The DNR produces public service announcements (PSAs) on many topics, including boat and water safety, the threat of invasive species, and protecting and sustaining nongame wildlife.
We rely on radio stations to convey these messages. This web page makes our PSAs easily available and timely by providing digital audio files for download.
Minnesota radio stations will continue to hear from us when a particular PSA is especially timely and as we create new PSAs. Please browse through these topics to find whatever fits your programming and audience.
If you have questions or concerns, contacts are listed below by category.
We appreciate your help communicating these important messages.
PSA clips are available for download in MP3 (*.mp3) format.
To download and save the audio files on your computer:
If you have any questions or comments, contact Tim Smalley, (651) 259-5354 or tim.smalley@state.mn.us.
2009 boating safety PSAs
| PSA title | Summary | Length | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Be vewy, vewy safe. |
"Dizzy Duck" offers duck boat safety tips to "Delmer Phud". |
:60 |
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Sounds of Nature |
Some sounds in nature are nicer than others. |
:60 |
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Sounds of Nature |
|
:30 |
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Beauty Pageant |
It's hard to explain why people don't wear lifejackets. |
:60 |
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Beauty Pageant |
:30 |
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Generation Gap |
Fathers sometimes teach their sons the wrong lessons when it comes to boating safety. |
:60 |
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Generation Gap |
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:30 |
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What makes a man? |
Sometimes manliness becomes a safety hazard. |
:60 |
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What makes a man? |
:30 |
2008 boating safety PSAs
| PSA title | Summary | Length | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Fishing Trip 2008 |
Grandson teaches grand dad an important lesson about the importance life jackets in cold water |
:60 |
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Good idea, bad idea - #A |
A series of humorous good idea/bad ideas reminding boaters to wear their life jackets. |
:30 |
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Good idea, bad idea - #B |
A series of humorous good idea/bad ideas reminding boaters not to let go of their steering. |
:30 |
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Good idea, bad idea - #C |
A series of humorous good idea/bad ideas reminding boaters to tow innertubes safely |
:60 |
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Cold Shower |
A reminder about the dangers of cold water shock. |
:60 |
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Ad Agency |
An ad agency's humorous brainstorming session to come up with a way to tell boaters how to safely tow innertubes. |
:60 |
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Sound Association |
A reminder to operators of Personal Watercraft (jet skis, wave runners, etc) to not let go of their throttle when turning. |
:60 |
Our 2007 boating safety PSAs address several common problems in boating safety in Minnesota: non-use of life vests by boaters, circle of death accidents, cold water shock and careless towing of tubes and other inflatable devices.
| PSA title | Summary | Length | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CSI: Minnesota |
'Circle of Death' boating accidents |
60 sec |
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CSI: Minnesota |
'Cold Water' boat related drownings |
60 sec |
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Don't you just hate it? |
Life jackets |
30 sec |
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Video Game |
Tubing accidents |
60 sec |
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Duck Hunting Boat Safety |
Duck hunters are reminded to wear their life jackets. According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, more duck hunters die from drowning accidents in their boats than by gunshot mishaps. This :60 spot, through the use of a humor, reminds hunters to not only bring along, but also to wear their lifejacket when they are in their duck boats. |
60 sec. |
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New life jacket law for children |
A new law requiring children to wear life jackets went into effect May 6, 2005. |
1 min. |
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Life jacket use - "Award show" |
At least 80-85% of all boating deaths would have been prevented if the victims had been wearing their life jackets and now with new attractive and comfortable life vests, there is no good reason not to wear one when you're boating. To help convince boaters of the importance of this, we have two ads - one is a humorous version of a Hollywood Awards Show - only it is a "Fishing Awards Show" taking place in Brainerd, Minnesota. |
30 sec. |
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Life jacket use - "Boat maniacs" |
This ad is a take off on the popular TV show "American Chopper" only in "Boat Maniacs," the father and son team "Takes ordinary boats and makes them cooler" by adding a 'vest-o-matic' life jacket machine. |
60 sec. |
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Life jacket use - "Circle of Death" |
Each year several boaters are thrown from their boats because they let go of the tiller of their outboard motors in operation. The boat then circles around and runs down the victim in the water. "Circle of Death" uses a movie trailer theme to drive home the message of not letting go of the tiller while the boat is moving. |
60 sec. |
PSAs done in cooperation with the National Safe Boating Council address the two most common problems in boating safety: alcohol and non-use of life vests by anglers. The spots feature a lighthearted return of "The Safety Pirate," an annoying nautical gadfly that pesters boaters into wearing their life vests, not drinking alcohol, and several other boating safety issues.
