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DNR Wants Anglers To 'Think Zero' At Opener

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wants anglers to "think zero" at this year's walleye and northern pike opener.

The agency wants every angler to commit to transporting zero aquatic invasive species this year.

The DNR says aquatic invaders can easily be carried from one lake to another if aquatic plants and water are left on a boat or trailer. By taking a few precautions, the agency says anglers can cut the risk of spreading zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterfleas.

DNR enforcement operations manager Phil Meier says if the agency can reach its goal of zero aquatic invasive species violations this year, it's possible Minnesota can end the year with no new infestations caused by people.

Conservation officers wrote more than 400 citations last year.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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