DEADWOOD, S.D. – South Dakota’s habitat conservation license plate program is helping fund wildlife and forest improvement projects across the state, including several in the Northern Black Hills.
Officials with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department say the program has generated about $229,000 for habitat conservation through the sale of specialty wildlife decals attached to conservation-themed license plates.
The funding has supported projects such as hardwood forest restoration, pine tree thinning, and the removal of invasive species, including buckthorn. Additional funds have also been used for pollinator habitat and native grassland plantings in other parts of the state.
Game, Fish and Parks Habitat Program Administrator Ryan Wendinger says the revenue has allowed the department to complete conservation projects sooner than would otherwise be possible. Officials say another 400 acres of habitat work is planned this fall and next spring.
The conservation plates became available in 2025 and allow drivers to purchase wildlife-themed decals that directly support habitat improvement efforts.
Officials also say the current conservation license plate design is expected to be replaced within the next few years, with future designs likely featuring wetland species such as ducks and walleye.
