A significant development is unfolding in mountain national parks in Alberta as concerns regarding aquatic invasive species (AIS) have led to the closure of numerous lakes and rivers to watercraft. This move has sparked a call from some paddlers for a more collaborative approach in addressing the issue.
Effective this spring, several prominent lakes and rivers in Jasper National Park, along with Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes, will be divided into three distinct zones, each with its own set of regulations governing water activities. While some well-known waterways remain accessible to paddlers, the restrictions predominantly impact the backcountry.
Andrew Loughlin, a seasoned whitewater enthusiast based in Jasper for over two decades, expressed disappointment over the new regulations in a letter addressed to Parks Canada. He emphasized the sentimental value of accessing certain remote locations in the park via boat, noting that alternative means of reaching these areas are limited.
Loughlin estimated that over 75% of navigable water routes in Jasper are now restricted. The decision to implement these measures follows the recent confirmation of whirling disease in Lake Louise, a situation attributed by Parks Canada to likely human-induced activities on the lake.
Whirling disease, also detected in Banff and Yoho, causes deformities in juvenile fish species like salmon, whitefish, and trout, with the potential to decimate up to 90% of young fish populations. While the disease was initially identified in British Columbia in 2024 and later spread to the Kootenay River watershed, Kootenay National Park has not reported any instances of the disease.
Dave Argument, a resource conservation manager at Parks Canada, stressed the urgency of acting promptly to curb the spread of the disease, emphasizing that once invasive species and diseases are introduced, eradication becomes extremely challenging. The agency highlights that AIS are frequently transmitted through watercraft and fishing equipment moved between various bodies of water.
Despite the stringent restrictions, some waterways downstream of natural barriers like waterfalls will remain open to paddlers, as these features impede the upstream migration of AIS. Parks Canada has designated specific zones, such as the “special tactics zone,” where only fishing with waders is prohibited.
The agency encourages individuals to adhere to the regulations and follow biosecurity measures such as cleaning, draining, and drying all watercraft and gear before entering park waters to help prevent the spread of AIS. Paddlers are urged to voice their concerns and share their experiences while complying with the new guidelines.
In response to the restrictions, various water recreation enthusiasts, including packrafters, are expressing apprehension about the impact on their activities. Matthew Bruce, president of Packraft Canada, highlighted the unique connection individuals establish with nature through these activities, underscoring the importance of involving user groups in discussions with Parks Canada regarding future bans.
Bruce emphasized the significance of biosecurity practices and launched an online survey targeting packrafters to gather insights for future decision-making. He urged individuals to demonstrate their commitment to preserving natural environments by complying with regulations and actively engaging in conversations on AIS prevention strategies.