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Wild Ohio Elk Conservation Builds Momentum: 304 Strong! The Progress Toward an Ohio BMV Specialty License Plate: The Wild Ohio Elk Conservation initiative has reached an exciting milestone: 304 supporters have now signed our Change.org petition, putting us at more than 60% of our current 500-signature campaign goal. More importantly, the campaign is helping demonstrate that Ohioans are interested in restoring elk to Ohio’s conservation conversation and creating a dedicated license plate that can symbolize—and potentially help support—the stewardship of Ohio’s wildlife and natural heritage. From an Idea to a Growing Conservation Movement Our campaign is working toward establishing a Wild Ohio Elk Conservation specialty license plate in the State of Ohio. Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles rules provide a path for establishing a new organizational plate. The BMV requires 150 original signatures from Ohioans who intend to purchase the plate, submitted on BMV Form 4820 or an equivalent qualifying petition. Establishment of the plate also requires passage of legislation. After legislative approval, additional requirements include BMV Form 4810 and BMV-compliant vector artwork. The campaign also complements the broader public discussion around studying whether elk could responsibly and ethically be reintroduced into the State of Ohio. Responsible and Ethical Wildlife reintroduction, habitat conservation, and natural-resource stewardship remain at the heart of the effort. The People Helping Lead the Effort: Ridge Johnston —Founder, Entrepreneur, Admin, Wild Ohio Elk Conservation Ridge Johnston is an entrepreneur, startup founder, and advocate for Ohio’s wildlife, natural resources, and outdoor heritage. He is the founder of two startup ventures, Rebilled AI Inc. and Bio Venture LLC, experiences that have strengthened his commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, community engagement, and building initiatives capable of creating meaningful long-term impact. Ridge Johnston is currently an Entrepreneurship MBA candidate through OneDay.org in partnership with William Jewell College, where he continues developing his expertise in entrepreneurship, business strategy, leadership, and venture development. An avid outdoorsman, Ridge Johnston has a deep appreciation for the wildlife, public lands, forests, waterways, and recreational opportunities that make Ohio’s natural and wildlife heritage an important part of the quality of life enjoyed by its residents. His interest in conservation is rooted not only in protecting wildlife, but also in expanding opportunities for future generations of Ohioans to experience the State of Ohio’s Wildlife and Natural Resources. Throughout his educational and professional development, Ridge Johnston has participated in multiple state-supported initiatives and programs, giving him firsthand appreciation for what can be accomplished when citizens, communities, organizations, and state government work toward shared goals. Those experiences have reinforced his belief that constructive citizen participation and public-private partnerships can help build a stronger Ohio and create better opportunities for Ohioans tomorrow. As part of Wild Ohio Elk Conservation, Ridge Johnston supports the responsible exploration of wild elk restoration in Ohio, expanded wildlife and habitat conservation, public education, and the development of partnerships among citizens, conservation organizations, policymakers, and the State of Ohio. His approach reflects a simple principle: Ohio’s natural heritage belongs to every generation, but each generation has a responsibility to leave it stronger for the next. Tom Smock — Admin, Wild Ohio Elk Conservation Tom Smock serves as an administrator of Wild Ohio Elk Conservation, is the Director of the State of Ohio Chapter for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and has a longstanding record of elk-conservation advocacy in Ohio. Publicly available professional information identifies leadership and volunteer involvement with RMEF in Ohio, supporting his role as an experienced advocate for elk conservation and restoration. Tom Smock has onsite experience with the reintroduced wild elk in the State of Kentucky. Tom Smock is also a proven advocate and conservationist for partnering with State of Ohio Divisions strategic to State of Ohio Wildlife and Natural Resources Conservation. Tom Smock is also proven in successful partnerships – Ohio State University a leading research and educational institution – for researching and developing strategies for the feasibility of Reintroduction of Wild Elk into the State of Ohio. Available public information also reflects engagement with conservation initiatives connected to elk habitat and wildlife stewardship. Tom Smock was a momentous Partner, Advocate, and Political Relations Person for the reintroduction and conservation of Elk into the State of Kentucky. Zac Sells — Admin, Wild Ohio Elk Conservation Zac Sells serves as an administrator of Wild Ohio Elk Conservation and advocates for natural wildlife reintroduction policies, conservation partnerships, and greater public participation in decisions affecting Ohio’s natural heritage. The Sell’s family are well-known for their serial-preneurship successes and proactive involvement in community development and economic transformation. Zac Sells has onsite experience with the reintroduced wild elk in the State of Kentucky. Zac Sells is also a proven advocate and conservationist for partnering with State of Ohio Divisions strategic to State of Ohio Wildlife and Natural Resources Conservation. Zac Sells is also proven in successful partnerships – Ohio State University a leading research and educational institution - for researching and developing strategies for the feasibility of Reintroduction of Wild Elk into the State of Ohio. 304 Signatures—and We’re Just Getting Started Every signature increases the public voice behind the initiative. Our immediate campaign goal is 500 signatures. Reaching it gives Wild Ohio Elk Conservation a stronger foundation for conversations with conservation organizations, policymakers, wildlife stakeholders, and Ohioans who may ultimately want the specialty plate. Our Wild Elk. Our Wild Ohio. Our Wild Legacy. If you believe future generations should have the opportunity to experience Ohio’s Wildlife and Natural Resources—including exploring the responsible and ethical restoration of wild elk—help us continue building the movement. Take Action • Sign the Wild Ohio Elk Conservation License Plate Petition: https://www.change.org/OhioElkLicensePlate • Join the Wild Ohio Elk Conservation community on Facebook: https://forum.facebook.com/share/1GWUDQ5Xpu/ 304 strong. Next stop: 500. Our Wild Elk. Our Wild Ohio. Our Wild Legacy. Public Sources Referenced • Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles — Specialty Plate General Information: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/vr-sp-geninfo.aspx • Ohio House of Representatives — legislation information: https://ohiohouse.gov/ • Ohio State University – Feasibility Study Initiative Chrome://downloads/oh_elkreintroductionfeasibilityassessment.pdf • Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation https://www.rmef.org/