July is Lakes Appreciation Month in North Dakota

(KNOX) – Governor Doug Burgum has proclaimed July Lakes Appreciation Month in North Dakota. While North Dakota is often associated with the Badlands, wheat fields, and oil wells, it is also home to about 4,500 lakes, with 413 accessible to the public.
North Dakota lakes offer prime boating, fishing, camping, and swimming locations. Summer lake festivities and fishing derbies attract in-state and out-of-state recreational enthusiasts.
Although most state residents rely on groundwater or river sources for drinking water, about 67,000 North Dakotans depend on lakes as their drinking water source.
As you head out to your favorite lake for a fishing trip, a camping weekend, or just a leisurely boat ride, remember to keep it free from Aquatic Nuisance Species. Thoroughly rinse your watercraft before and after entering any body of water, and remember to “Pack Out what you Pack In” to keep shorelines clean.
To commemorate Lakes Appreciation Month, consider leading or taking part in activities such as organizing a lake cleanup project, hosting a biking or hiking event at a local lake, or volunteering at a local lake festival.