New Mexico Wildlife magazine Conserving New Mexico's Wildlife for Future Generations
For those looking for a quick, inexpensive way to support wildlife conservation in New Mexico, the Department of Game and Fish has the solution: the new mule deer Share with Wildlife license plate.
The initial cost for the plate is $27, of which $15 goes to the Share with Wildlife Program. The entire $12 plate renewal cost each subsequent year also goes to Share with Wildlife. All money donated to the program goes to funding Share with Wildlife projects; none of it goes to program administration.
The program has supported wildlife research, habitat enhancement, education and rehabilitation projects since 1981.
In the past 10 years, it has provided over $1 million for more than 100 projects intended to further the conservation and management of species that do not receive funding from other sources, primarily nongame species.
The most recent plate features a mule deer, but Ginny Seamster, the program coordinator, hopes to continue expanding the options available to the public. She said she’d like to see a hummingbird on the next plate as it is the program’s symbol.
The new plate does not replace the original Gambel’s quail, which is still available. The Share with Wildlife plates can be obtained by filling out an application for a wildlife artwork plate available on the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division’s website. It can also be purchased in person at an MVD office, but call ahead to make sure the plate is in stock.
Share with Wildlife depends on donations from the public. These funds are matched with federal dollars to maximize the amount of money supporting New Mexico’s wildlife.
For additional information e-mail Seamster at virginia.seamster@state.nm.us.
