Bulletins

Parks Canada staff have found six living juvenile zebra mussels attached to infrastructure on the north shore of Clear Lake. These invasive mussels were found on September 19, and September 20. Representatives from Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Province of Manitoba’s aquatic invasive species program have visually confirmed the finding to be zebra mussels.

With this new information, Parks Canada staff will analyze the options for a potential eradication treatment using the best evidence available and in consultation with third-party experts in the field.

The temporary watercraft management measures for Clear Lake remain in place and Boat Cove remains closed to the public until further notice. Parks Canada will provide further updates as information becomes available.

Zebra mussel infestations cost Manitoba taxpayers an estimated $10 million per year. This cost includes keeping mussels off critical freshwater infrastructure, such as hydroelectric dams and drinking water pipes. When the damage to the Lake Winnipeg fishery and tourism are taken into account, the total economic costs may be considerably higher.

Parks Canada is a recognized leader in conservation and takes actions to ensure the long-term health of national parks. Parks Canada has a proven track record of effective ecosystem management and is committed to protecting the health of Clear Lake and the greater watershed.

Parks Canada would like to again thank community members and visitors for their continued patience and understanding while staff and partners assess this new development.