Steelhead license plate available for purchase

Steelhead enthusiasts can now show support for their favorite species by purchasing a vehicle license plate with an image of Washington's iconic state fish.

The steelhead specialty plate went on sale January 3 and revenue generated from plate sales will be used by the Washington Department Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to help support activities critical to conserving populations of native steelhead.

More than 4,000 people expressed interest in buying a steelhead license plate last year when WDFW collected the signatures required to seek legislative approval to offer a new specialty plate. The 2016 Legislature gave the OK to proceed with steelhead license plate sales.

"We can't wait to see steelhead license plates on vehicles across this state," said Kelly Cunningham, deputy assistant director of WDFW's Fish Program. "This is a great way to help fund efforts to conserve steelhead in Washington."

In much of Washington, wild steelhead are listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. WDFW is currently taking several actions to restore those populations to sustainable levels, including measures that guide fisheries management, hatchery operations, monitoring and habitat-restoration programs.

The initial price of special wildlife-themed background plates ranges from $54 to $72 depending on the vehicle, in addition to the regular license fees. More information on how to purchase a steelhead license plate is available on the Washington Department of Licensing website at http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/specialdesign.html.