The Keep It Clean Coalition is growing rapidly and will have an incredible presence at this year’s state fair!  Keep it Clean addresses the growing problem of garbage and waste left on the ice by ice anglers, campers and recreationists through education, legislation and enforcement (https://keepitcleanmn.org).

In May, the team’s grassroots effort paid off and the Keep It Clean bill, introduced by Representative Andrew Myers, was signed into law. Effective July 1, 2023, it is illegal to place garbage and waste on or under the ice on Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.

To help raise awareness of the challenges, solutions and the new MN law, the Keep It Clean Coalition is holding a media event on Friday, August 25, at 11 a.m. at its new traveling Keep It Clean educational wheelhouse, located outside on the DNR Building and Park grounds on Clough Street at the Minnesota State Fair.

Beloved writer, television personality and President of MN-FISH Ron Schara, MPCA Manager North Section Theresa Haugen, Keep It Clean Founding Member Joe Henry, DNR Conservation Officers and others will be at the event to make remarks and answer questions.

In addition, a 10-foot mural by local artist Amy Marie Kulseth will be on display. The painting, commissioned for the benefit of Keep It Clean, illustrates how trash is polluting our lakes and how good stewardship lends itself to a vibrant and healthy fishery (https://www.facebook.com/AmyMarieArtFanpage). A fun ice fishing cutout will also enable people to take pics of themselves and post on social media.