The Federal Government has released a statement about the measures that will be taken against Zebra Mussels at Clear Lake.
Effective immediately, personal watercraft will not be allowed on Clear Lake. This includes motorized boats and human-powered vessels such as canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards.
According to the statement, Zebra Mussels in Clear Lake present a real threat of significant and irreversible damage to the lake and downstream waterbodies.
Clear Lake drains into the Little Saskatchewan River which then feeds into the Assiniboine River. These water bodies flow through five First Nations and several major populated centers.
Under the Canada National Parks Act, the maximum penalty for launching a prohibited watercraft in Riding Mountain National Park is $25,000.
Human or wind-powered vessels will still be allowed in other lakes throughout RMNP, but they will be subject to decontamination and inspection policies.
Measures will be in place during the 2024 season until Zebra Mussel testing and potential remediation are complete.
