Loon Plate-Holders Get in Free at State Parks This Weekend

AUGUSTA – Drivers whose vehicles sport the Conservation “Loon” Registration Plate will receive free admission to state parks and historic sites this weekend, July 19 and 20, the state department of conservation announced.

The pass only is valid at parks managed by the Maine Department of Conservation and at participating historic sites. Conservation “Loon” Plate holders who visit the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray or Swan Island in Richmond this weekend will be asked to pay regular admission. The MWP is self-supporting and managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, as is Swan Island.

The Conservation “Loon” Plate raises funds not only for state parks, but for the Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund, which is managed by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Since the Conservation “Loon” Plate’s inception in 1994 more than $14 million in funds have gone to the Departments of Conservation and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

“These funds have allowed us to complete much needed upgrades in our state parks and historic sites, and support wildlife conservation efforts through the Endangered and Nongame Species Fund,” said Patrick K. McGowan, Commissioner of the Department of Conservation. “However, the number of Conservation ‘Loon’ plates being issued each year is in decline, and as a result, so are the much needed funds to do these important works.”

With the money it has received from Conservation “Loon” Plate sales, the Department of Conservation has built toilet and changing facilities at many waterfront parks, and improved access roads and parking at many state parks and historic sites.

The plate costs $20 for first-time buyers, plus regular registration fees, or $15 to renew. After processing fees, $8.40 of the plate’s annual cost supports the Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Lands and $5.60 supports the Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund, which is managed by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The Loon Plate became available to motorists in 1994, and reached an all-time high of 110,265 plates in 1998. In 2007, only 63,425 cars carried this plate.

For information on the Loon Plate and the Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund, visit www.maine.gov/ifw and click on the Loon Plate.

To purchase the plate, visit www.sosonline.org.

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