Wildlife Forever and WICOLA Proclaim Minnesota Clean Drain Dry Day

For Immediate Release:

May 9^th, 2020
Contact: White Iron Chain of Lakes Association: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

White Bear Lake, MN - To celebrate Minnesota’s fishing opener, Wildlife Forever, along with the White Iron Chain of Lakes Association and leading fishing, boating and conservation groups proclaim Saturday, May 9^th as Clean Drain Dry Day. The Conservation Proclamation highlights the importance of fishing and boating and how invasive species are a direct threat to lakes, rivers and local economies. Simple Clean Drain Dry steps are the best ways to prevent the spread but it’s up to everyone to do their part. 

New reports show fishing license sales are up by 41% compared to last year at this time. Clean Drain Dry Day serves as a great conservation reminder for new anglers and affirms that fishing and boating are great ways to enjoy the outdoors while socially distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Proclamation partners include: Babe Winkleman Productions, B.A.S.S., CD3, Fishing League Worldwide, (FLW), Linder Media, Majk Solutions, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, National Marine Manufacturer Association, National Professional Angler Association, Outdoor Sportsman’s Group, Pennaz Multimedia, Rapala, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, Wildlife Forever, Wired2Fish.

“I’m proud to be joined by local and national leaders in recognizing the importance of invasive species prevention,” said Pat Conzemius, President and CEO of Wildlife Forever. “Get out, enjoy your local waters, give each other some space and remember to wear your mask when around others.”

“Invasive species are preventable if we all do our part to Clean Drain Dry, every time,” said Jeff Pike.

Wildlife Forever and WICOLA would like to remind all boaters and anglers of the MN DNR’s recommendations to maintain 6 feet of social distance at fuel stations, docks, on the water, fish with people in your household, and stay close to home this fishing opener. View the Conservation Proclamation here: https://www.wildlifeforever.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/MN-Clean-Drain-Dry-Day-Proclamation-Final-PDF-FINAL.pdf

Do your part this fishing and boating season: Clean Drain Dry all boats, trailers and gear. And remember to Trash Unused Bait or bring water from home to preserve minnows and leaches.

The Clean Drain Dry Initiative™ is a state and 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.

Working with partners, Wildlife Forever coordinates statewide public outreach and educational efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species. Local counties, lake associations, and tribal associations plan to send a strong Clean Drain Dry message in 2020. Highway billboards, television and radio PSAs, sidewalk boards, posters and handouts to the public have all been planned to share the message across the state. To learn how you can participate, contact:  Dane Huinker: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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 94% of every dollar supports our award-winning conservation programs. Please, Join Today and learn more about the State-Fish Art Contest®, Clean Drain Dry Initiative™ and Prairie City USA® at  www.WildlifeForever.org.