Motorized boats banned on Clear Lake this summer

Due to the ongoing zebra mussel problem, motorboats are banned on Clear Lake this summer.

After dealing with zebra mussels taking over Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park, Parks Canada has announced only non-motorized watercraft will be allowed in the lake and surrounding waters in 2025.

Zebra mussels were first discovered in the area in November 2023, which led to a boat ban to prevent them from spreading further.

A containment curtain was installed in 2024 in Boat Cove to keep the mussels in one area, but it was dislodged by winds and waves.

It was part of an effort by Parks Canada to eradicate the invasive species altogether, but the government agency said earlier this year that wouldn’t be possible.

The decision to keep motorized boats from the lake was difficult but necessary, it said.

“Parks Canada is taking a precautionary approach in an effort to reduce the rate of spread of zebra mussels thereby continuing to protect the health of Clear Lake and outlying waterbodies in Riding Mountain National Park and downstream water courses so that visitors and residents can continue to enjoy them in the future,” Parks Canada said in a news release.

People who want to use non-motorized boats, such as kayaks and canoes, have to sign up for an annual permit that only allows them in either Clear Lake or the other bodies of water in the park.

“Riding Mountain National Park is pleased visitors are choosing to spend time at the park and looks forward to welcoming more visitors during the 2025 season. Parks Canada is committed to managing the impact of zebra mussels on the natural environment while supporting the vitality of local tourism economies.”

When using any body of water, Manitobans are told to completely clean, drain, and dry anything that went in the water to ensure zebra mussels don’t spread.