As a long-time visitor and lover of Riding Mountain National Park, I am deeply concerned about the potential ban on boats at Clear Lake. This proposed ban was triggered by the discovery of a single clump of zebra mussels that the park itself has claimed as suspicious, an invasive species. However, extensive testing and searching have revealed no further evidence of these mussels in our beloved lake.

In 2023, we adopted a strict tagging system that allows only boats regularly operating on Clear Lake to continue doing so. This measure has been effective in preserving the integrity of our lake while still allowing us to enjoy its beauty through boating activities.

The park authorities are considering three options for managing the use of Clear Lake. We believe that completely banning boats is unnecessary given the lack of additional evidence supporting an infestation and the successful implementation of our tagging system.

the ability to use Clear Lake is also imperative to the local economy. Businesses and the real estate market rely on this area and the influx of people who come every summer to use the lake for boating. Without boating allowed, it will be devastating to the local businesses in Clear Lake and Onanole. 

We urge Riding Mountain National Park's management to consider alternatives that will protect our lake without stripping away one of its most cherished uses - boating. Please support this petition if you too want to preserve boat access to Clear Lake while ensuring its ecological health remains intact.