AUGUSTA -- Vehicle owners who have a Maine conservation loon license plate will enjoy free admission this weekend to all Maine state parks and historic sites.

The annual free-admission weekend for loon plate holders is a way for the Maine Department of Conservation to express appreciation to Maine residents who buy the license plates and support conservation efforts. Proceeds from the license plates go to support Maine Department of Conservation and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife projects.

Vehicle occupants will be admitted free to the state parks and sites on Saturday and Sunday.

"This is one way to say thank you to loon plate holders," Gov. John E. Baldacci said in a press release. "Maine drivers who have chosen the loon plates help fund important improvements in our state parks. Their support helps to keep our state parks in top shape and enjoyable places to visit."

"I want to thank people for buying loon plates. Their dollars make a big difference to us," commissioner Patrick McGowan of the DOC said. "Loon plate funds help Maine's state parks and historic sites in very significant ways, and the best way we can show our appreciation is to encourage loon plate holders to enjoy the very sites they support. I hope every plate holder takes advantage of this opportunity and has a great, sunny weekend outdoors."

Since the program's inception, more than $14 million in loon plate proceeds has gone to the two state departments. Created by the Maine State Legislature in 1993, the loon plate directly benefits the Bureau of Parks and Lands, under the DOC, as well as the DIF&W.

For every $20 spent on a new loon plate:

* $8.40 goes to BPL

* $5.60 goes to DIF&W

* $6 to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles

DOC's portion goes toward improvements at state parks and historic sites. Recent projects include a new group shelter and gazebo at Moose Point State Park; a mooring replacement at Warren Island State Park; installation of a solar panel system at Holbrook State Sanctuary; construction of a new entrance booth at Fort Knox State Historic Site; and the purchase of a historically important parcel at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site in Bristol, completing the site area.

DIF&W's share goes to management of non-game rare, threatened and endangered species.