Managing watercraft and preventing aquatic invasive species

Parks Canada will share the details about the Aquatic Invasive Species Program, including boat tagging, before the operating season begins in May. The overall watercraft decision was communicated early so visitors could plan ahead, while we continue working with partners, stakeholders and internal teams to finalize operational details.

Since fall 2025, Parks Canada has carried out extensive consultation and engagement on watercraft management for Clear Lake. All Indigenous governments with potential asserted rights in the area were invited to consult. Meetings were held with leadership from Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation, Rolling River First Nation, Gambler First Nation, Sandy Bay First Nation and the Manitoba Métis Federation, with multiple offers extended to other Nations that chose not to participate.

Parks Canada also hosted five town hall sessions online and in nearby communities, with 230 participants as part of Park Management Planning. An online survey received 1,283 responses on future visions for Clear Lake, reflecting a broad range of views on watercraft use.

In total, more than 100 meetings, engagement and consultation sessions were held with Indigenous partners, provincial and municipal governments, stakeholders, leaseholders, businesses, and non-governmental organizations. Public views have often been polarized, but most participants expressed support for a long-term approach that protects Clear Lake’s ecological integrity while allowing motorized recreation.

The decision to permit motorized watercraft back on Clear Lake is based on a full year of public engagement, consultation with First Nations and Métis, ongoing environmental monitoring results, and a comprehensive third-party literature review.

Parks Canada remains committed to its mandate to protect the natural environment while providing meaningful visitor experiences. The AIS prevention and mitigation program helps reduce the risk of transferring zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species between waterbodies, while supporting high-quality visitor experiences on Clear Lake.

Watercraft use across all park waterbodies will be reviewed periodically and adjusted as needed. The adaptive management approach is an important component to help ensure ecological integrity is maintained over the long term. This provides stability for visitors, leaseholders and businesses, while allowing the park to respond to changing circumstances and ensure management approaches remain appropriate over time.

Many stakeholders and survey respondents valued non-motorized experiences on Clear Lake. They described peaceful connections to nature, improved safety for paddlers and swimmers, and increased wildlife viewing. Weekly non-motorized days provide opportunities for these experiences.

A proposal for watercraft launch fees is being developed to help offset the costs of operating the tagging program. This work is underway, and further consultation will occur over the 2026 season before potential implementation in 2027.

Under Transport Canada’s Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations, vessels are already limited to 10 km/h within 30 m of the shore. Expanding this zone reduces environmental impacts on shorelines and shallow areas, enhances safety for paddlers and swimmers, and upholds Section 35 rights.

Dawn and dusk non-motorized quiet periods further support ecological integrity during these periods of high wildlife activity and respect Indigenous cultural and ceremonial activities, such as sunrise ceremonies.

2025 was Riding Mountain National Park’s busiest visitation year since 2017.

Riding Mountain National Park is pleased that so many people are choosing to spend time in the park. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors this year as we enjoy another summer of free entry through the Canada Strong program.

Under the Canada National Parks Act’s General Regulations, Section 7(1), the Superintendent may restrict or prohibit certain activities, uses, or travel within a park when necessary for proper park management. In addition, Section 21 prohibits the use of motorized watercraft on any watercourse except as permitted by a sign or notice placed by the Superintendent. This provides clear authority for establishing watercraft management measures on Clear Lake.

Parks Canada and Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation will continue to use multiple monitoring methods, such as substrate samplers, plankton tows, visual inspections, and environmental DNA testing, to track aquatic invasive species throughout Riding Mountain National Park. Parks Canada monitoring and sampling will continue at outlying lakes, including Moon Lake, Grayling Lake, Whirlpool Lake, Lake Katherine, Lake Audy, Bob Hill Lake and Deep Lake.

There is currently no evidence of zebra mussels in any of the outlying park waterbodies. Preventing their spread to other lakes in the surrounding area remains a top priority.

Prevention is the most effective tool for managing invasive species. Once an invasive species becomes established, it is very difficult and often impossible to remove.

The AIS program focuses on two priorities: preventing zebra mussels from spreading to new waters and preventing additional invasive species from entering Riding Mountain National Park.

Species of concern in Manitoba include quagga mussels, spiny water flea, black algae, rusty crayfish, Asian carp, and Eurasian water milfoil - each of which poses serious risks to aquatic ecosystems and visitor experiences.

Clean, Drain, Dry is a key prevention practice every time you leave a lake or river.

• Clean: Remove all mud, plants, and debris from watercraft and equipment
• Drain: Empty all water from boats, motors, live wells, bilges, and gear
• Dry the watercraft and all equipment thoroughly between launches

Adult zebra mussels can attach to anything that sits in water - boats, canoes, trailers, fishing gear - and can survive 7 to 45 days out of water, depending on the temperature and humidity.

Detailed Clear Drain Dry instructions with supporting research from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans

Parks Canada works closely with Manitoba’s Fisheries Branch to mitigate the spread of aquatic invasive species. This includes coordinated public education (Clean, Drain, Dry), consistent inspection and decontamination protocols, and joint monitoring efforts in high-risk waterbodies inside and outside Riding Mountain National Park. Managing invasive species is a shared responsibility, and maintaining a strong partnership with the Province of Manitoba is essential to protecting the health and integrity of Manitoba’s aquatic ecosystems.

Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation has land on the western shore of Clear Lake. Parks Canada remains committed to supporting Keeseekoowenin’s continued participation in monitoring and shared stewardship efforts to help protect the ecological and cultural integrity of Clear Lake.