Photo: Dale Wilson
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program
Riding Mountain National Park
Temporary watercraft management measures are in place for Clear Lake while monitoring for zebra mussels is ongoing. For more information visit: Zebra Mussel Information and Updates
MANDATORY PARKS CANADA AIS INSPECTIONS are required for all watercraft and water-related equipment entering outlying park waters. Provincial aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspections are not valid in Riding Mountain National Park.
Items that require a Parks Canada AIS inspection include, but are not limited to:
- human-powered watercraft (canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, etc.)
- PFDs and life jackets
- Inflatable toys and islands
Non-motorized/human-powered watercraft are permitted to enter park waters other than Clear Lake, after receiving a Parks Canada AIS inspection permit at the Boat Cove in Wasagaming, and a decontamination if necessary. Temporary permits will still be available for the 2024 season and can be issued for up to seven days. Inspections are free and only take 10-30 minutes.
If you use your watercraft, or water-related equipment outside of RMNP, your permit becomes void. To re-enter park waters, re-inspection is mandatory.
Inspection Schedule:
- AIS inspection station is open starting Friday, June 14, 9:15 am to 4:45 pm CST.
- Seasonal permits are now available for non-motorized/human-powered, wind powered watercraft to use on outlying lakes such as Moon Lake, Lake Audy, Lake Katherine, and Deep Lake. To get your 2024 seasonal permit, go to the Visitor Center in Wasagaming between 9 am and 8 pm any day of the week. Parks Canada staff will provide you with a short written test on AIS prevention. Upon passing the test, proceed to the Boat Cove AIS inspection station for your watercraft's inspection and permit. Your permit is void if you use your watercraft outside Riding Mountain National Park. Follow the @RidingNP Facebook page for updates on the program.
Interested in receiving updates on the AIS prevention program and seasonal permits? Send an email to: comms-riding@pc.gc.ca
Park Wardens will be monitoring watercraft and doing checks to ensure that watercraft operators have received inspections and possess valid permits. Non-compliant operators face a maximum fine of $25,000.
Protecting our water bodies is a shared responsibility. Everyone has an important role to play. When accessing any authorized waterbody, follow the Clean, Drain, Dry protocol and have your equipment inspected and decontaminated as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are aquatic invasive species?
Aquatic organisms that have spread outside of their natural, historic range. They can be plants, animals, fungi, or bacteria that have been introduced to a new body of water either on purpose, or accidentally. AIS are a significant threat to the ecological, cultural, and economic integrity of all aquatic ecosystems.
Why are AIS a concern?
If AIS, such as zebra mussels, enter park waters, the consequences could be extremely damaging. They can negatively affect both the environment and the economy. They reproduce quickly, have no natural predators, and outcompete native species for resources.
Our beaches could be covered in sharp shells, fish populations might decline which would impact fishing, our drinking water infrastructure might be at risk, and the costs to repair damages could be high.
How do they spread?
- Watercraft (boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, dinghies) and trailers
- Inflatables (floaties, air mattresses, stand-up paddleboards)
- Snorkeling and scuba diving gear
- Beach toys
- Fishing gear and bait buckets
- Watercraft equipment (life jackets, anchors, ropes, paddles, and anything else that comes into contact with water)
What can we do to prevent the spread of AIS?
- Bring your watercraft/equipment for an AIS inspection before you use it in Riding Mountain National Park
- Clean, drain and dry all watercraft, fishing gear, and other water related equipment after use.
- Do not transport any live aquatic animals/plants or water
- Learn which AIS are of concern in Manitoba, the risks they pose, and report all sightings of AIS to Parks Canada Dispatch at 1-877-852-3100
- Never bring or use live bait in park waters. For fishing regulations, please visit: Fishing in Riding Mountain National Park.