The Aquatic Invasive Species program will see some new restrictions on boaters after test results from earlier this year.
Environmental DNA of zebra muscles was detected in Clear Lake, and the AIS program will respond with more inspections and more precautions around watercraft entering the lake.
According to announcements from Riding Mountain National Park, permits will be required for trailered water vehicles.
Obtaining a permit will require that the boat had not been in any other bodies of water in 2023 and that it passes an initial inspection before June 15th.
Boats that meet this requirement will be equipped with a tag where the boat meets the trailer to ensure that the vessel has not been in any other bodies of water.
The statement from RMNP noted that if the tag is removed, cut, or otherwise tampered with, the boat will be not allowed to launch in Clear Lake for the remaining 2023 season.
Parks Canada also will be conducting more inspections and decontamination protocols for smaller watercrafts such as kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and even inflatable beach toys
Three informational sessions will be taking place for lake users to learn how this affects them:
- Tuesday, May 9, 7:00 pm– Dauphin Best Western Plus, 50 Eric Irwin Way, Dauphin, MB
- Wednesday, May 10, 7:00 pm - Onanole Recreation Centre, 386 Central Rd, Onanole, MB
- Thursday, May 11, 7:00 pm– Brandon University, 270 18th St, Brandon, MB (Room CHO 212 is in the Clark Hall building on campus.)
Zebra mussels are an extremely invasive species that can devastate ecosystems. While the presence of environmental DNA is not a guarantee the mussels are present in Clear Lake, it is a strong warning sign that contamination is a very real risk.
