Waterton Lakes National Park. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

$14.7 MILLION OVER FIVE YEARS

Millions allocated to fighting invasive species in Alberta national parks

Dec 6, 2021 | 1:35 PM

The federal government is renewing its efforts to stop the spread of invasive species in mountainous national parks.

Minister of Environment and Minister Responsible for Parks Canada Steven Guilbeault says $14.7-million will be allocated over the next five years to this cause.

“Healthy rivers, lakes and streams support the health of the environment as a whole. With this investment Parks Canada is taking action to work collaboratively with Indigenous groups, provincial partners and many other stakeholders to support the protection of aquatic ecosystems and recovery of species at risk, while providing Canadians with opportunities to learn about and enjoy these protected places.”

The funding breakdown is as follows:

• $4.70 million for the Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay Field Unit, which includes the northern portion of Banff National Park, as well as Yoho and Kootenay national parks
• $3.73 million for Jasper National Park
• $3.43 million for Banff Field Unit, the southern portion of Banff National Park
• $2.84 million for Waterton Lakes National Park

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Guilbeault says mountain national parks are especially vulnerable to aquatic invasive species due to the high amount of water recreationists that visit each year.

These can alter aquatic ecosystems, cause irreversible damage, impact species at risk, and spread downstream.

Of particular concern are invasive mussels, which deplete available nutrients, and in turn, impact the entire food chain.

Clean, Drain, Dry certification is now mandatory in Banff, Kootenay, Waterton, and Yoho national parks.

• Clean all mud, sand, plant, and animal materials from your watercraft and aquatic recreational equipment such as boats, stand-up paddleboards, fishing gear, and water toys and inflatables.
  • Drain coolers, buckets, compartments, and other items that may hold water.
  • Dry all watercraft and aquatic recreational equipment completely and for 48 hours before entering any river, lake or stream.
  • Dry for a minimum of 30 days after being used in the United States or provinces other than British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon and/or the Northwest Territories before entering any river, lake or stream.ws: