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:
Our 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Bobby |
Life jackets are important for teenage boaters too. |
:60 |
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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 |
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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. |
:60 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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 | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Fishing safety - alcohol |
See "2003 spots" description above. |
:60 |
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Fishing safety - alcohol |
See "2003 spots" description above. |
:30 |
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Fishing safety - life jackets |
See "2003 spots" description above. |
:60 |
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Fishing safety - life jackets |
See "2003 spots" description above. |
:30 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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Walleye Stamp |
:30 |
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Wedding |
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:30 |
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Miss My Boy |
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:30 |
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 | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Don't Move Firewood |
Prevent spread of Emerald Ash |
:30 |
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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 |
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Babe Winkelman |
Priority areas: statewide. |
:30 |
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Gardenhire on Aquatic Exotics |
Priority areas: statewide. |
:30 |
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Cliff Stops Exotics |
Priority areas: statewide. |
:30 |
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Eurasian watermilfoil |
Priority areas: statewide. |
:30 |
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Most Wanted |
Priority areas: statewide. |
:30 |
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Trek |
Priority areas: statewide. |
:60 |
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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 |
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 | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Duck hunting |
:30 |
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CWD testing |
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:41 |
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Female Recruitment |
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:30 |
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Hunter Recruitment |
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:30 |
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Hunter Recruitment Part 2 |
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:30 |
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Hunter Recruitment Part 3 |
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:60 |
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. Every day they deal with people who are out on the ice drilling holes and checking the thickness.
| 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 |
| PSA title | Summary | Length | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lake Waves #1 |
Animal waste and water quality |
:60 |
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Lake Waves #2 |
Invasive Species |
:60 |
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Lake Waves #3 |
Protect your property forever |
:60 |
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Lake Waves #4 |
Septic Systems |
:60 |
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Lake Waves #5 |
Shoreline Checklist |
:60 |
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Lake Waves #6 |
What to Plant |
:60 |
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Lake Waves #7 |
Aquatic Plants |
:60 |
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Lake Waves #8 |
Buffers Stop Pollutions |
:60 |
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Lake Waves #9 |
Minimize Hard Surfaces |
:60 |
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Lake Waves #10 |
Who Owns the Lake |
:60 |
Riding OHVs a privilege that can be taken away if OHV users don’t respect the environment, ride safely and observe state OHV regulations. OHVs can be confiscated for violations from wetland damage to operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, both civil and criminal penalties may apply.
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 PSAs can be used separately or as a series, to reinforce these important messages.
Questions or comments can be sent to Mary Straka at 218-833-8713, or mary.straka@state.mn.us
| PSA title | Summary | Length | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
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ATV Safety #1 |
Dangerous machines. |
:30 |
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ATV Safety #2 |
Safety training. |
:30 |
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ATV Safety #3 |
Don’t take riding ATV’s lightly. |
:30 |
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ATV Safety #4 |
Speed causes series accidents. |
:30 |
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ATV Safety #5 |
ATV’s are not babysitter |
:30 |
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ATV Safety #6 |
Accident prevention. |
:30 |
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Joey & Jason, Complaints |
All-terrain vehicle safety training is required for anyone born after 1987. Joey’s dad’s riding behavior troubles Joey and Jason. This series with two youth, through the use of humor, reminds ATV riders to protect their privilege to ride by staying on the trail, courteously sharing multi-use trails, traveling at safe speeds and following the rules. |
:60 |
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Joey & Jason, Whatever Works |
All-terrain vehicle safety training is required for anyone born after 1987. Joey’s dad’s riding behavior is noisy and may result in fines. This series with two youth, through the use of humor, reminds ATV riders to protect their privilege to ride by staying on the trail, courteously sharing multi-use trails, traveling at safe speeds and following the rules. |
:30 |
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Joey & Jason, Discipline |
All-terrain vehicle safety training is required for anyone born after 1987. Joey’s dad receives positive reinforcement for good riding from Joey. This series with two youth, through the use of humor, reminds ATV riders to protect their privilege to ride by staying on the trail, courteously sharing multi-use trails, traveling at safe speeds and following the rules. |
:60 |
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Joey & Jason, Finally |
All-terrain vehicle safety training is required for anyone born after 1987. Joey’s dad seems to finally know the rules. This series with two youth, through the use of humor, reminds ATV riders to protect their privilege to ride by staying on the trail, courteously sharing multi-use trails, traveling at safe speeds and following the rules. |
:30 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Nongame Eagle |
Nongame Eagle radio PSA - Eleanor Mondale |
:30 |
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Nongame Loon |
Nongame Loon radio PSA - Eleanor Mondale |
:30 |
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Singing Roadsides |
Benefits of delaying roadside mowing - Female announcer |
:30 |
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Singing Roadsides |
Benefits of delaying roadside mowing - Male announcer |
:30 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Each year many people are hurt or killed riding snowmobiles in Minnesota. Common factors in most accidents include alcohol, speed and lack of safety training. Striking fixed objects is the most common type of accident reported. Even though over 420 thousand students have been certified in snowmobile safety in our state, hundreds of accidents are reported annually. Snowmobile Safety CD’s can be obtained from the DNR for free. We encourage operators to ‘Ride Safe & Ride Smart’. Use these PSA’s to promote a variety of important snowmobile safety reminders.
If you would like more information or have questions please contact Lt. Leland Owens, 763-753-1887 or leland.owens@state.mn.us.
| PSA title | Summary | Length | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Zero Alcohol |
A reminder that drinking and driving while snowmobiling is a dangerous combination. Keep your wits about you and ride alcohol free. Zero Alcohol, your smart choice for safer snowmobiling. |
:15 |
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Zero Alcohol |
A reminder that drinking and driving while snowmobiling is a dangerous combination. Keep your wits about you and ride alcohol free. Zero Alcohol, your smart choice for safer snowmobiling. |
:30 |
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Ride Right & Stay Right |
Seth Thorson, Professional Cross Country snowmobile racer reminds snowmobile trail riders to stay to the right. He also reminds snowmobilers that trails are two way, to watch out for others and to slow down at night. |
:30 |
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Safety Training Required |
DNR Conservation Officer encourages snowmobile drivers to take the pledge to be safe and responsible. Minnesota law requires residents born after 1976 to complete snowmobile safety training. Ride safe, ride smart, always. |
:30 |
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Over Driving your Headlights |
DNR Conservation Officer explains over driving your snowmobile headlights. He encourages operators to slow down to less than 40 MPH at night to avoid the risk of collision. |
:30 |
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Snowmobiles and Kids |
DNR Conservation Officer reminds listeners that snowmobiles are not toys. Parents are responsible to ensure that children are properly trained and supervised if allowed to operate a snowmobile. It is illegal in Minnesota for parents to allow the illegal operation of a snowmobile by a juvenile. |
:30 |
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Snowmobile Trespassing |
DNR Conservation Officer points out that trespassing, illegal operation on the roads and noise are the most common complaints about snowmobiles. Encourages riding legally. Knowing the snowmobile laws is promoted. |
:30 |
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Snowmobile Injuries |
DNR Conservation Officer delivers the message that thousands of people are treated in emergency rooms every year for injuries they received in snowmobile accidents. Most snowmobile accidents are preventable through better education and adult supervision. |
:30 |
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