Governor Tim Walz, in partnership with Wildlife Forever, has officially proclaimed Saturday, May 9, as Minnesota Clean Drain Dry Day. Timed with the Minnesota Fishing Opener, the annual observance highlights the importance of preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) as anglers and boaters take to the water.
"Minnesota's lakes and rivers are our most treasured natural resources. If we want to protect our waters for the future, educating people to Clean Drain Dry is the best way to prevent the spread," said Zach Burnside, Conservation Program Manager for Wildlife Forever.
Click here to view the proclamation: MN Clean Drain Dry Day
Recent research proves that the Clean Drain Dry message is effective at reducing the spread of aquatic invasive species and preserves our lakes and fisheries.
Unfortunately, recent legislative budget cuts threaten to reverse years of statewide prevention efforts. Counties and municipalities will soon face a fifty percent cut to programs that conduct education, monitoring, and boat cleaning equipment. While some lakes and rivers have AIS, the risk of spread can be greatly reduced with continued education, cleaning tools at the access, and consistent Clean Drain Dry messaging.
Wildlife Forever encourages the public to contact their elected officials to reinstate the County Prevention Aid program in support of community driven AIS prevention efforts.
Simple steps go a long way:
- Clean all aquatic plants, mud, and debris from boats, trailers, and gear
- Drain all water from boats, live wells, and equipment
- Dry everything thoroughly before entering another waterbody
- Dispose of unused bait properly, never release it into the water
The Clean Drain Dry Initiative remains a leading national campaign focused on educating outdoor recreationists through clear messaging, access-based solutions, and partnerships. Efforts include installation of watercraft cleaning stations, educational signage, media campaigns, and community outreach programs.
For more information and to view the official proclamation, visit: WildlifeForever.org