Governor Declared Clean. Drain. Dry !
Governor Dayton Proclaims: Clean Drain Dry Day!
For Immediate Release
May 12, 2018
Under cloak of darkness, in search of the elusive walleye, at 12:01 am Saturday, May 12th, Governor Mark Dayton will cast his line and officially proclaim, Clean Drain Dry Day, signaling the start to the Minnesota Fishing Opener! With over 1.6 million anglers hitting the waters, the Fishing Opener is the perfect opportunity to educate anglers on the importance of invasive species prevention.
Wildlife Forever recognizes county partners, lake associations and the many organizations and individuals who have united under a common theme of Clean Drain Dry to ensure clean waters, open access and a vibrant outdoor economy.
The Briggs Lake Chain Association recognizes that Minnesota communities rely on healthy natural resources and citizens engaged in the fight against invasive species.
Working with partners across the state, Wildlife Forever coordinates community-based outreach, marketing and educational resources to slow the spread of invasive species.
“Clean Drain Dry unites all Minnesotans. Together, we are making a difference. Over 95% of the public comply with state AIS laws. That’s incredible and proof that what we’re doing is working to keep our lakes and streams healthy”, said Pat Conzemius, Executive Vice President of Wildlife Forever. “We are grateful for BLCA working to educate the importance of AIS prevention.”
Minnesota is home to some of America’s finest fishing and boating waters. Clean Drain Dry is simple and only takes a few seconds to do. As the national AIS prevention message, visitors from other states are likely to have seen or heard about it from boat inspectors, on television, or new watercraft cleaning stations. Easy behaviors are also reiterated on highway billboards, print ads, even flyers in bait shops and store front windows.
Do your part this fishing and boating season: Clean. Drain. Dry. all boats, trailers and gear.
EURASIAN MILFOIL ON RUSH LAKE.
Eurasian watermilfoil closeup (EWM)
- (EWM) was detected on Rush Lake during the survey to map the 2014 treatment areas for the invasive curlyleaf pondweed that infests Briggs, Rush and Julia.
EWM Handpulling bagged plant
- Make double sure boats, trailers, jet skis, docks, swim platforms, etc. are carefully inspected, properly cleaned and dried before they are transported from our lakes.
EWM Handpulling diver
Determining weather there is EWM or Northern milfoil takes practice.
EWM Handpulling
Please learn about identification, prevention and treatment. We need everyone’s help.
Oak Wilt
Winter is the time to get the dead oak branches trimmed and removed.
We live in Oak Wilt territory and are in the highest danger season April, May and June for spreading Oak Wilt. While all species of oak can be affected, oaks in the red oak group (oaks with pointed lobes on their leaves) are by far the most susceptible and are probably the most abundant tree in our yards. Northern red and pin oaks can die within two to three months of infection. White oaks are the most resistant and may survive for years after infection. Bur oaks are intermediate and may die within two to three years of infection.
Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has killed millions of ash trees since 2002.
Minnesota currently has the largest Ash tree population in the United States.
Don’t move firewood to or from your lake home from long distances.
(You typically can’t see if firewood is infested or not, so why take the risk?)
Emerald Ash Borer is on its destructive path (CLICK HERE FOR KARE 11 STORY)
It is spreading too! Now only 6.5 miles east and southeast of Elk River: (CLICK HERE FOR MAP)
Early detection is critical to minimizing tree loss and the subsequent loss of environmental benefits.