| PSA title | Summary | Length | Script | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Fishing safety - alcohol |
See "2003 spots" description above. |
60 sec. |
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Fishing safety - alcohol |
See "2003 spots" description above. |
30 sec. |
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Fishing safety - life jackets |
See "2003 spots" description above. |
60 sec. |
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Fishing safety - life jackets |
See "2003 spots" description above. |
30 sec. |
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Hog calling |
Anti-drinking and boating. In the last ten years, 174 Minnesotans have died in boating accidents and nearly 50 percent of these were alcohol related. This spot humorously addresses this serious boating safety issue by comparing drinking and boating with hog calling in a boat. |
60 sec. |
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Danceline |
Canoe safety. Canoeists are among the most vulnerable of all boaters to drowning accidents. This is especially true when cold water (less than 70 degrees) can induce life-threatening hypothermia in a matter of minutes. With a mixture of humor and serious content, this spot encourages canoeists to wear a life jacket. |
60 sec. |
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Encyclopedia Salesman |
Boating safety. In many boating accidents, children wearing a life jacket survived while the adults in the same boat who were not wearing one drowned. Statistics compiled by the Minnesota DNR and the U.S. Coast Guard indicate the well over 80 percent of all boating fatalities would have been prevented if the victims had worn their life jacket. This spot, through a mixture of humor and serious information, encourages boaters to use a flotation device. |
60 sec. |
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The Safety Pirate |
Take a safe boating course. While auto drivers are required to be licensed and most beginning motorists take drivers' education and behind the wheel classes, all that is required to go boating are the keys and a tank of gas. This spot, produced in cooperation with the National Safe Boating Council, reminds boaters that there is a lot to know before they head out for a day's fun on the water. |
60 sec. |
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| PSA title | Summary | Length | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Be Prepared, Be Firewise! |
Wildfires burn homes every year. These losses can be significantly reduced, if homeowners simply become aware that a few simple steps can make the difference when the woods and wildlands around your home catch on fire. This spot, prepared by the US Department of Interior, invites homeowners to become aware of their part in protecting their home from wildfire and learn about simple, effective, inexpensive techniques to improve their safety. |
30 sec. |
These public service announcements, created by the non-profit organization called The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, are part of their "Take Me Fishing" national ad campaign which features children and adults asking the important people in their lives to me "Take Me Fishing."
| PSA title | Summary | Length | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Wedding |
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30 sec |
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Miss My Boy |
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30 sec |
Invasive species such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny waterflea, and round goby, are a few of the many nuisance plants and animals that can be spread by boaters if they are not careful. These species often cause irreversible changes to the water they infest. The DNR has the responsibility to curb the spread of invasive species, but we need help.
Prevention is the best solution and surveys of boaters have shown that they will take steps to prevent the spread of invasive species if provided with the information. While Minnesota boaters have a high level of knowledge due to past educational efforts, they need reminders to ensure that they take precautions. Visitors to the state, who boat, fish, and hunt, also need to be informed of precautions. These spots are prepared for that purpose and local lake associations and water users are likely to support frequent airing of these spots.
