Tomorrow, in conjunction with Minnesota’s fishing opener, is “Clean Drain Dry Day.”
The conservation proclamation, sponsored by Wildlife Forever and Beltrami County, highlights the importance of fishing and boating, and how invasive species are a direct threat to lakes, rivers and local economies.
New reports show fishing licenses are up 41 percent compared to last year at this time.
New anglers are encouraged to practice the preventative measures to keep aquatic invasive species out of our lakes and rivers.
The DNR-managed boat launches will be open, they say, but some may not have all amenities for fishing opener.
All DNR-managed public water accesses are open for use; however, the water may be high, the ramp may have some damage, or the dock may not be installed. As well, hundreds of sites – while functional – may need additional repairs because winter’s freezing temperatures and ice caused concrete to crack and buckle, so anglers should exercise extra caution when launching and loading boats this spring.
The DNR is strongly encouraging “close to home” guidelines to minimize potential virus transmission. These guidelines include no overnight stays, bring all needed supplies with you, and only go as far as you can travel and return on a single tank of gas or single charge for electric vehicle drivers.
