In This Issue
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 (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:
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Clean watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
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Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
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Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
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Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
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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:
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Decontaminate watercraft and equipment ? find free stations on the Courtesy Decontamination page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/Decon).
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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).
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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 (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 (mndnr.gov/AIS).
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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?(mndnr.gov/Safety/Vehicle/ATV), as are?ATV regulations (mndnr.gov/Regulations/OHV).
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