If you have any questions or comments, contact Jay Rendall,(651) 259-5131 or jay.rendall@state.mn.us.
| PSA title | Summary | Length | Script | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Don't Move Firewood |
Prevent spread of Emerald Ash |
30 sec |
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Help Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers |
Zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and other invasive species continue to be a threat to our state's waters. DNR Conservation Officer Scott Staples asks for your help to stop their spread. By taking a few simple steps, you can help protect our lakes and rivers and avoid a citation. |
30 sec |
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Babe Winkelman |
Priority areas: statewide. |
30 sec. |
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Gardenhire on Aquatic Exotics |
Priority areas: statewide. |
30 sec. |
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Cliff Stops Exotics |
Priority areas: statewide. |
30 sec. |
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Eurasian watermilfoil |
Priority areas: statewide. |
30 sec. |
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Most Wanted |
Priority areas: statewide. |
30 sec. |
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Trek |
Priority areas: statewide. |
60 sec. |
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Zebra Mussel Party |
Priority areas: the Duluth area, along the Mississippi River south of Twin Cities, and the Rochester area. Appropriate areas: statewide. |
30 sec. |
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The Minnesota DNR, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and Babe Winkelman have teamed up to produce radio public service announcements urging current and lapsed sportspeople to go hunting this fall.
Research conducted by NSSF indicates that millions of Americans would go hunting if someone would just invite them. Minnesota has a very strong hunting population, and is a national leader in hunter participation rates, but there is a lot of room for improvement. Nationally, hunter numbers are decreasing and wildlife management is suffering in some areas as a result. Since hunters are the driving force behind wildlife management, both socially and economically, it is important that hunter numbers remain stable and Minnesota sportspeople expect the DNR to provide a leadership role. These public service announcements are one effort to address this important resource issue.
The four radio PSA's use several scientifically tested messages. They encourage current hunters to invite a lapsed or non-hunter along with them this fall. One PSA specifically addresses female hunter participation, which is a growing segment of the hunting population, but faces many social barriers to participating in the hunting sports.
Babe Winkelman is nationally recognized for his efforts to recruit young people and women to the outdoor sports, and lends his talent as a recognizable Minnesota outdoors celebrity.
This project is supported by the 2003 Hunting Heritage Partnership, a grant program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc.
Questions or comments can be sent to Ryan Bronson at (651) 259-5191 or ryan.bronson@state.mn.us
| PSA title | Summary | Length | Script | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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CWD testing |
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41 sec. |
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Female Recruitment |
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30 sec. |
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Hunter Recruitment |
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30 sec. |
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Hunter Recruitment Part 2 |
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30 sec. |
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Hunter Recruitment Part 3 |
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60 sec. |
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Since 1976, almost 200 people have died falling through the ice and a large portion of them were ice fishermen. The DNR and other public safety agencies often receive calls from people wanting to know if the ice is "safe" on a particular lake. Of course, that is a very difficult question for us to answer, since ice is never 100 percent safe. Even during the coldest winter, ice conditions can vary greatly on the same body of water.
We recommend folks check with someone who is near the particular lake for information. Bait shops are a valuable source for ice condition updates, since they deal with people out on the ice every day who are drilling holes and checking the thicknesses.
| PSA title | Summary | Length | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jack's Fishing Shack |
Taking place at the imaginary "Jack's Fish Shack," this :30 PSA lets winter recreation enthusiasts know, in a humorous manner, that any local bait shop is a great place to go to find ice conditions to ensure their having a safe and fun winter experience on the ice. |
30 sec. |
| PSA title | Summary | Length | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lake Waves #1 |
Animal waste and water quality |
60 sec. |
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Lake Waves #2 |
Invasive Species |
60 sec. |
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Lake Waves #3 |
Protect your property forever |
60 sec. |
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Lake Waves #4 |
Septic Systems |
60 sec. |
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Lake Waves #5 |
Shoreline Checklist |
60 sec. |
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Lake Waves #6 |
What to Plant |
60 sec. |
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Lake Waves #7 |
Aquatic Plants |
60 sec. |
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Lake Waves #8 |
Buffers Stop Pollutions |
60 sec. |
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Lake Waves #9 |
Minimize Hard Surfaces |
60 sec. |
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Lake Waves #10 |
Who Owns the Lake |
60 sec. |
The number of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) has grown dramatically in recent years and so has their impact. It's important that all OHV users ride safely, observe state OHV regulations and respect the environment.
