White Bear Lake, MN – With Republican and Democrat presidential campaigns now at full capacity, policy and issues will become center stage for candidates and debates. From the economy to the foreign policy, lines will be drawn but for the environment and issues such as invasive species, Wildlife Forever is hopeful that with Vice-Presidential candidate Tim Walz’s track record on aquatic invasive species, (AIS) he can deal a new hand.
Since 2019, Governor Walz and the Minnesota state legislature have appropriated $10 million annually to be distributed statewide to counties and municipalities to fund AIS prevention activities. Much of the funding supports summer watercraft inspection programs. Funds are also used to bolster community outreach and public awareness initiatives to remind boaters and anglers to Clean Drain and Dry watercraft. Counties are also starting to install desperately needed watercraft cleaning equipment at public boat landings.
Preventing invasive species is a major concern not only for lakes and rivers, but also for tourism and the economy. Nationally, invasive species are one of the top culprits to the listing of threatened and endangered species. They also cost the economy over $140 billion dollars in losses. In Minnesota, the model to prevent invasive species works by appropriating funds to empower communities to take action at the local level. It supports partnerships that work across jurisdictions. It funds education and marketing to get the message in front of the public.
“Unfortunately, many of these elements are lacking at a federal level,” said Pat Conzemius, President & CEO. “Across the country, state and federal agencies are at capacity. We’re hopeful that as policy and key issues are identified by both parties, that Governor Walz will lean on his experience and bipartisan approach to make AIS a top national priority,” said Conzemius.
Governor Walz, a tested hunter and angler, has used the MN Walleye Fishing Opener as a statewide platform to advocate for outdoor tourism and local communities. Proclaiming the opener as Clean Drain Dry Day has also been a special feature to highlight the importance of clean water and healthy fisheries.
The Clean Drain Dry Initiative™ is a state and nationally implemented public awareness campaign to educate outdoor recreational users on how to prevent the spread of invasive species. Access based solutions such as watercraft cleaning equipment, modern signage, and coordinated messaging, focuses on strategic content, marketing communications, and outreach & educational tools.
