Here are the last two emails sent from the Park. I have sent them the list of 884 signatures to let them know our opinion. Please make your opinion known by the end of the month as well.
1.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED FOR DETAILED IMPACT ASSESSMENt
March 20, 2024
Parks Canada is extending the public comment period on a Detailed Impact Assessment for a potential eradication of zebra mussels in Clear Lake, in Riding Mountain National Park.
Riding Mountain National Park is proposing management actions that may be taken to respond to the detection of zebra mussels in Clear Lake, located within the park boundaries. A Detailed Impact Assessment has been developed by Parks Canada impact assessment professionals to outline the environmental impacts that may be associated with an attempted eradication. This entails a thorough analysis of the potential short-term and long-term impacts on the plants and wildlife of Clear Lake. It also includes analysis of how to mitigate or reduce those impacts on water quality, fish, invertebrates, vegetation, and visitor experience. It also includes analysis of not taking action to try and get rid of this ecosystem-altering invasive species.
Parks Canada continues research efforts to determine the status of zebra mussels in Clear Lake. This Detailed Impact Assessment is being undertaken now to ensure that Parks Canada is well-positioned to make timely decisions related to eradication, based on the results of these research efforts. Parks Canada’s priority is the ecological integrity of Clear Lake and surrounding ecosystems, any eradication effort considered would be carefully evaluated and only used if feasible.
To help inform this assessment, the public is invited to provide comments to Parks Canada on the draft Detailed Impact Assessment report.
Information on the Detailed Impact Assessment, including how to request a copy of the draft Detailed Impact Assessment report can be found here: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/87319
Parks Canada understands the importance of this decision and is extending the Public Participation Period for comments on the Detailed Impact Assessment until March 29, 2024 - 17:00CDT.
Stay informed by connecting with Riding Mountain National Park’s website at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/nature/conserv/aqua/faq
2.
From: comms-riding (PC) <comms-riding@pc.gc.ca>
Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 5:02 PM
To: comms-riding (PC) <comms-riding@pc.gc.ca>
Cc: comms-riding (PC) <comms-riding@pc.gc.ca>
Subject: Riding Mountain AIS Update: Second set of water samples taken from Clear Lake has tested negative
You are receiving this email because you asked to be kept informed about the aquatic invasive species (AIS) program at Riding Mountain National Park.
Second set of water samples taken from Clear Lake has tested negative for zebra mussel environmental DNA (eDNA)
March 13, 2024
The second set of water samples collected from Clear Lake between February 2 and February 20, 2024, have all tested negative for zebra mussel environmental DNA (eDNA). Zebra Mussels may be present despite negative eDNA results. Water samples have now been taken from 34 percent of Clear Lake's area, and all high-priority sections have been tested. Winter sampling will continue until all sections have been tested or as long as weather and ice conditions permit.
Due to the complexity of the situation and ongoing research efforts, no decision has been made regarding the use of Clear Lake for 2024. Parks Canada remains committed to making the best decision based on available scientific evidence in combination with input received from stakeholders. Parks Canada also understands the importance of Clear Lake to Indigenous Peoples, visitors, and the local community.
A potential infestation of zebra mussels in Clear Lake presents a real threat of significant and irreversible ecological damage to the lake and downstream waterbodies.
Full consideration will be given to all aspects of this situation before any decision is made about lake use for the summer of 2024.
What do you need to know?
Any changes made to the AIS Prevention Program in Riding Mountain National Park for 2024 will be widely communicated once a decision is made.
There are only two ways Zebra Mussels can spread. Their microscopic larvae (called veligers) cannot swim. They follow water currents or are transported by humans. This means they can easily affect downstream waterways connected to an invaded area.
In cold water, zebra mussels are less metabolically active and are much less likely to shed eDNA. If a water sample tests positive for eDNA, there is a high likelihood of a population of zebra mussels nearby. Water samples will continue to be collected during open water season.
Determining with relatively high confidence where a population may exist in the lake will help inform management decisions.
Parks Canada remains committed to working with partners to reduce the risk of AIS spreading in the park and downstream through southern Manitoba, no matter the results of the winter monitoring.
Stay informed by connecting with Riding Mountain National Park’s website at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/nature/conserv/aqua/faq