News release

Species at Risk Specialty Licence Plate

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Nova Scotians wanting to "drive home" the importance of protecting endangered plants and animals can do just that. Special licence plates recognizing species at risk are now available for sale to vehicle owners, with proceeds going to the province's Species at Risk Conservation Fund.

"This is an excellent way for conservation-minded Nova Scotians to show their support for the conservation and protection of species at risk in Nova Scotia," said Natural Resources Minister Tim Olive. "I am pleased to be announcing this new program during National Wildlife Week, a week that celebrates our natural heritage."

The special licence plate features a colour illustration of a piping plover with the words, Conservation -- Species at Risk, along the bottom of the plate.

The bird is one of 20 species of plants and animals protected in the province under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act. Other species include the pink coreopsis, American marten and the Atlantic whitefish.

The Species at Risk Conservation Fund was established in 2002 to support conservation projects for these species, with the sale of special licence plates as a primary source of revenue.

"The Federation of Nova Scotia Naturalists is pleased to hear about the new conservation licence plate project," said Joan Czapalay, president of the federation. "The government has a key role to play in protecting the piping plover and other species at risk. Funds generated from the sale of this plate should go to support much needed projects to preserve the habitat of threatened and endangered species in our province."

Project proposals will be invited from conservation groups and the public. The proposals will be evaluated and recommended for funding by a group of scientists who are experts in species at risk.

Vehicle owners who wish to support the fund can purchase a plover plate at any Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicle office in Nova Scotia. The cost of the plate is $70, with $20 being used to cover the cost of producing the plate and $50 being directed to the fund. Vehicle owners don't need to wait until their registration expires, as a new plate will be issued with payment of the fee.