The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is celebrating National Eagle Day (June 20, 2026) by reminding Wisconsinites that they can support the next species comeback in Wisconsin with an Endangered Resources license plate.

Conservation Efforts

After being listed as an endangered species, a survey of bald eagle nests in Wisconsin in 1974 revealed a small number of nests isolated to the northern part of the state. The next decades saw the combination of a national ban on the pesticide DDT; added state and federal protections, like the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act; river cleanups under the Clean Water Act; and Wisconsin DNR nest monitoring and protection with support from the Endangered Resources Fund.

By 2019, the final year the Wisconsin DNR conducted surveys, eagle nests were found in every county in Wisconsin. “Bald eagles have made an amazing recovery in our state. They’re an iconic Wisconsin endangered species success story, and part of that work was supported by the Endangered Resources Fund,” said Drew Feldkirchner, DNR Natural Heritage Conservation Director.

Endangered Resources license plates include an annual $25 donation to the Endangered Resources Fund. This revenue has played a critical role in funding DNR conservation work for more than 400 wildlife species and 300 plant species listed as endangered, threatened or special concern.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.