Bulletins

Restricted activity

Water based recreational activities

What: Pursuant to Section 7(1) of the National Parks General Regulations, of the Canada National Parks Act, the following activity is restricted or prohibited by order of the Superintendent:

All recreational water-activities including fishing, boating, swimming, etc. in the waters of Elk Lake.
Wading across a stream to stay on an official trail is permitted where there are no bridges across.

Where: Elk Lake. See attached map (red hatches).

Why: Lab results have confirmed presence of Whirling Disease in Banff National Park. This parasitic disease affects some fish species but does not present any health risks for people or other mammals.

Westslope Cutthroat Trout (WSCT) are listed as a threatened species in Canada, and are one of the fish species susceptible to the disease. This restriction is in effect to protect critical WSCT habitat from the whirling disease parasite. It will remain in effect until alternate management strategies are implemented.

The risk factors for spreading the disease include (in descending order) the movement of: fish, mud/sediment, aquatic vegetation and water.

Penalty: Violators may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act: maximum penalty $25 000.

Start date: 2016-09-06
End date: Until further notice