NDP Must Act Now to Protect Clear Lake
Three simple steps to stop the spread of zebra mussels around Riding Mountain National Park: Nesbitt
WASAGAMING — With news last week that invasive zebra mussels have been found in Clear Lake at Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba’s new environment and natural resources ministers must take immediate action to stop their spread, and avoid a repeat of the mismanagement that allowed the mussels to infest Manitoba waterways in the first place.
“Zebra mussels are a serious threat to our environment and economy. Once established in a water body, they cannot be eradicated, and the damage they can cause can’t be overstated,” said Greg Nesbitt, MLA for Riding Mountain and PC Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change. “Should these zebra mussels leave Clear Lake, their effects will be felt downstream in Minnedosa, Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Winnipeg, and all points in between, including First Nation communities.”
Nesbitt is calling on NDP environment minister Tracey Schmidt and NDP natural resources minister Jamie Moses to take immediate action over the winter months so that municipalities, cottagers, and boaters are properly prepared for next year’s summer recreation and tourism season. Those actions include:
- adding two new provincial boat inspection stations at Dauphin and Russell while maintaining stations at Minnedosa and Ste. Rose du Lac;
- working with Parks Canada to investigate options to stop water flow out of Clear Lake via Clear Creek and prevent the spread of the mussels into downstream tributaries and community infrastructure; and
- implementing a regular water sampling schedule of tributaries downstream of Clear Lake, with regular reporting to municipalities and the Legislative Assembly.
The ministers must also mobilize the Conservation Officer Service to enforce boat inspections, and continue the work of the new Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Advisory Forum to develop a provincial AIS action plan, and educate the public on the importance of protecting Manitoba’s lakes and waterways from the spread of aquatic invasive species, Nesbitt said.
Riding Mountain National Park contributes more than $50 million annually to Manitoba’s economy, and welcomes over 250,000 visitors a year.
“It took the NDP five years to act when zebra mussels came to Manitoba under their watch in 2009. This battle to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species is extremely important and Manitobans can’t afford to repeat the costs of NDP inaction,” Nesbitt said. “We need the government, boaters, and everyone else playing in and on Manitoba’s waterways to get on board to protect Clear Lake and Riding Mountain National Park.”
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