If you love fishing in Alabama and would like to support efforts to improve the pastime for future generations, then you should purchase the new Take a Kid Fishing license plate.

Tags can now be pre-purchased at your local probate office for $50 above your regular renewal price by completing an application for a “Distinctive License Plate.” Personalization is available at no additional cost or can be transferred from existing personalized tags. One thousand tags must be pre-sold before production begins.

Proceeds from the sale of the tags go directly toward improving fish habitat, teaching kids how to fish and restoring Alabama’s aquatic threatened and endangered species. The programs that will benefit from your support are:

Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Team (HEART) - a new program to benefit aquatic organisms in flowing streams and lakes. The concept comes from the desire to form partnerships with bass clubs, environmental interests, school clubs, hydropower companies and others interested in improving Alabama’s aquatic habitat. The Aquatic Resource Culture Center – a program centered around the renovation of the Claude Harris National Aquaculture Research Center in Perry County which was closed in 1995. The objective is to reproduce, grow and stock Alabama waters with aquatic species that are in need of help. With enough funding, this could be the largest culture center for protected species in the nation. The Aquatic Resource Education Program – provides conservation educational opportunities through classroom instruction and outdoor activities. The ability to expand this program is limited by a funding shortage. Funds received from tag sales will be used for the purchase of supplies and equipment necessary to support these programs. You can check out the tags at http://www.outdooralabama.com/...D=258