COLUMBUS, OH - Acreage near one of the states premiere eagle nesting habitats will be protected thanks to funds generated from the sale of Ohios bald eagle license plate. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife announced today the purchase of 40 acres of grassland near Pickerel Creek State Wildlife Area in Sandusky County.
This important habitat purchase was made possible thanks to the many Ohioans who chose to buy a bald eagle license plate, said Steven A. Gray, chief of the ODNR Division of Wildlife. As a valuable food source for foraging eagles, this grassland will play a critical role in the ongoing success of Ohios bald eagle restoration program.
Twenty-five years ago, Ohio had only four nesting bald eagle pairs along the southwestern shore of Lake Erie. Last year, a modern-day record 79 eagle pairs in 28 Ohio counties produced a previously unmatched 107 young.
Since 1999, proceeds from the sale of Ohios bald eagle license plates have been earmarked for projects benefiting this state endangered species.
Since then, more than 41,000 plates have sold generating more than $600,000 for conservation activities.
Individuals can help fund numerous other wildlife diversity projects across the state with the purchase of Ohios other conservation license plate, the cardinal. Wildlife license plates are available through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 1-888-PLATES3.