The threat of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) such as zebra mussels is still very much a real threat to northern waterways in Manitoba. Riding Mountain National Park’s Clear Lake has unfortunately been exposed to zebra mussels and have had to take drastic measures of not allowing any watercraft on that lake, so they can try to determine and control the spread.
“The decision by the federal government to ban all public watercraft in Clear Lake this year was a bold move but was important to allow park staff to undertake further testing to confirm the presence or absence of zebra mussels in the lake,” said Citizens Protecting Our Northern Waterways (CPONW) President Chris Smith. “Of note, this additional recent testing confirmed the presence of adult zebra mussels at the boat launch area at Clear Lake that will result in further actions.