These PSAs are funded with a special appropriation from the Minnesota legislature, made at the request of the DNR and OHV user groups, to educate OHV users about where and how they should ride.
These four PSAs can be used separately or as a series, to reinforce these important messages.
Questions or comments can be sent to Mary Broten at (651) 259-5647, or mary.broten@state.mn.us
| PSA title | Summary | Length | Script | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Joey & Jason, Complaints |
|
60 sec. |
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Joey & Jason, Whatever Works |
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30 sec. |
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Joey & Jason, Discipline |
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60 sec. |
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Joey & Jason, Finally |
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30 sec. |
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If you have any questions or comments, contact Lori Naumann,(651) 259-5148 or lori.naumann@state.mn.us
| PSA title | Summary | Length | Script | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Singing Roadsides |
Benefits of delaying roadside mowing - Female announcer |
30 sec. |
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Singing Roadsides |
Benefits of delaying roadside mowing - Male announcer |
30 sec. |
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Keep Cats Indoors |
Every day cats allowed to roam outdoors face screeching tires as they scamper across roads, are killed or maimed by dogs, pick up disease-carrying ticks and fleas, ingest toxic chemicals, get caught in traps or become a meal for a hungry eagle or great horned owl. To keep cats and wildlife safer, the Minnesota Cats Indoors Project encourages people to keep their felines inside. |
10 sec. |
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Minnesotans love the loon |
Minnesota has more nesting loons than any of the continental states. DNR Conservation Officer Leland Owens explains how citizens can help protect the loon for our future generations by donating to the Nongame Wildlife Fund on their tax income tax forms. |
60 sec. |
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Trumpeter Swan Restoration |
At the turn of the last century, the majestic trumpeter swan was missing from the Minnesota landscape. The DNR Nongame Wildlife Program was able to restore these magnificent birds in Minnesota thanks to donations to the Nongame Wildlife Fund. Conservation Officer Leland Owens urges Minnesotan's to remember wildlife during tax time by donating to the Wildlife Fund on their state tax returns. |
60 sec. |
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| PSA title | Summary | Length | Script | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Snowmobile 4 |
29 sec |
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Snowmobile 3 |
29 sec |
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Snowmobile 2 |
29 sec |
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Snowmobile 1 |
28 sec |
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Snowmobile Safety Training |
29 sec |
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Snowmobile Fatal Accidents |
30 sec |
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Snowmobile Night Driving |
28 sec |
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Snowmobiles and Kids |
30 sec |
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Snowmobile Trespassing |
30 sec |
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Snowmobile Injuries |
29 sec |
| PSA title | Summary | Length | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Debris Burning |
Wild fire prevention week message to not burn yard waste. |
30 sec |
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Debris Burning |
Provides reasons why you want to avoid burning yard waste. |
30 sec |
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Burn Barrel |
Provides reasons why you want to avoid burning debris piles. |
30 sec |
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Campfire Lesson |
Encourages people to always attend to campfires. |
30 sec |
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Smokey Calls |
Explains why Wildfire Prevention Week occurs in the spring. |
30 sec |
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Fishing Opener |
Reminds anglers to attend to campfires while on fishing excursions. |
30 sec |
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OHV Wildfires |
Encourages OHV users to stay on the trail to prevent wildfires. |
30 sec |
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Fireworks |
Provides a connection between using fireworks and starting a wildfire. |
30 sec |
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Smokey Calls – Valley Girl |
Explains why Wildfire Prevention Week occurs in the spring. |
30 sec |
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PSA from Smokey Bear |
Fire prevention week is April 19-25, 2009, and Smokey Bear has a message reminding people to help prevent wildfires. |
30 sec. |
© 2010
MN Department of Natural Resources
