N.H. moose plates benefit more than you might think

CONCORD - When Granite Staters register their vehicle this year, they can show their support for New Hampshire's wildlife and wild places by buying a New Hampshire Conservation License Plate, or "Moose Plate."

Did you know that Moose Plate dollars support Fish and Game's efforts to conserve land and restore watersheds for fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreation? Projects funded in part by the Moose Plate and completed in 2017 included a diverse group of wildlife represented by mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates, as well as several technical assistance and wildlife education projects. A few examples include:

• Surveys of some of the state's rare turtle populations to determine their numbers and locations are underway. Species surveyed include the Blanding's turtle (NH endangered), Eastern box turtles (NH endangered) and wood turtle (NH special concern). To assist with survey efforts, small transmitters were attached to 30 Blanding's turtles to aid in identifying their precise locations. Locations of turtles were identified weekly throughout the spring, summer, and early fall. Similarly, biologists tracked four eastern box turtles with the hope of finding more individuals and gaining a better understanding of how they use their habitat. Information gathered through this study will be used to identify priority conservation actions to implement with landowners and other partners in the future.
• Moose Plate dollars have also gone toward restoration of American shad and river herring to the Merrimack and Connecticut rivers. River herring (alewife and blueback herring) and American shad populations were counted, and both rivers were stocked with fish to try to increase their numbers.
• Fish habitat surveys were conducted in rivers and streams to determine the quantity and quality of fisheries habitat. Water temperature data was collected in streams in which Fish and Game staff also conducts standardized fish surveys. This information provides the basis for the wise management and conservation of fish populations in these streams, including the Dead Diamond, Swift Diamond, Saco, Wildcat, Beebe, McQueston Brook, Warner, Jewell Hill Brook, Thompson Brook, and Ammonoosuc River watersheds.
• Amoskeag Fishways education staff completed 176 Urban Wildlife programs in ten Manchester elementary schools.

The Moose Plate program funds a significant portion (approximately 25%) of Fish and Game's work protecting and restoring threatened and endangered wildlife and keeping common species healthy in New Hampshire. Each time you buy or renew a New Hampshire moose plate, it also helps provide critical financial match that allows the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program to qualify for federal funds known as State Wildlife Grants. Thanks in part to Moose Plate dollars:

• New England cottontails and Karner blue butterflies continue to benefit from habitat restoration and captive-breeding programs.
• Critical habitat for Blanding's turtle, New England cottontail, and other wildlife has been permanently conserved.
• Biologists continue to evaluate the presence/absence of wild brook trout in areas of New Hampshire where no previous data describing their status was available.
• The Taking Action for Wildlife program offers dozens of workshops each year to towns, land trusts, and regional planning committees.
• Common and roseate tern numbers continue to increase, while Arctic tern numbers held steady at three nesting pairs in 2017.

In addition to helping wildlife, the Moose Plate supports key conservation, natural, and cultural resource initiatives across New Hampshire.