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Solar Powered Watercraft Cleaning Station Debuted in Minnesota

 Aug 23rd, 2017 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Aug 23rd, 2017 at 12:00 AM

White Bear Lake, MN – Wildlife Forever and CD3 General Benefit Corporation unveils its latest tools in the battle against invasive species, a solar powered Watercraft Cleaning Station. The new Clean Drain Dry Dispose (CD3) Watercraft Cleaning Station welcomes boaters, offering free use of tools to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
 
With funding provided by Hennepin County, the Initiative Foundation, Outdoor Heritage Fund and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this new station, located on Lake Minnetonka, provides tools located at the boat ramp to assist boaters and anglers with cleaning equipment to prevent spreading zebra mussels and other foreign invaders.

Made in Minnesota, By Boaters for Boaters, CD3 Stations™ facilitate the on-site cleaning of aquatic invasive species with simple steps of Clean Drain Dry and disposing of unused bait in the trash.  CD3 Stations are waterless and include a high-pressure air gun, a powerful wet/dry vacuum, marine lights and a series of tethered hand tools. Stations are designed for self-use and do not require on-site, trained inspectors to operate. View the demo here:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV3Y4AV4zzA&feature=youtu.be

“For years, we’ve used education and outreach to influence AIS prevention, now we finally have a smart set of tools that allow people to use what they’ve learned and take action against invasive species,” said Pat Conzemius, Conservation Director of Wildlife Forever. “This is as simple as using a welcome mat to clean or remove your shoes. It’s the first line of defense in keeping our lakes clean,” said Conzemius.
 
“Everyone likes a clean boat, so we’ve developed a product to help keep your boat looking great while preventing the spread of invasives. With access closure being a real threat, we feel this is a simple tool that people can use to protect their lakes,” said Ed Rudberg, CEO of CD3 Watercraft Cleaning Station.

CD3 stations feature innovative technology and are connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) via sensors on each tool and use a cellular gateway to collect use patterns and functionality. The software and real-time data can then be used to monitor and quantify usage and cost savings.
 
The Clean Drain Dry Initiative™ is the national campaign to educate outdoor recreational users on how to prevent the spread of invasive species. Coordinated messaging drives best management practices content, marketing communications and tools on how to prevent. To learn about services and how you can participate, contact Pat Conzemius, [email protected] or visit www.CleanDrainDry.org.
 
Wildlife Forever (WF): Wildlife Forever’s mission is to conserve America’s wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat and management of fish and wildlife.  For 30 years, WF members have helped to conduct thousands of fish, game and habitat conservation projects across the country. Recent audit reveals a 94% to mission rating.  To join and learn more about the award-winning programs, including work to engage America’s youth, visit www.WildlifeForever.org.
 
CD3 Watercraft Cleaning Station™: By Boaters for Boaters is more than our tagline. At CD3, General Benefit Corporation, we understand what it’s like to be tired at the end of a long day of boating. We all just want to go home. This is why we’ve worked hard to make CD3 Watercraft Cleaning Stations as quick, easy, and intuitive as possible to help boaters prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. It is our quest to maintain open access for all waterbodies while keeping them free of AIS. CD3 Watercraft Cleaning Stations are beautifully designed and inspire boaters to want to use them, not to feel required. We’ve provided everything, so you don’t have to, because everyone likes a clean boat. Learn more at: http://www.cd3station.com Cleaning Station Video: https://youtu.be/IV3Y4AV4zzA
 
 

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