For the first time in a decade, motorists can help support Texas State Parks by purchasing a new conservation license plate design that pays homage to generations of campers who have stayed overnight in Texas State Parks.

“The new plate depicts a camping scene of a tent under a starry sky with a campfire in the foreground, evoking memories of fun times in parks with family and friends,” said Brent Leisure, TPWD State Parks Division director.

“Conservation license plates represent a great way for outdoor enthusiasts to support their state park system,” said Leisure. “The proceeds generated through the sales of both the camping and bluebonnet plate help to provide funds necessary for the stewardship, maintenance and visitor services that all Texans have come to expect in their state parks.”

In a competition to select a plate topic, the camping design received more than 6,000 votes through an online survey of Facebook followers and state park newsletter subscribers in 2013. Statistics show that camping is a very popular activity that park visitors enjoy.

Last year, Texas State Parks recorded more than 2.3 million overnight visits. Some of the most popular parks for camping include Garner State Park, Inks Lake State Park, Cedar Hill State Park, Huntsville State Park and Brazos Bend State Park.

TPWD first launched its conservation license plates initiative in 2000. The new camping plate design will join the four other available plates: the horned lizard (benefitting wildlife diversity); white-tailed deer (benefitting big game management); large-mouth bass (benefitting bass fishing); and the bluebonnet (benefitting state parks).

The new plate will sell for $30, with $22 directly benefitting Texas State Parks. This annual fee is in addition to the regular registration cost.

Since its debut 14 years ago, the Conservation License Plate Program has generated more than $6.7 million to support state parks, outdoor recreation and conservation projects in Texas. Some of the projects funded by the license plate proceeds include community outreach programs, wildlife surveys, fishing programs, and habitat restoration. For examples of specific projects that have benefitted from the license plate program, visit http://conservationplate.org/projects.phtml

Contrary to what people may think, you do not have to wait for your vehicle registration notice to arrive before you can order a new plate. To buy the new camping license plate or one of the other four designs available, visit www.conservationplate.org or a county tax assessor-collector’s office. Your plate will be ready in about two weeks. Plates ordered online will be shipped to the purchaser’s nearest local county tax office for pick up. If ordered at a local county tax office, it will be mailed to your home.

All conservation plates are available for cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers and RV’s around the state.