New campaign encourages Albertans to take action against aquatic invasive species
A new province-wide awareness campaign is urging all Albertans who spend time on the water to take simple steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The Alberta Invasive Species Council’s Protect Our Waters campaign is reminding everyone to Clean, Drain, and Dry their boats and gear to help protect Alberta’s lakes, rivers, and native biodiversity.
From zebra mussels to Eurasian watermilfoil, aquatic invasive species can spread quickly and cause long-term and irreversible damage to ecosystems, recreation areas, and infrastructure.
“Protect Our Waters is about more than just clean boats. It’s about safeguarding Alberta’s lakes, rivers, and the places we love for future generations,” said Megan Evans, Executive Director of the Alberta Invasive Species Council. “Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is something we all have a role in. It starts with a simple habit: always Clean, Drain, and Dry your gear after every outing.”
Aquatic invasive species often hitch a ride on watercraft and equipment. Even small amounts of water or plant material can introduce new species to uninfested waterbodies.
Clean, Drain, Dry means:
Clean: Remove all visible plants, animals, and mud from your boat, trailer, and gear.
Drain: Empty water from your boat and all equipment, including bilges, live wells, and buckets, before leaving the launch site.
Dry: Let everything dry completely before entering another waterbody.
As part of the campaign, new Clean, Drain, Dry Dispose (CD3) boat wash stations are being installed at a few high-traffic recreation sites in the Edmonton area. These stations provide free tools to help boaters clean, drain, and dry their watercraft before heading home. Outreach teams will also be on site at these locations during busy times to answer questions and demonstrate proper cleaning techniques.
The Council emphasizes that stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species is something everyone across Alberta can help with, whether or not a boat wash station is nearby. No matter where you recreate, following Clean, Drain, Dry practices every time you leave the water makes a big difference.
Boat wash units have been installed this summer at:
Riel Recreation Park launch in St. Albert
Cardiff Trout Pond south launch in Sturgeon County
Astotin Lake launch in Elk Island National Park.
Wilfred Laurier Park boat launch in Edmonton