When one of Mike Carruth’s employees suggested purchasing wildlife conservation license plates for his vehicle fleet, the owner of ITC Electrical Technologies fully supported the idea. He and his team quickly outfitted the company’s 50 vehicles with the new license plates. Carruth said ITC made the investment for both wildlife and people — and he’s challenging other businesses to support the program, too.

“I have always loved wildlife and the outdoors. Today, my love and respect for the Wyoming program, people, wildlife and the land continues to grow,” said Carruth, a lifelong Wyomingite. “As a business owner, I am now capable of helping promote good stewardship and embrace the opportunity to do so.”

“I firmly believe in public access and the ability for people and wildlife to come and go freely to the high country,” he said, adding that he’s excited about the ways that the funds will benefit wildlife and public safety.

The Wyoming Legislature created a wildlife conservation license plate in 2018 to help fund efforts to reduce crashes between wildlife and vehicles. The initial price of the plate is $150 with a $50 renewal fee each year. Proceeds will fund overpasses, underpasses, fencing and signage to prevent vehicle/animal collisions along wildlife migration corridors and to help facilitate seasonal wildlife movements.

Justin Binfet, Casper wildlife management coordinator with the Wyoming Game and Fish, said he was “thrilled” about ITC Electrical Technologies’ decision to buy the plates.

“People often ask what they can do to reduce car and wildlife collisions, and the answer has always been to keep their eyes open for wildlife and slow down,” Binfet said. “Now, in addition to that, people can purchase wildlife conservation license plates and contribute funds they will see direct benefits from.”

Wildlife conservation license plates are available through the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Visit www.dot.state.wy.us/wildlife_plate for more information.