(DNR) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is celebrating National Eagle Day (June 20, 2026) by reminding Wisconsinites that they can support the next species comeback in Wisconsin with an Endangered Resources license plate.
After being listed as an endangered species, a survey of bald eagle nests in Wisconsin in 1974 revealed a small number of nests isolated to the northern part of the state.
The next decades saw the combination of a national ban on the pesticide DDT; added state and federal protections, like the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act; river cleanups under the Clean Water Act; and Wisconsin DNR nest monitoring and protection with support from the Endangered Resources Fund. By 2019, the final year the Wisconsin DNR conducted surveys, eagle nests were found in every county in Wisconsin.
“Bald eagles have made an amazing recovery in our state. They’re an iconic Wisconsin endangered species success story, and part of that work was supported by the Endangered Resources Fund,” said Drew Feldkirchner, DNR Natural Heritage Conservation Director. “Endangered Resources license plates raise funds for current endangered species recovery efforts in Wisconsin, like little brown bats, rusty patched bumble bees and ornate box turtles while allowing drivers to show their support and make their car look great.”
Endangered Resources license plates include an annual $25 donation to the Endangered Resources Fund. This revenue has played a critical role in funding DNR conservation work for more than 400 wildlife species and 300 plant species listed as endangered, threatened or special concern. The DNR’s Natural Heritage Conservation Bureau works across the department and with partners and volunteers to locate, protect and manage native plants, animals and Wisconsin’s natural communities from the common to the critically endangered.
The Endangered Resources license plate is $40 for the first year, with a one-time charge of $15 to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the remaining $25 to the DNR’s Endangered Resources Fund.
Endangered Resources license plates, along with tax form donations and state matching funds, have accounted for as much as 40% of funding for endangered species conservation in some years and have supported the recovery of bald eagles, trumpeter swans and other species while preventing hundreds of other species from vanishing from Wisconsin. In 2025, license plate sales raised over $470,000 that was reinvested to protect rare species and their habitat in Wisconsin.
How To Get An Endangered Resources Plate
To buy a new plate, fill out the WisDOT Endangered Resources License Plate Application Form. People can switch to this license plate at any time, and there is no need to wait for registration renewal.
Visit the Endangered Resources License Plates webpage for more information.
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