Boaters in western Manitoba will see new aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspection stations near Minnedosa and Ste. Rose du Lac starting this weekend, Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced Friday, June 9th.
“Watercraft inspection stations are a critical tool in controlling the spread of aquatic invasive species and these new stations have been placed specifically to respond to growing zebra mussel and other AIS threats in western Manitoba,” Nesbitt said. “Cleaning, draining, and drying your boat is a responsible practice every boater must follow to protect our ecosystems and maintain recreational opportunities, so we need all Manitobans to do their part to help control the spread of AIS.”
The Manitoba government’s annual watercraft inspection program also includes inspection stations at Headingley, Selkirk, Eriksdale, The Pas and Wabowden. An inspection station at Grand Rapids will open in coming weeks.
Watercraft inspection stations help watercraft users comply with AIS requirements. Anyone transporting motorized or non-motorized watercraft, such as canoes and kayaks, must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations along their route.
The Manitoba government is also advising of new AIS control measures at Foot Print Lake, located north of Grand Rapids between Cedar Lake and Lake Winnipeg. Anyone using watercraft and water-related equipment in Foot Print Lake and its tributaries must ensure to clean, drain, dry and decontaminate all watercraft and water-related equipment before placing them into another water body. Signage will be placed at access points to Foot Print Lake to reflect this new measure.
All watercraft users in Manitoba are reminded to remain vigilant and do their part to protect the province’s water bodies from the introduction and spread of AIS, the minister noted. This includes ensuring all watercraft and water-related equipment are clean, drained, and dry after use in any water body in Manitoba, and decontaminated after using these items in a water body designated as a control zone.
Set fines for AIS offences are in effect year round and carry a range of penalties, depending on the offence, including a $672 fine for failing to stop at a watercraft inspection site and a $2,542 fine for removing watercraft or water-related equipment from a water body in a control zone and placing it into another water body without proper decontamination.
For more information on AIS, the requirements, along with the location and hours of watercraft inspection stations, visit www.manitoba.ca/stopais
