Since December 2017, Michigan’s wildlife habitat license plate has featured an elk to mark the 2018 celebration of 100 years of elk in our state.
Beginning in January, the next species to adorn the plate is the Kirtland’s warbler – to celebrate the recovery of this unique bird.
In 2019, the Kirtland’s warbler was removed from the endangered species list. Ongoing efforts by the DNR and a multitude of partners have ensured nesting habitat is and will continue to be available for this songbird, which nests only in young jack pine stands in Michigan, Wisconsin and Ontario.
“The successful recovery of the Kirtland’s warbler is reason to celebrate,” said Jared Duquette, chief of the DNR Wildlife Division. “We hope highlighting the Kirtland’s warbler will encourage continued funding for conservation efforts of Michigan’s threatened and endangered species.”
All proceeds from the sale of the wildlife habitat license plate will continue to support the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund and benefit nongame species like the warbler.
The loon was the first species featured on the license plate in 2006. Since then, the wildlife habitat license plate has raised over $3.9 million for the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund.
Purchase the wildlife habitat license plate through the Secretary of State for $35, with $25 of that fee going to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund. Those interested in getting the elk plate before it’s gone have until the end of December 2021.
