Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program

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.

Seasonal permits will be available for watercraft using outlying lakes such as Moon Lake, Lake Audy, and Lake Katherine. For more information about the 2024 AIS prevention program visit: Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program 

When you use your watercraft and/or water-related equipment outside of RMNP, your permit becomes invalid. To re-enter park waters, re-inspection is mandatory. 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.

The AIS inspection station at Boat Cove in Wasagaming will be regularly staffed in 2024. Staff may also be stationed at busy sites throughout the season to provide inspections. More information about the AIS prevention program for 2024 can be found online here: Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program

Under the Canada National Parks Act the maximum penalty for launching a prohibited watercraft in the park is $25,000. The offender can be arrested, their watercraft seized, and the offender will be compelled to attend court. If found guilty, in addition to the fine imposed by the court, the crown can seek forfeiture of the seized watercraft.

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.

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.

AIS, often referred to as aquatic hitchhikers, are commonly spread on wet items such as:

• 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)

• 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.