ST. PAUL, Minn. — To help boaters prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, Minnesota is adding more than 200 "clean-and-drain" areas at boat launches this summer.
The Department of Natural Resources hopes the special areas will serve as reminders to boaters to clean and drain their boats properly by providing safe and convenient places to do this.
DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr says everyone who has a boat on a trailer has the personal responsibility to prevent the spread of invasive species, and these clean-and-drain areas will make that easier.
One aim is to put an end to the ugly piles of discarded seaweed and bait that are sometimes left behind on ramps or in parking areas because there weren't any designated places for disposing of these materials after they were removed from boats.
