Encouraging news for habitat kicks off the nation’s largest upland celebration
As the 2024 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic got underway this morning, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem helped ring in the celebration by signing a new conservation bill into law.
Just before cutting the ribbon to mark the start of the annual celebration, Noem signed House Bill 1119, which will create a specialty conservation license plate for interested South Dakota residents. The new license plates will boost funding for habitat development and enhancement on both public and private lands.
“Hunting and fishing is our way of life. We love the land, we're stewards of the land and have spent a ton of time making sure the heritage we’ve had with our first hundred years is celebrated for another hundred years,” Noem said. “This bill will create a steady stream of revenue that will go directly into conservation and education efforts here in the state of South Dakota.”
The law will allow residents to pay an additional $10 fee for the specialty plate with the funds being directed to the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks (SDGFP).
Additionally, SDGFP will be responsible for the administration efforts behind creating the license plate and managing the fees. The plates will be available starting March 1, 2025.
“It’s very exciting to have Governor Noem here to help celebrate the opening of National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic in Sioux Falls,” said Matt Gottlob, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s South Dakota State Coordinator. “Governor Noem is an avid supporter of South Dakota’s outdoor traditions, and this legislation will bolster conservation efforts in the state. We’re thrilled to help celebrate this bill’s passing with both Governor Noem and our event attendees.”
Click here to learn more about the details of the bill.