Aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention
Grasslands National Park
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals, invertebrates and diseases introduced to aquatic ecosystems either accidently or intentionally by human activity. AIS reproduce fast, rarely have natural predators and often out-compete native freshwater species. Once established, AIS are difficult, even impossible, to get rid of.
People spread AIS when they transfer mud, water, or live or dead organisms between water bodies during activities such as boating, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and fishing. Parks Canada needs your help to protect park waterways.
There is currently no evidence of AIS in Grasslands National Park. However, AIS continue to spread across Canada and pose a serious risk to many lakes and rivers across the country.
You can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Before and during your visit to Grasslands National Park, please clean, drain and dry your watercraft or water-related gear.
Clean Drain Dry
Many AIS can survive in small amounts of water, mud or moist conditions for a long time. Some species are also undetectable to the naked eye. Following Clean Drain Dry guidelines is the most effective way to prevent the spread of AIS.
Clean
Inspect and clean all mud, sand, plant and animal materials from your watercraft, trailer and water-related gear. Rinse, scrub or wash thoroughly.
Drain
Drain all water from your watercraft and water-related gear. This includes bilges, livewells, buckets and other items or compartments that may hold water. Pull the plug on your boat every time your watercraft moves between waterbodies.
Dry
Dry all parts of your watercraft, trailer and water-related gear between trips. Leave compartments open and gear in the sun until dry. Use paper towel, rags or soft cloth to speed up the process.
How to: Clean, Drain, and Dry | Parks Canada
Transcript
[This video has no spoken language. Text appears on screen throughout the video.]
[Sounds of water and calm guitar music throughout the video.]
[Two people paddling a canoe; Parks Canada beaver logo appears.]
Text: Exploring Parks Canada’s lakes, streams and rivers is a popular way to see the national parks.
[Aerial view of large blue lake.]
Text: Yet these water bodies are vulnerable to aquatic invasive species.
[Two people paddling a canoe, paddleboarder behind them, on a lake.]
Text: These invaders can hitch a ride on watercraft like kayaks, inflatables and SUPs.
[Canoers and paddleboarder arrive to shore.]
[Images shown of zebra mussels and shelled invasive species.]
Text: Aquatic invasive species, once established, irreversibly damage ecosystems and harm species at risk.
[Canoers and paddleboarder arrive on shore.]
[The words “CLEAN DRAIN DRY” are written in mud on the back of a canoe. Water is slowly poured overtop and washes it away.]
[Canoers pull canoe onto shore.]
Text: Clean, Drain, Dry your watercraft and gear BEFORE and AFTER entering the water.
Large title on screen: Step 1: Clean
[Two people clean a canoe. A jug scoops water from a lake.]
[View from inside a canoe; water is poured onto the side of a canoe while a cloth wipes it down.]
Text: Clean all debris from your watercraft and water-related gear BEFORE and AFTER your trip.
[A paddleboard is wiped down with water and a cloth.]
[Two people pour water and wipe down the backside of a paddleboard.]
Large title on screen: Step 2: Drain
[Two people tip a canoe onto its side; water is emptied from a canoe on its side.]
Text: Drain coolers, buckets, compartments and other items that may hold water on land before leaving the waterbody.
[A paddle is pulled apart and emptied of water.]
Text: Some aquatic invasive species can survive in pools of water for 30 days.
[Two people stand a paddleboard up against a tree.]
Large title on screen: Step 3: Dry
[Two people wipe down the backside of a paddleboard. A close-up shows a hand wiping down a paddleboard with a cloth.]
Text: Use a clean towel to wipe down the entire watercraft. Set aside to dry.
[Two people wipe down a paddleboard with cloths.]
Text: Ensure items are completely dry before entering a new lake, stream or river.
[A close up of a paddleboard with water on it.]
[Two people walking through a forest, one person holding a paddleboard and another with PFD.]
[A person rolls a deflated paddleboard and wipes it down with a cloth as they roll it.]
[Two people pack a paddleboard into a bag.]
[A lake with two people paddling a canoe, and two people standing on paddleboards.]
Text: Sustainable aquatic ecosystems are vital to the overall health of Canada’s lakes, streams and rivers.
Text: Do your part to protect park waters: Clean, Drain, Dry.
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