Islanders have raised more than $120,000 for wildlife protection efforts through the sale of conservation licence plates, says Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Robert Vessey.

“The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal is pleased to support the Wildlife Conservation Fund to help raise funds for conservation work right here in our province,” said the minister. “Over the last year, $122,760 has been raised through the sale of the licence plates.”

The red fox has proven to be the most popular design. A total of 5,009 fox plates were purchased, followed by 2,573 blue jay plates, 1,620 of the goose plates, 1567 trout plates, and 1,507 lady slipper plates.

Islanders have purchased a total of 12,276 of the conservation plates since they first went on sale September 20, 2013. The conservation plates are available for a $10 annual fee and all proceeds go to the Wildlife Conservation Fund, which helps to protect and enhance wildlife and habitat. The plates are available in French and in English.

“The PEI Wildlife Federation recognizes the hard work of all of the groups involved, including the Wildlife Conservation Fund Committee (members past and present) and the great cooperation from Minister Vessey and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal to finally bring this project to reality,” said Duncan Crawford, president of the PEI Wildlife Federation. “This recurring revenue for the Conservation Fund committee will be awarded to dozens of wildlife groups, nature organizations, conservation initiatives and watershed groups.”

Sales of the licence plates have increased the size of the Wildlife Conservation Fund by more than 50 per cent and are a way for Islanders to take an active role in supporting the province’s wildlife and natural habitats.