In mountain national parks in Alberta, the presence of aquatic invasive species (AIS) has led to the closure of several lakes and rivers to watercraft, prompting paddlers to advocate for a more collaborative approach in addressing the issue. Beginning this spring, water bodies in Jasper National Park and other nearby parks like Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes will be divided into three zones, each with specific regulations for water activities. While some popular areas remain accessible to paddlers, the restrictions primarily impact backcountry locations.
One long-time whitewater enthusiast, Andrew Loughlin, expressed disappointment with the new rules, describing them as disheartening in a letter to Parks Canada. Loughlin highlighted that many cherished spots in the park were only reachable by boat, emphasizing the significant reduction in navigable waterways, estimating that over 75% of Jasper’s water routes are now off-limits.
The decision to implement these measures follows the recent confirmation of whirling disease in Lake Louise, a condition believed to have been introduced through human activity on the lake. Whirling disease, also detected in Banff and Yoho, causes skeletal abnormalities in young fish species like salmon, whitefish, and trout, potentially resulting in substantial declines in their populations. While the disease was initially identified in British Columbia in 2024 and spread to the Kootenay River watershed, it has not been detected in Kootenay National Park.
Parks Canada emphasized the urgency of taking action to prevent the disease from spreading further, highlighting the challenges of removing invasive species once introduced. Stressing that watercraft and fishing gear movements are common pathways for AIS transmission, the agency underscored the necessity of imposing restrictions to safeguard aquatic ecosystems, balancing conservation efforts with recreational opportunities.
While certain water bodies like the main stem of the Athabasca River remain open for recreation, many advanced backcountry routes featuring Class 4 and Class 5 rapids are now closed to watercraft, fishing waders, and windsports. To mitigate the risk of AIS spread, some rivers downstream of natural barriers like waterfalls will remain open to paddlers. Parks Canada specified varying rules for different zones, permitting activities like scuba diving under licensed operators in designated areas.
Acknowledging concerns raised by paddlers regarding the lack of detailed closure information, some suggested alternative approaches such as stricter permits, gear inspections, or quarantines to manage the spread of invasive species effectively. Despite the challenges posed by the new restrictions, paddlers acknowledged the importance of adhering to the rules while advocating for their voices to be heard in future conservation discussions.
Representatives from packrafting organizations voiced concerns that the restrictions would significantly impact their sport, emphasizing the strong connection between outdoor recreation and land preservation. They stressed the significance of biosecurity measures and hoped to engage with Parks Canada in shaping future policies through constructive dialogue and data-driven insights. Encouraging compliance with regulations, they urged paddlers to participate actively in conservation efforts to protect the natural environment within national parks.
