FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 1, 2024

Contact: Amelia Joy

Gov. Noem Signs Bill to Create a Habitat Conservation License Plate into Law

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed HB 1119, which creates a habitat conservation specialty license plate and emblem, into law. She signed the bill during the opening ceremony for Pheasant Fest in Sioux Falls.

“When I think about future generations, I want them to be able to grow up experiencing the outdoors and seeing the world the way I did,” said Governor Noem. “If we want our grandkids to experience the joy of hunting and the outdoors, we need to proactively protect habitat. This bill is just the latest of our efforts to preserve our outdoor heritage here in South Dakota.”

The dollars used to purchase these specialty plates and emblems will benefit habitat.

“Habitat is the key ingredient to abundant wildlife populations,” said Game, Fish and Parks Secretary Kevin Robling. “This bill will provide an opportunity for individuals to both support habitat financially and promote our strong outdoor heritage as folks travel down the road.”

In 2019, Governor Noem started the Second Century Initiative to increase resources to grow habitat in South Dakota. With this initiative, Governor Noem also launched the Nest Predator Bounty Program as a way to increase the trapping of predators that kill pheasants.

A photo of Governor Noem signing this bill and kicking off Pheasant Fest can be found here.

Governor Noem has signed 109 bills into law this legislative session.

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