News: Fishing opener is also Clean Drain Dry Day

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Contact: Carolyn Marinan, Communications, 612-348-5969

On fishing opener, an appeal to help us preserve Minnesota lake waters

As the 2016 Fishing Opener dawns Saturday, Governor Mark Dayton is proclaiming May 14 Clean Drain Dry Day.

With more than 1.6 million anglers hitting the water, the opener is the perfect opportunity to educate people on the importance of taking action to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. People can help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species by taking the following steps when moving boats and equipment from one body of water to another:

  • Clean watercraft, trailers, motors and equipment. 
  • Remove visible aquatic plants and animals
  • Drain water from boats, bilges, motors and livewells. 
  • Dry watercraft and equipment for at least five days before going to another body of water, or rinse equipment with high-pressure or hot water.

Keeping waters clean in Hennepin County

Hennepin County is working to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by providing grants to partners and supporting educational efforts. Grants awarded in 2016 will increase education, enhance early detection efforts, expand inspections and support research. The county is also raising awareness of aquatic invasive species by installing programmable message boards at highly visible locations around Lake Minnetonka, supporting the Clean, Drain, Dry campaign, installing signage at public accesses, and increasing awareness among aquarium hobbyists, backyard pond owners, and water gardeners about the importance of not releasing unwanted fish or aquatic plants.

Some of the funding for these efforts come the State of Minnesota, which began providing funding in 2014 to all Minnesota counties to implement plants to prevent the introduction or limit the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Learn more about aquatic invasive species prevention work in Hennepin County.

Collaboration is key

A variety of partners, including Wildlife Forever, county agencies, lake associations and civic groups are working together to coordinate community outreach and education about stopping the spread of invasive species.

 “We can’t fight AIS alone. Clean Drain Dry unites everyone in prevention and I’m happy that Governor Dayton acknowledges the partner accomplishments in preventing the spread,” said Pat Conzemius, Conservation Director of Wildlife Forever. 

Minnesota is home to some of America’s finest fishing and boating waters. Clean Drain Dry is simple and straightforward. We encourage all residents to do their part this fishing and boating season: Clean, drain and dry all boats, trailers and gear.

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Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.