Support our Indiana Heritage Trust program
Rob Carter, Director of the Department of Natural Resources
As you may have heard, we’ve had a change of leadership at the DNR. My predecessor, Kyle Hupfer, chose to return to the private sector and on Dec. 1, Gov. Daniels appointed me to take the helm.
By way of introduction, my home is Clay County on the western side of Indiana. I grew up a hunter, angler and all-round sports fan. I love the out-of-doors.
In 1989 I joined the Clay County Sheriff’s Department and was appointed chief deputy in 1996. Two years later I was elected county sheriff and re-elected in 2002.
In February 2005, Gov. Daniels appointed me head of the law enforcement division at DNR. I have enjoyed serving with these very able men and women and look forward to this new responsibility.
As an avid outdoorsman, I understand the advantages and necessity of maintaining a beautiful Hoosier landscape. Without saving and protecting those properties we would lose valuable habitat and recreational opportunities.
Because of that, I urge all who share my love of the outdoors to purchase an Environmental License Plate—the plate with the distinctive eagle and sun. The proceeds benefit the Indiana Heritage Trust.
That plate has landed on more than 900,000 vehicles since the ELP program took wing in 1993. It shows that the owner cares deeply about preserving the natural environment.
Some readers may be under the misconception that plate funds are all about hunting and fishing. But that’s a small piece of the puzzle.
Habitat used for hunting and fishing is everyone’s. If you’ve ever taken a walk in the woods or enjoyed driving through one of the many scenic areas of Indiana, you’ve reaped the benefits of the license plate program. Some of that land would not look the way it does now if not for the support of many caring Hoosiers who support the IHT.
IHT’s purpose is to acquire state interests in outstanding natural resources and habitats. IHT also purchases properties that have historical or archaeological significance or provide areas for conservation, recreation, protection or restoration of native biological diversity within the state. Property is acquired only from willing sellers.
Today, less than 20 percent of Indiana is forested. In 1800, about 87 percent was covered with hardwood trees. Today, only four percent of the entire state is under public ownership. That’s less than a fraction of an acre per person. More than 86 percent of our wetlands have vanished. In some areas, that figure exceeds 90 percent. Many of our waterways are polluted.
Through General Assembly appropriations, plate sales and additional donations from patrons like you, we’ve been able to protect over 45,000 acres with IHT funds. Without this income, the trust will no longer be able to purchase land for future parks, nature preserves, or fishing and hunting areas.
With your continued help and the support of those who join on for the first time this year, IHT will purchase, preserve and protect hiking trails, secluded natural areas on lakes and rivers, campgrounds and public fishing and hunting areas.
Do you have a fleet of vehicles at your workplace? Maybe it’s time to eagle up those cars or trucks.
So go to your local license branch and ask for the Environmental License Plate. The $40 cost includes a $15 processing fee charged by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The remaining $25 goes directly into the IHT fund for purchase of natural resources. Additionally, each dollar spent on an Environmental License Plate gets leveraged and matched by not-for-profit partners or governmental entities.
Or you may contribute directly to the IHT. Please consider making a tax deductible donation, an investment in our state’s natural future, regardless of your license plate preference.
Help us keep the eagle flying on Indiana’s crossroads. We at the DNR thank you for your support and consideration. Your children and theirs will thank you too.
Remember, your license plate can say a lot about you. What statement do you want to make?
