White Bear Lake, MN – Wildlife Forever and Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that the two organizations have signed an important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to combat the spread of invasive species.The new MOU will work to integrate Clean Drain Dry communications and marketing through tournament operations, angler education, and community outreach. Professional anglers are ambassadors for the fishing industry but also key conservationists in working to protect the sport.

“At MLF our focus is to provide the best platform for professional anglers to compete and improve their skills on America’s world class fisheries. Invasive species are a huge threat to our sport and our anglers play a role in preventing spread. We’re proud to join the Clean Drain Dry Initiative in efforts to educate our anglers, our fans and ultimately protect the resources where we make our living,” said Don Rucks, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager.

Integrating the Clean Drain Dry Initiative brand with professional anglers will give them the right tools to prevent spread and inspire their followers and fans to do the same. As professional anglers tour the country competing on top fisheries, preventing spread of invasive species is a top priority. By working closely with Wildlife Forever, MLF anglers will have access to a broad suite of professional media and marketing assets to learn prevention techniques and demonstrate their commitment to conservation.

“Professional anglers are some of our nation’s best conservationists. They invest millions of dollars into local communities and know the critical importance of healthy and sustainable natural resources. This partnership will equip anglers with gear and communication tools to help prevent aquatic invasive species. From custom boat wraps to logos on fishing jerseys, the Clean Drain Dry message can become a badge of honor to showcase their commitment,” said Pat Conzemius, President and CEO of Wildlife Forever.

About the Clean Drain Dry Initiative: The Wildlife Forever Clean Drain Dry Initiative is the national campaign to educate outdoor recreational users on how to prevent the spread of invasive species. Strategic communications, marketing, outreach, and educational services provide access to consistent messaging and tailored AIS prevention planning. To learn more, visit www.CleanDrainDry.org

About Major League Fishing: Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, the Discovery Channel, the Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, the World Fishing Network, the Sportsman Channel and on-demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with offices in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 13 countries. In 2019 MLF acquired FLW and rebranded it as MLF BIG5, which expanded its portfolio of catch, weigh and immediately release events to include the sport’s strongest five-biggest-fish format tournament circuits. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams, and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement, and fish care.

Major League Fishing – WE ARE Bass Fishing™

About Wildlife Forever: Our mission is to conserve America's wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat and management of fish and wildlife. Wildlife Forever is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to investing resources on the ground. Recent audits reveal that 96% of every dollar supports our award-winning conservation programs. Join Today and learn more about the Art of Conservation® programs, Clean Drain Dry Initiative™ and Prairie City USA® at www.WildlifeForever.org.

Contact:
Priscila S. Rockwood, prockwood@wildlifeforever.org