Keep our lakes clean from aquatic invasive species!  Clean Drain Dry!

Contact:  Judy Johnston, Stevens SWCD — judy.johnston@stevensswcd.org

Dane Huinker – Wildlife Forever – Dhuinker@wildlifeforever.org

(Morris, MN) – As fishing and boating seasons officially kick off on Saturday, May 15^th, Wildlife Forever, (Stevens SWCD) and leading conservation groups from across the state and country proclaim Saturday, May 15^th as Clean Drain Dry Day. Supporting organizations have signed a Conservation Proclamation to highlight the importance of invasive species awareness when boating and angling.

During the pandemic, millions of new boaters and anglers purchased boats, fishing licenses and equipment, in search of safe outdoor activities. Educating this new audience about invasive species and the Clean Drain Dry conservation practices is important to protect the resource and future of outdoor recreation. Invasive species are preventable; their spread can be slowed by giving every craft a thorough inspection before and after entering a waterbody.

“Fishing and boating season is a great time to enjoy the thousands of lakes and waterways that Minnesota has to offer. However, to protect our state’s waters we must be diligent. Invasive species are preventable, and everyone needs to do their part to stop the spread. Every boat, every time,” said Sarah Strommen, MN Department of Natural Resources Commissioner.

Fishing and boating generate 300 billion dollars to the U.S. economy where revenues are used to fund habitat restoration, stocking, and other conservation efforts. Invasive species pose a direct threat to local economies and natural resources by reducing biodiversity, water quality and impeding access for recreation. Clean Drain Dry Day is a moment to remind all recreational users of the simple steps to help prevent invasive species spread.

Organizations supporting May 15^th as Clean Drain Dry Day include:

 National: American Sportfishing Association, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, Boat US Foundation, CD3, Major League Fishing, Marine Max, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, National Marine Manufacturers Association, National Professional Anglers Association, North American Invasive Species Management Association, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, Rep Your Water, TruFishing, Wildlife Forever, Wired2Fish, Yamaha Rightwaters.

State/Local: North Dakota Game and Fish, Ohio DNR Division of Wildlife, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, Beltrami County, Benton County, Crow Wing County, Nicollet County, North St. Louis SWCD, Red Lake County SWCD, Sibley SWCD, Wright SWCD, The Maine B.A.S.S. Nation, The Michigan B.A.S.S Nation, Upper Sugar River Watershed Association, Voyageurs Conservancy.

“Minnesota is a leader with invasive species prevention. I want to thank (Governor Walz for his support in recognizing the countless partners working together to protect our natural resources. I look forward to working more closely with our industry and community stakeholders,” said Pat Conzemius, President & CEO of Wildlife Forever.

“(Organization) is dedicated to protecting our community from the impacts caused by AIS. I want to thank our local and state partners for working together to educate the importance of Clean Drain Dry,” said (NAME).

Clean Drain Dry Day also kicks off National Invasive Species Awareness Week with activities planned across the country. Contact your local organizations to organize activities such as: public awareness events, invasive species removal projects, or meetings with elected officials to engage them on how they can help better protect local communities from invasive species.

View Governor Walz Clean Drain Dry Day Proclamation here: https://www.wildlifeforever.org/2021/05/11/governor-proclaims-clean-drain-dry-day/

Clean Drain Dry Initiative™ – Designed nationally, implemented locally, it is the national campaign to educate outdoor recreational users on how to prevent the spread of invasive species. Coordinated messaging focuses on consistency, professional marketing, communication tools, and educational materials.

About Wildlife Forever: Our mission is to conserve America’s fish and wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat and management of fish and wildlife. Wildlife Forever is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to investing resources on the ground. Recent audits reveal that 96% of every dollar supports our award-winning conservation programs.  Join Today. To learn more about Wildlife Forever membership and conservation programs, visit:  www.WildlifeForever.org.

Stevens SWCD:

The mission of Stevens Soil and Water Conservation District is to work with county landowners in putting conservation practices on the land and to help all citizens be good stewards of our natural resources. www.stevensswcd.org

Stevens County Planning & Zoning adapts new ordinance for agriculture buildings below

SWCD Newsletter Insert

Congratulations! Jonah Warzecha, 5^th grade student at Morris Area Elementary, his teacher was Mrs. Bauleke.  This year’s theme for the contest was, “Where would we BEE without Pollinators”.  Jonah was one of three winners to be selected in our 12 county area. Attached you will see a photo his outstanding project!  Thanks for a job well done Jonah!