The BC Parks License Plate Program is just one year shy of marking a decade of supporting provincial parks through the sales of specialty plates.
To date, the program has seen over 630,000 plates sold since launching in 2017.
In the last year alone, 87,456 plates have been purchased, with funds going toward projects and programs in 165 of BC’s provincial parks.
“British Columbians love their parks, and they’re showing it on the road. Every BC Parks licence plate is a way for people to support the wild places that make our province so special,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks.
“Through the licence plate program, we’re investing directly in the care of our parks and protected areas and enhancing the visitor experience. A BC Parks licence plate is a simple way to create lasting benefits for BC’s natural spaces.”
According to the Province, more than $10 million has been invested into over 220 projects and programs in parks supporting conservation endeavours that protect diverse species, ecosystems and cultural values.
One example BC Parks points to is the removal of an old dike in Burges James Gadsen Park near Golden.
The goal of this project is to re-establish the natural flow of the Columbia River to the floodplain of Moberly Marsh, which lies within the park.
Thus far, one of the dikes has been breached in three strategic locations. The next five years will see more dikes breached to provide more frequent flooding of marsh habitat while protecting strategic sections of the existing dike that serve as upland habitats.
“Today, we are applying lessons learned from past management approaches to restore natural hydrology and habitat,” said Matt Wilson, head of conservation programs for Ducks Unlimited Canada BC.
“This is an exceptional opportunity to work together with BC Parks and other local organizations, Indigenous governments and local contractors to reconnect the river to its floodplain and create a more resilient and interconnected landscape.”
British Columbians who purchase a BC Parks licence plate actively support a wide range of important environmental initiatives across the province.
The program is managed through a partnership between the Province and ICBC, who provide with three options of specialty plate designs depicting scenes from BC’s parks and protected areas.
“It’s inspiring to see how this program, together with our partnership with BC Parks, is benefiting communities across British Columbia,” said Jason McDaniel, president and CEO, ICBC.
“By choosing a BC Parks licence plate, drivers are helping protect the parks and wild spaces that define our province, now and long into the future.”
For more on how to get a specialty BC Parks license plate, click here.
