlife and vehicles, according to Game and Fish.
Since the plates were launched in 2019, the state has issued more than 3,000 conservation plates and raised nearly a million dollars for wildlife crossing projects. Combined with other donations from Wyoming drivers, over $1.8 million has been raised for wildlife projects around the state, per Game and Fish.
Information on how to purchase the Wildlife Conservation License Plate is available on the Wyoming Department of Transportation website.
