In an effort to bolster right whale conservation initiatives in Massachusetts, the Commonwealth's Environmental Trust has rolled out its second auction of marine-themed license plates. The auction, billing itself under the banner "Drive with Purpose. Protect Right Whales," kicks off on December 1 and will run until the 15th. Following a report by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, it's clear that these plates are not only a badge of support for the species but a critical source of funding for the trust's work, according to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Environmental Trust has seen its revenue decline through sales over time, which makes this auction crucial. During the first auction of its kind, approximately $79,000 was raised, as per the Commonwealth of Massachusetts official announcement. With the right whale and its calves making their return to Massachusetts waters, the timing seems pointedly serendipitous. People now have the chance to bid on 25 low-number WHALE plates, with sought-after numbers like #2 and #88 up for grabs.
The proceeds of this auction are aimed directly at Massachusetts Environmental Trust's grant programs, which are described as instrumental in protecting aquatic life and their habitats in Massachusetts. Specifically, the funding supports the Massachusetts Large Whale and Sea Turtle Conservation Program, according to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts state officials. This program plays a critical role in monitoring and rescuing marine creatures such as the North Atlantic right whale and various species of sea turtles. Massachusetts Environmental Trust has a history of being generous with its support, having doled out over $28 million to more than one thousand projects since its inception.
Interested parties can register for the auction by visiting the Massachusetts Environmental Trust auction homepage or by texting "Right" to 76278, as found in the trust's instructions. Aside from auctioning these plates, Massachusetts Environmental Trust also accepts direct donations, which are tax-free and encourage existing plate holders to contribute further to the conservation cause. More information on how to make a contribution or learn about the "Preserve the Trust" plates can be found on the Massachusetts Environmental Trust's website, as reported by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Environmental Trust, which functions within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, channels the sales of their unique license plates into various conservation projects. Their specialty plates feature vistas from the state's coastal, central and western regions, with designs inspired by the right whale, brook trout, striped bass, and the Blackstone Valley. Along with this, Massachusetts Environmental Trust encourages contributions through various means including Donor Advised Funds, wills, and bequests, as per the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
