Montana Seeks Artists for Wildlife Crossing License Plate Design

HELENA — Montana is searching for an artist to design a specialty license plate that will help fund wildlife crossing infrastructure across the state.

Fish, Wildlife & Parks, partnering with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, launched an artwork contest in July seeking original designs that highlight wildlife movement and highway crossing structures while capturing Montana’s landscapes. The winning artist receives $1,000 and a commemorative sample plate.

“We are looking for original artwork that highlights the importance of wildlife movement, features a highway crossing structure and captures the beauty of Montana’s landscapes,” according to contest organizers.

The contest runs through October 17, with submissions accepted online through the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

New Legislation Creates Funding Stream

The specialty license plate stems from House Bill 855, sponsored by Representative Katie Zolnikov, R-Billings, which established the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wildlife Highway Crossings Account during the 2023 legislative session. The legislation created both the funding mechanism and the specialty plate to raise awareness about wildlife crossing infrastructure.

“By establishing the Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account, Montana is making a commitment to increasing public safety on Montana’s roadways while conserving wildlife,” said Ryan Chapin, Montana field manager at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

A companion bill, House Bill 932 sponsored by Representative Ken Walsh, R-Twin Bridges, directs a portion of marijuana tax revenue to support the wildlife crossing account.

“We are establishing a direct funding source from the marijuana revenue tax for us to be able to continue this project well into the future to save vehicles and protect wildlife,” Walsh said.

Addressing Collision Risks

The program addresses Montana’s status as having the second-highest per capita rate of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the United States. Wildlife crossings—structures like underpasses or bridges—protect animals while reducing conflicts between wildlife and vehicles.

“Montana currently has the second-highest per capita rate of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the United States,” Governor Greg Gianforte said during a recent event at a wildlife crossing project in Jens near Interstate 90. “Wildlife crossings are great tool to protect wildlife, avoid collisions, and keep drivers safe.”

The crossings support critical seasonal migrations for species including deer, elk, antelope, moose, grizzly bears, and wolves.

“Seasonal migrations are critical for species like deer, elk, antelope, moose, grizzly bears, and wolves. All these iconic species move from one place to another, and they hit barriers,” said Ryan Bronson of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. “Our work happens on the landscape, but when we get to the highway, it ends up being a barrier for migration movement that’s where this program will play a big role.”

The specialty license plate will generate ongoing revenue for the Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account while raising public awareness about wildlife conservation and highway safety.