December is a wonderful time to consider a gift that will benefit all of the people in Maine. In fact, 90,000 Maine citizens are already giving this gift that is a contribution to the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) Maine State Park system and to the Nongame and Endangered Species Program of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW). If you own a Loon Conservation Plate, $14 of $20 (new registration) or $14 of $15 (reregistration) goes directly to these two agencies (60 percent to DOC, 40 percent to MDIFW) to support important statewide projects. Many of these projects would be delayed or not carried out at all if it weren’t for these dollars. This money does not supplant funds that normally come through the legislative process, an accusation I still hear occasionally, especially when referring to state park funding.

With the advent of the Chickadee Plate, Loon Plate sales dropped by about 23,000 to 87,456 plates. Even with this loss Maine folks participate at a higher percent and contribute more dollars through their conservation plate program than do residents in almost every other state! That is a tribute to Maine citizens and recognition of their dedication to those qualities of our environment that make our state so special. But we could be doing more. A poll conducted by the University of Maine indicated that about 70 percent of Maine people would contribute to the management and protection of Maine’s nongame and endangered species wildlife if given a convenient way to do this. The Chickadee Checkoff on the Maine income tax form was developed for this purpose but the number of contributors has dropped from 29,000 in 1985 to 3,300 in 2000. Most of this decrease occurred when the checkoff was moved to a separate page on the tax return. DOC has no such option for additional funds. The Loon Conservation Plate offers an opportunity to benefit both programs.

Loon Plate funds make important contributions to the management of our cultural, recreational and wildlife resources. Trail systems and picnic facilities throughout our entire 32 state parks and 12 historic sites are supported by these dollars. Other recent projects include: roof renovations at Fort Knox and Eagle Island Historic sites, dock and pier improvements at the Colonial Pemaquid Historic Site, repairs to water towers at Sebago Park, boardwalk and observation tower repairs at Grafton Notch, a kitchen shelter at Aroostook Sate Park and shower facilities at Camden.

Maine’s nongame program would be almost nonexistent if it weren’t for Loon Plates. Current activities include the following: surveys of rare species such as bald eagles, peregrine falcons, mayflies, mussels and lynx; formation of recovery plans for endangered and threatened species; protection of special habitats including critical wetlands like vernal pools; development of landowner guides for managing special wildlife habitats; and working with towns to ensure that these wildlife habitats are adequately protected through the planning process.

Loon Plate funds are also important in leveraging additional private and federal funds. Most of these outside grants require a state match and Loon Plate funds have enabled MDIFW and DOC to acquire substantial amounts of outside funding to support key state projects.

Few people know that $14 of their Loon Plate registration is a tax-deductible donation. In addition, Loon Plate holders receive a free one-day pass to a state park of their choice and a pass to the Maine Wildlife Park in Grey. These benefits make a Loon Plate acquisition a profitable investment. But more important is our contribution to the conservation of Maine’s priceless resources. Resources that not only benefit our environment but also contribute to our economy as visitors come to enjoy many of these wonderful experiences.

So please join me and the other 90,000 Loon Conservation Plate holders and give a gift to all Maine citizens. Each plate is a visual testament to our commitment to maintaining the quality of these resources.

Ray B. Owen of Orono is a former commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.