Action on Zebra Mussels in Riding Mountain National Park

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Published on Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Submitted Article

Parks Canada has announced measures it is implementing in Riding Mountain National Park this summer to prevent the introduction of zebra mussels. Parks Canada is asking visitors to help them take action against this threat. A zebra mussel infestation is preventable! Starting in 2015, all watercraft that enter Park waters will undergo a free mandatory inspection by Parks Canada staff, which will be conducted at Clear Lake Boat Cove. 

The Boat Cove will receive several upgrades as part of a redevelopment project funded by Parks Canada’s Conservation and Restoration (CoRe) program. These upgrades include expanded parking, new boat launches, a new accessible canoe/kayak launch, silt and sand control for launches, and improved traffic flow for launching. The Clear Lake walking trail will be rerouted to address safety concerns. High risk shoreline areas will be re-vegetated to prevent erosion and to keep nutrients from getting into Clear Lake. Work on this project began fall 2014 and will continue into summer 2015.

Parks Canada staff asks that boaters and recreational users of the water bodies in Riding Mountain National Park do their part to help prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species. Before launching watercraft or entering any park waters, visitors are asked to:

1. CLEAN and inspect watercraft, trailer, aircraft and all water-based equipment and gear. Remove all plants, animals and mud. Rinse using high pressure and extremely hot tap water – preferably 50 ^oC (120 ^oF).

2. DRAIN all water from watercraft, equipment and gear including, but not limited to, the motor, livewell, bilge, bait buckets and totes before transporting.

3. DRY watercraft, trailer and all water-based gear and equipment for at least eight days in July/August and 18-21 days in the spring/fall, or freeze for three days.

4. DISPOSE of unwanted live bait and worms in the trash, and dump all water from bait buckets and totes on land away from any water body.

These measures apply to all water-related equipment including watercraft, trailers, canoes, kayaks, wind-driven vessels, stand-up paddleboards, any other recreational watercraft, diving and snorkelling gear and children’s beach toys.

Quick Facts

Zebra mussels have caused millions of dollars in damage in eastern Canada and will cost the North American economy billions of dollars to control. Once they enter a body of water, it is nearly impossible to control them.

This is a problem that can have significant impacts on the tourism industry and recreational activities such as boating, swimming and fishing.

Adult zebra mussels can survive out of water up to 30 days depending on temperature and humidity. Zebra mussel veligers (larvae) are not visible to the naked eye and can survive in very little water. 

Zebra mussels were first confirmed in Manitoba in Lake Winnipeg in 2013 and there is a high threat that they will spread to other lakes in the province. By working closely with visitors to keep this destructive invasive species out of park waters, Parks Canada is standing up for Canada by ensuring both the ecological integrity of our treasured spaces and their enjoyment by present and future generations. 

Boaters in Riding Mountain National Park will be issued a permit and decal that remain valid as long as the boat is used only in Park waters. If a watercraft is used in waters outside of the Park after the permit and decal have been issued, boaters must advise Parks Canada staff and may be subject to an additional inspection. Inspections can be scheduled outside of weekends and high activity hours by calling 204-848-7265. A boat wash station will be located in the vicinity of Boat Cove.