Whirlpool Lake closed to public
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Submitted
Neepawa Banner & Press
To ensure the ongoing protection of Riding Mountain National Park from invasive zebra mussels, Parks Canada is closing Whirlpool Lake and the campground area until further notice as a precautionary measure. This area closure includes a prohibition of all watercraft (canoes, kayaks, etc.) on Whirlpool Lake.
Water samples taken this summer and fall from Whirlpool Lake tested positive for potential Environmental DNA (eDNA) evidence of zebra mussels. Environmental DNA are microscopic genetic traces that an organism leaves behind as it moves through an environment. The approach Parks Canada is taking to close a lake with positive eDNA results follows international standards to prevent the spread of the invasive species.
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. It is important to note that live zebra mussels have not been found in Riding Mountain National Park and eDNA does not confirm a viable population. Multiple tests have been conducted and show no presence of zebra mussel larvae. Further testing will be conducted in the summer of 2018.
Parks Canada takes this matter seriously and we are vigilant in our efforts to prevent the introduction of zebra mussels to waters in Riding Mountain National Park. Staff will continue to monitor the situation closely and take action if a positive result is found.
This precautionary closure is consistent with the high standard of care that Riding Mountain National Park continues to demonstrate through its Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program. This program incorporates proactive monitoring, vigilant inspection, and careful decontamination of watercraft. Lakes in Riding Mountain National Park are tested routinely for zebra mussel eDNA and larvae.
As part of our extensive AIS Prevention Program, all motorized and non-motorized watercraft (including canoes and kayaks, etc.) entering Riding Mountain National Park waters must undergo a mandatory inspection for aquatic invasive species. The service is free of charge and watercraft passing inspection will receive a permit from Parks Canada watercraft inspectors.
Parks Canada appreciates the cooperation of watercraft operators in preventing this threat to park waters. One hundred per cent compliance is essential and necessary to ensure the ecological integrity of park waterways. It only takes one contaminated watercraft to transport zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species into the park.
