Wildlife plates available at county tag office

MOULTRIE -- The Colquitt County Tag Office has announced the arrival of new wildlife license plates.

Beginning in December, Georgia motorists can buy a new vehicle license plate when renewing their vehicle registration for 2004.

One new tag features the American bald eagle silhouetted in front of the U.S. flag. Sales of this plate will benefit the Wildlife Conservation Fund of the state Wildlife Resources Division's Nongame Wildlife and Natural Heritage Section. The section uses the proceeds to fund various programs focused on conserving and protecting Georgia's nongame and endangered wildlife.

The other tag features the bobwhite quail, Georgia's state game bird, in natural habitat. Sales of this plate benefit the WRD's Bobwhite Quail Initiative. The initiative was implemented in 1999 to improve habitat for bobwhite quail and songbirds on agricultural lands in east central, central and southwestern Georgia. The plate was originally released in 2001.

"The wildlife license plates have been a great fundraising tool in helping to raise money for the conservation and management of Georgia native wildlife," said Cindy Harvin, Colquitt County tax commissioner. "The Department of Natural Resources and county tax commissioners throughout the state have worked hand in hand to ensure that the new tags will be just as successful as the first. We're excited about the new tag designs and feel confident that they will be a favorite among county residents."

Both wildlife plates are available at the Colquitt County Tag Office and can be purchased for a one-time fee of $20 per tag. You can get the tags only during your registration period, Harvin said. This is 30 days before your birthday.