The Wright County License Bureau has announced it has a new Critical Habitat License Plate available for those looking to add some color to their state-issued license plates.

The Pollinator Plate includes the state butterfly (the monarch butterfly) and the state bee (the rusty patched bumble bee). The design was created by Minnesota artist Timothy Turenne and it’s no coincidence that the rusty patched bumble bee was selected for the new plate. It is the first native bee species in the lower 48 states to be listed in the Endangered Species Act. The purchase of the Pollinator Critical Habitat Plate helps support managing land where Minnesota’s pollinators can thrive.

In addition to the new Pollinator Plate, there are nine other habitat plates that can be purchased, including a turkey, moose, pheasant, common loon, chickadee, showy lady slipper, a fishing scene, white-tailed deer and classic deer plate.

All 10 Critical Habitat plates are available at the Wright County License Bureau, in addition to plates that honor state parks and trails, Support Our Troops, Law Enforcement Memorial Association and Minnesota Golf specialty plates.

There is a $30 annual fee for specialty plates in addition to the renewal/registration fee paid for plates or tabs. One doesn’t have to wait until one’s current tabs expire to make the switch, but the full-year fee will be required and the plates will last for one year before new tabs will need to be purchased.

To see all 10 Critical Habitat Plates, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/features/plates/index.html.