Minnesota Opener Declared Clean Drain Dry Day

White Bear Lake, MN - To celebrate Minnesota’s fishing opener on Saturday, May 11, Gov. Tim Walz declared the day Clean Drain Dry Day, spotlighting invasive species and how all boaters and anglers can help preserve a robust fishing pastime and state economy.

Home to 1.4 million anglers, fishing in Minnesota generates more than $2.6 billion of economic activity and supports over 26,000 jobs. That’s right, 26,000 jobs. Invasive species are a direct serious threat now to local economies and recreationists accessing public waters. Preventing and managing the spread of harmful invasive species is up to everyone.

Wildlife Forever applauds the many partners combating invasive species from soil and watershed conservation districts, lake associations, county, state and federal agencies along with non-governmental organizations united under a common theme of Clean Drain Dry.

Here’s one simple directive for all bait anglers; Trash Unused Bait!

Nonnative minnows and worms can do serious harm on land and in the water. Working with partners across the state, Wildlife Forever coordinates statewide public outreach and educational efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species.

“Clean Drain Dry Day is a great opportunity for all anglers to get back into the mindset of cleaning all equipment and gear to prevent accidental spread of invasive species. I’m happy to see Governor Walz recognizing the treasure our lakes and rivers are in supporting our local economies and the Minnesota way of life,” said Pat Conzemius, President and CEO of Wildlife Forever.

This year, Albert Lea hosted the 2019 Governor’s Fishing Opener. Local groups planned to send a strong Clean Drain Dry message with highway billboards, sidewalk boards, posters and handouts to the public.

Click here to see WCCO-TV’s video report on the Opener, including a big northern pike caught by Wildlife Forever’s Doug Grann while the camera was rolling.

Wildlife Forever would like to remind all boaters, anglers, property owners and businesses to spread the Clean Drain Dry message and protect our local waters from invasive species. Do your part this fishing and boating season: Clean. Drain. Dry. all boats, trailers and gear.

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The Clean Drain Dry Initiative™ is a national campaign to educate outdoor recreational users on how to prevent the spread of invasive species. Coordinated messaging focuses on strategic content, marketing communications and outreach tools on how to prevent. To learn how you can participate, contact: Dane Huinker: DHuinker@WildlifeForever.org

About Wildlife Forever (WF): Wildlife Forever’s mission is to conserve America's wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat and management of fish and wildlife. For over 30 years, WF members have helped fund thousands of fish, game and habitat conservation projects across the country. To join or learn about the award-winning programs, including work to engage America’s youth in our nation’s outdoor heritage and stewardship, visit www.WildlifeForever.org. Get involved, donate and help prevent the spread of invasive species, at www.CleanDrainDry.org