Media contact: Angie Timmons, Hennepin County Environment and Energy, 612-845-0323
Media contact: Pat Conzemius, Wildlife Forever, 763-253-0222
Media contact: Edgar Rudberg, CD3, 952-212-6576
Today at the Spring Park public boat access on Lake
Minnetonka, Hennepin County unveiled a new solar-powered, user-operated
watercraft cleaning station that gives boaters the tools needed to help prevent
the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
This station is one in a pilot project of five created in
partnership with Wildlife Forever, CD3, Initiative Foundation, National Fish
and Wildlife Foundation and Three Rivers Park District. The other stations are
located at North Arm on Lake Minnetonka, Bryant Lake and Riley Lake in Eden
Prairie and Pike Lake in Saint Louis County.
Tools and education for boaters
Although boaters are generally aware of AIS, they often lack
the tools and specific knowledge to prevent their spread.
“For years, we’ve been raising awareness and engaging
anglers to help prevent the spread of AIS. Finally, we have smart tools that
empower people to do the right thing,” said Pat Conzemius, Wildlife Forever conservation
director.
Boaters can use the CD3 cleaning stations to learn the best
management practices of cleaning, draining, drying and disposing of bait (CD3).
The stations include compressed air, a wet/dry vacuum, marine lights and a
series of low-tech, cable-tethered tools.
“Everyone likes a clean boat, so we’ve developed a product
to help keep your boat looking great while preventing the spread of invasive
species,” said Ed Rudberg, CD3 CEO.
The cleaning stations will provide boaters with 24/7
education and tools at a cost similar to staffing an access with an inspector
for limited hours. The waterless and solar-powered stations are cost-effective
to install and maintain, meaning more local governments could soon begin taking
advantage of this resource.
A multifaceted approach to preventing AIS
“Preserving the health and vitality of our lakes and streams
is an important part of Hennepin County's environmental mission,” said Hennepin
County Commissioner Jan Callison. “The
innovative cleaning station being installed in Spring Park is an example of how
local governments and agencies have the ability to get creative in educating
the public and providing services so that we make lasting impacts.”
Hennepin County
receives about $300,000 a year from the State of Minnesota for AIS prevention efforts,
including:
- Early detection efforts, such as training
volunteers to identify AIS found in nearby regions
- Analyzing other pathways of spread through pet
stores, garden centers and private accesses
- Building awareness and providing hands-on
education opportunities
- Enhancing existing inspections and
decontamination efforts
- Funding research and management of AIS
Learn
more about these efforts.
About the partners
Wildlife Forever’s Clean Drain Dry
Initiative is a leading invasive species prevention campaign. Using
consistent best management practices to guide marketing and outreach services,
the initiative leverages many unique tools for on-the-ground outreach and
education.
CD3, a Minnesota-based company, developed the watercraft cleaning station. The company
strives to develop innovative technologies that empower people to reduce the
spread of AIS.
Additional project partners include the Initiative
Foundation with funding from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation and Three Rivers Park District.
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