Whirlpool Lake, campground in Riding Mountain National Park closed due to potential zebra mussels

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In its ongoing efforts to protect Riding Mountain National Park from invasive zebra mussels, Parks Canada has closed Whirlpool Lake and its campground area until further notice.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/12/2017 (2298 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In its ongoing efforts to protect Riding Mountain National Park from invasive zebra mussels, Parks Canada has closed Whirlpool Lake and its campground area until further notice.

This closure includes a prohibition of all watercraft on Whirlpool Lake, which includes canoes and kayaks.

Water samples taken this summer and fall from Whirlpool Lake tested positive for potential Environmental DNA (eDNA) evidence of zebra mussels, according to Parks Canada. The eDNA are microscopic genetic traces that an organism leaves behind as it moves through an environment.

“The approach Parks Canada is taking to close a lake with positive eDNA results follows international standards to prevent the spread of the invasive species,” states a Park Canada press release.

Zebra mussels were first confirmed in Manitoba in Lake Winnipeg in 2013, and there is a high threat they will spread to other lakes in the province.

“It is important to note that live zebra mussels have notbeen found in Riding Mountain National Park and eDNA does not confirm a viable population. Multiple tests have been conducted and show no presence of zebra mussel veligers (larvae). Further testing will be conducted in summer 2018,” according to Parks Canada.

The national organization maintains or restores the ecological integrity of both land and water.

“We are vigilant in our efforts to prevent the introduction of zebra mussels to waters in Riding Mountain National Park,” states the press release. “Staff will continue to monitor the situation closely and take action if a positive result is found. This precautionary closure is consistent with the high standard of care that Riding Mountain National Park continues to demonstrate through its Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program.”

This program incorporates proactive monitoring, vigilant inspection and careful decontamination of watercraft. Lakes in RMNP are tested routinely for zebra mussel eDNA and veligers. As part of the program, all motorized and non-motorized watercraft entering RMNP waters must undergo a mandatory inspection for aquatic invasive species. The service is free of charge and watercraft passing inspection will receive a permit from Parks Canada watercraft inspectors.

“Parks Canada appreciates the co-operation of watercraft operators in preventing this threat to park waters,” states the press release. “One hundred per cent compliance is essential and necessary to ensure the ecological integrity of park waterways. It only takes one contaminated watercraft to transport zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species into the park.”

» The Brandon Sun

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