FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
White Bear Lake, MN — Wildlife Forever announced today the donation of four watercraft cleaning stations to the states of Nevada and Colorado, supporting ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and protect the nation’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
Unchecked, AIS like quagga mussels, zebra mussels, and Eurasian watermilfoil disrupt critical ecosystems, clog water infrastructure, smother native fisheries, and threaten human and environmental health alike. The watercraft cleaning stations get ahead of the spread. At public boat ramps across Nevada and Colorado, the stations will provide boaters and anglers with improved access and essential equipment to the first line of defense against AIS: Clean-Drain-Dry best practices.
“Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species requires working together," said Pat Conzemius, President & CEO of Wildlife Forever.
As boaters and anglers work together to prevent the transportation and spread of AIS after each day on the water, Clean-Drain-Dry also demonstrates the value of collaboration across government agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs). The donations are part of a strategic partnership between the Bureau of Land Management and (501)(c)(3) nonprofit Wildlife Forever, who are working in close coordination with state officials to strengthen AIS prevention efforts on public lands and waters.
"Utilizing the tremendous efficiencies of NGO networks, state and federal agencies benefit by putting watercraft cleaning stations where people need them, reinforcing the Clean-Drain-Dry behaviors," said Conzemius.
Through this partnership, Wildlife Forever has focused on improving public awareness while enhancing access to watercraft cleaning resources and delivering targeted communications to boaters and anglers.
“I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Wildlife Forever for their donating the CD3 [Clean-Drain-Dry] Watercraft Cleaning Stations," said Alan Jenne, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife. "The associated units and signage at Wilson and Comins Reservoir will help prevent AIS across Nevada and the Western United States."
The rippling impacts continue across public waterways and state parks in Colorado. “Colorado Parks and Wildlife is grateful to Wildlife Forever for supporting state efforts to protect Colorado's waters from AIS. I look forward to this continued partnership-based approach,” said Robert Walters, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Invasive Species Program Manager.
Like the bodies of water protected through Clean-Drain-Dry, this partnership-based approach is not confined to state borders. Wildlife Forever recognizes the U.S. Department of the Interior and Bureau of Land Management for its continued commitment to AIS prevention, including national partnership networks that bring together federal agencies, state agencies, NGOs, and local stakeholders.
Take Action: Clean-Drain-Dry Steps to Stop the Spread
Wildlife Forever encourages all boaters, anglers, hunters, and communities hitting the water to make Clean-Drain-Dry part of every trip:
Clean boats, boots, trailers, gear, and equipment after leaving the water.
Drain all water from boats, bait buckets, live wells, bilges, and other equipment.
Dry equipment completely before visiting another waterbody.
Together, these simple actions can help stop the spread of invasive species and safeguard the waters that support recreation, wildlife, and communities across the country.
Wildlife Forever leads the national Clean-Drain-Dry Initiative and provides ready-to-use watercraft cleaning stations, education materials, marketing, communications, brand support, and strategic guidance to support state and federal agencies and effectively engage recreational users on AIS prevention.
Dive Deeper: Additional Resources
Free Tool for Traveling Boaters: Inspecting your boat or other watercraft for aquatic invasive species is required in many states. Expect2Inspect is a FREE mapping tool that ensures your watercraft is safe, secure, and free of aquatic invasive species. Within a few clicks, you can find a location, get an inspection, and get back to recreation. You can also discover self-service, free-to-use cleaning stations, plus a list of laws and regulations on AIS for every state.
Congressional Invasive Species Map: From local woodlands to national waterways, aquatic invasive species have spread widely. Project 435 visualizes their impact across all 435 U.S. congressional districts — offering a finer, more localized view than traditional statewide maps. What patterns emerge, and how can we act to reduce future spread?
SHARE: This press release was published through multiple news outlets, including The Outdoor Wire and The Fishing Wire. Show support for our nonprofit efforts by sharing this story widely. Connect with us over email at Info@WildlifeForever.org or on social media (Facebook and Instagram): @thewildllifeforever @birdartcontest @fishartcontest
ABOUT: Wildlife Forever is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to conserving America’s outdoor heritage through conservation education, habitat restoration, and scientific management of fish and wildlife. For more information, please visit: www.WildlifeForever.org