Zebra mussels have spread in Clear Lake; eradicating them is not feasible: Parks Canada

A zebra mussel that was found in Clear Lake in the Boat Cove area is pictured in July 2024. (Parks Canada)

After failed attempts to keep zebra mussels at bay in Clear Lake, Parks Canada now says eradicating the invasive species from the lake is not feasible.

In a notice posted Tuesday, Parks Canada said it plans to permit watercraft on Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park this upcoming summer. However, it will use a “one boat, one lake” prevention program.

This comes after the discovery of zebra mussels in the lake in November 2023. This prompted a ban on boats and other watercraft from the lake to prevent the spread.

In the summer, the federal government installed a containment curtain in Boat Cove to keep the zebra mussels from spreading. However, the effort failed when the curtain was dislodged by winds and waves.

In its notice Tuesday, Parks Canada said hundreds of juvenile zebra mussels were discovered last fall. They were attached to docks and other infrastructure near the east end of the lake – meaning the invasive species was not isolated to Boat Cove.

“With input and advice from Indigenous advisors, the Province of Manitoba, and leading scientific and international experts, Parks Canada has determined that eradicating zebra mussels from Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park is not feasible,” the notice reads, noting this poses a real and significant threat to Clear Lake and other waterbodies downstream.

“Parks Canada is committed to managing the impacts of zebra mussels on the natural environment and to the vitality of the local tourism economy.”

It is asking for public input on the upcoming prevention program. Parks Canada will be set up near the skating rink behind the Visitor Centre on Feb.1 and 2 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The public can also give input online until Feb. 28.