In Alberta’s mountain national parks, the presence of aquatic invasive species (AIS) is leading to the closure of numerous lakes and rivers to watercraft. This has prompted paddlers to advocate for a more collaborative approach in addressing the issue. Starting this spring, various lakes and rivers in Jasper National Park, along with Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes, will be divided into three zones, each with distinct regulations for water activities. While some popular water bodies remain accessible to paddlers, the restrictions primarily impact backcountry areas.
Andrew Loughlin, a seasoned whitewater enthusiast based in Jasper for over two decades, expressed his disappointment with the new restrictions in a letter to Parks Canada. He highlighted that many cherished locations in the park are only accessible by boat, emphasizing the significant impact of the closures. Loughlin estimated that more than 75% of navigable waterways 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 human activities on the lake. This disease, also found in Banff and Yoho, causes deformities in young fish species like salmon, whitefish, and trout, resulting in significant mortality rates among juvenile fish populations. Although first identified in British Columbia in 2024 and subsequently spreading to the Kootenay River watershed, whirling disease has not been detected in Kootenay National Park.
Dave Argument, a resource conservation manager at Parks Canada, stressed the urgency of addressing the disease, emphasizing the need to prevent its further spread. He underlined the challenges associated with removing invasive species once introduced, as they can easily propagate downstream. Parks Canada emphasizes on its website that AIS are commonly disseminated through watercraft and fishing gear transferred between different water bodies.
While the main stem of the Athabasca River remains open for recreational activities, the more challenging backcountry routes with Class 4 and Class 5 rapids are predominantly closed to watercraft, fishing waders, and windsports. Certain rivers are exempt from restrictions due to natural barriers like waterfalls that prevent the upstream movement of AIS. Parks Canada has designated specific zones for water activities, allowing licensed commercial operators to engage in scuba diving within those areas.
Despite the restrictions, certain activities like swimming, snorkeling, and fishing without waders are still permitted in the restricted zones. Parks Canada urges visitors to thoroughly clean, drain, and dry all watercraft and equipment before entering park waters to mitigate the spread of AIS. Paddlers have raised concerns regarding the lack of detailed maps indicating closure points, suggesting that alternative measures such as stricter permits or gear inspections could have been more effective in reducing the risk of spreading invasive species.
The restrictions have elicited mixed reactions from paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts, with some expressing disappointment over the impact on their recreational pursuits. Organizations like Packraft Canada emphasize the importance of biosecurity and advocate for inclusive discussions with Parks Canada to address the challenges posed by invasive species. They encourage paddlers to comply with the new regulations while actively participating in conversations regarding conservation efforts and the preservation of natural landscapes.