May 9, 2024



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*Minnesota DNR News
*




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*

May 9, 2024




*For more information:* <[email protected]>

Contact the DNR Information Center
by?email? <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367.





In This Issue

* During fishing opener weekend and always: clean, drain, dispose to help protect Minnesota waters [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* Work has begun on the Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail at Maplewood State Park [ #link_1491411977526 ]

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During fishing opener weekend and always: clean, drain, dispose to help protect Minnesota waters

The approaching walleye fishing season comes with a reminder from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to always follow state laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

It?s important for anglers to take a few minutes for invasive species prevention every time a boat comes out of the water.

DNR Invasive Species Program Supervisor Kelly Pennington said that?s true whether an enforcement officer or watercraft inspector is present or not.

?All anglers and boaters in Minnesota are required to take three simple steps: clean, drain, dispose,? Pennington said. ?It?s not only the best way to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, but it?s also the law in Minnesota.?

People must clean aquatic plants and debris from watercraft, drain lake or river water and keep drain plugs out during transport, and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash, not in the water.

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:?


* *Clean* watercraft, trailers and gear to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.?
* *Drain* all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.?
* *Dispose* of unwanted bait in the trash.?
* *Never release* bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.?
* *Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days *before moving them from one water body to another.?

These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:?


* *Decontaminate *watercraft, trailers and gear ? find free stations on the courtesy decontamination webpage of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/decon).?
* *Spray* watercraft, trailers and gear with high-pressure water or *rinse* with very hot water (120 degrees for at least two minutes or 140 degrees for at least 10 seconds).?
* *Dry* watercraft, trailers and gear for at least five days before using in another water body.?

The DNR appreciates the efforts and collaboration of everyone engaged in aquatic invasive species prevention and management, including Wildlife Forever, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee, the University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, lake service providers and other outdoor recreation businesses, lake associations, recreation and hobbyist groups, tribal natural resource managers, and local governments receiving aquatic invasive species prevention aid.

People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they have found an invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.?

More information is available on the aquatic invasive species webpage of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/ais).?

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Work has begun on the Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail at Maplewood State Park

Construction is underway on the 3.8-mile segment of the Heart of the Lakes Trail that winds through the woods, prairies and lakes of Maplewood State Park.

The Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail is a 10-foot wide, 32-mile long, multi-use recreational trail that will connect the communities of Perham and Pelican Rapids via Maplewood State Park. The trail is an important component of the state and regional trail system in west central Minnesota and is intended for use by walkers, joggers, hikers, bicyclists, dog walkers, inline skaters and snowmobilers. It provides direct access to several popular lakes and allows users to experience many breathtaking vistas.

?Building and constructing a sustainable trail through Maplewood State Park is a tremendous opportunity to create an outstanding outdoor recreational experience for future generations,? said Don DelGreco, Maplewood State Park manager. ?The trail corridor will weave through remarkable natural resources, preserving the balance of stewardship and protection of those resources while providing for safe, accessible, and enriching outdoor experiences for current and future generations.?

The park will remain open during the project, which is anticipated to be completed by fall 2024. Construction updates and notification of any trail closures will be available via signs and maps at key locations throughout the park.

Project work will occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. Visitors are encouraged to avoid the construction area to ensure public safety and the safety of the work crews. Some sections of park trails intersecting the construction area might be closed during construction.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Otter Tail County, the cities of Perham and Pelican Rapids, the West Central Initiative and PartnerSHIP4Health partnered to develop the Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail Master Plan. Funding for trail design and development came from state bonding and the Parks and Trails Fund. The Parks and Trails Fund was created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in November 2008. The Parks and Trails Fund receives 14.25 percent of the three-eighths percent sales tax revenue that may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance.

Ongoing updates on construction will be available on the Maplewood State Park webpage of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/maplewood).

Learn more about the Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail [ [link removed] ] (ottertailcounty.gov/location/heart-of-the-lakes-trail) on the Otter Tail County website.

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