June 16, 2022



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*Minnesota DNR News
*




*For Immediate Release:*

June 16, 2022




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





In This Issue

* Take the pledge to prevent aquatic invasive species spread [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* Carlton man named 2021 ATV Safety Instructor of the Year [ #link_1491411977526 ]
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Take the pledge to prevent aquatic invasive species spread

Heading into the summer recreation season, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is rolling out a new online pledge to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Anyone 18 or older can go to the new Pledge to Protect Minnesota Waters page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/AISPledge) to take the pledge and upload a photo, if desired. The pledge affirms that participants will follow Minnesota?s ?Clean, Drain, Dispose? laws and will encourage others to do so.?

?The pledge allows people to demonstrate their commitment to protect Minnesota waters,? said Tina Fitzgerald, aquatic invasive species prevention planner. ?Aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels, starry stonewort and Eurasian watermilfoil, are spread by people, which means people can prevent their spread.?

Visitors to the page can also see other public pledges and share the page with friends.

Regardless of the activity?boating, paddling, fishing, moving shoreline equipment, using recreational gear on the water, or caring for aquarium pets or water gardens?everyone can pledge to do their part and take several simple actions to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Be sure to follow Minnesota laws:


* *Clean* watercraft, trailers and equipment 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.

And take these additional steps to reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species whenever possible:


* *Decontaminate *watercraft and equipment ? find free stations on the Courtesy Decontamination page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/Decon).
* *Spray* 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 and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.

People should contact an area DNR aquatic invasive species specialist [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/AISContacts) if they think they have found any invasive species that has not already been confirmed in a lake or river.

More information is available on the Aquatic Invasive Species page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/AIS).

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Carlton man named 2021 ATV Safety Instructor of the Year

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has named Eric Senarighi, a Carlton resident and president of the Carlton County Riders ATV Club, as the 2021 ATV Safety Instructor of the Year.

Senarighi is a longtime ATV enthusiast who has taught ATV safety, through the club and individually, for years. The club trains about 100 kids per year during classes in the spring and fall. In addition to prioritizing responsible habits and providing students the foundation for a lifetime of safe riding, Senarighi focuses on outreach that ensures ATV riders maintain positive relationships with landowners and others.

?Carlton County is a great place to ride, and that?s due in no small part to Eric?s dedication to all aspects of the sport,? said Lt. Scott Staples, who supervises DNR conservation officers in District 10. ?The people in Carlton County and beyond are lucky to have someone like him to ensure the riding opportunities today will be there in the future as well.?

Senarighi was instrumental in the creation of a memorial ATV ride called ?Klick it for Kyle,? which reminds riders of the importance of wearing helmets and seat belts and practicing safe riding behavior. The ride is in memory of Kyle Ringhoffer, who died in 2019 in a utility terrain vehicle accident. He also organizes an annual ?Friendship Ride? in which club members give ATV rides to disabled young adults, and a ?Lids for Kids? program in which each student who completes the Carlton County Riders ATV safety training course receives a brand-new helmet. As part of the program, 150 students have received helmets.

Senarighi is among the nearly 1,000 volunteer ATV safety instructors who work with DNR conservation officers to deliver ATV safety training certification. Details about safety courses and training are available on the?DNR website [ [link removed] ]?(mndnr.gov/Safety/Vehicle/ATV), as are?ATV regulations [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/Regulations/OHV).

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