Before you put your boat in the water this fishing season, please clean your boat, trailer, and gear, and drain all water from your boat and let it dry to make sure all possible invasive species are removed. There will be some watercraft inspectors out on the fishing opener and they can give you tips to keep invasive species free from area lakes.
At the stroke of midnight on Saturday, May 13th, Governor Mark Dayton will cast his line, proclaim Clean Drain Dry Day, signaling the start to a time honored tradition, the Minnesota Fishing Opener! With over 1.6 million anglers hitting the water, fishing opener is the perfect opportunity to educate anglers on the importance of invasive species prevention.
Clean Drain Dry Day recognizes county partners, lake associations, and the many advocates united under a common theme working to ensure clean water and a vibrant outdoor economy.
The Cook County AIS Program recognizes that energetic communities rely on healthy natural resources and citizens engaged in the fight against invasive species. By presenting the Clean Drain Dry Proclamation at the 2017 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener, all outdoor recreational users are reminded to take action and become part of the solution for protecting our lakes and rivers.
Working with county, state, federal, and tribal agencies, lake associations and civic groups, the Cook County AIS Program coordinates community outreach and education throughout the Arrowhead promoting conservation and stopping the spread of invasive species.
‘We can’t fight AIS alone,” said Cook County Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Amanda Weberg. “Clean Drain Dry unites everyone in prevention and I’m happy that Governor Dayton acknowledges the partner accomplishments in preventing the spread.
“I am thankful that people in Cook County are working to keep invasive species out of their lakes,” she said.
Minnesota is home to some of America’s finest fishing and boating waters. Clean Drain Dry is simple and easy to do and, as the national prevention message, visitors from other states are likely to have seen the message and know how to help. Visual reminders are posted throughout the state on highway billboards, at gas stations, boat ramps, bait shops, social media and on mobile devices.
In Grand Marais the North Shore Carwash has collaborated with the Cook County AIS Program to offer FREE self-serve boat wash services. Stop into NAPA Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to receive $5 towards washing your watercraft. Carwash hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Follow the boat wash instructions on the stall wall and know you are helping preserve our natural resources.
Do your part this fishing and boating season: Clean. Drain. Dry. All boats, trailers, and gear.
Spread the word, not the species!
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