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Watercraft self-certification required in Kootenay, Yoho
Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok is alerting constituents to a new requirement in Kootenay and Yoho national parks for the use of watercraft in the parks.
āIf you paddle, fish, or boat, in the Kootenay/Yoho National Parks please pay attention to this,ā Clovechok stated on social media.
Parks Canada is increasing efforts to prevent aquatic invasive species (AIS) from entering and spreading in Yoho and Kootenay national parks. Beginning June 14, self-certification of all watercraft (including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards) and fishing gear will be mandatory for all rivers, lakes and streams in Yoho and Kootenay national parks.
Visitors and residents will be required to state that they have cleaned and drained their watercraft or gear of mud and water, and have allowed the item to dry for a minimum of 48 hours to be able to enter any river, lake or stream in Yoho and Kootenay national parks.
Those travelling from outside of B.C. or Alberta will require a 30-day minimum drying period.
Decontamination is available from provincial inspection stations in Golden and Radium Hot Springs.
Parks Canada requires watercraft owners/users to:
- Clean all mud, sand, plant and animal materials from their boats, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and fishing gear.
- Drain coolers, buckets, compartments, and other items that may hold water.
- Dry completely for 48 hours before entering any river, lake or stream.
Self-certification permits will be available in Kootenay National Park at: Kootenay Park Gate; Kootenay Visitor Centre in Radium Hot Springs; Redstreak Campground; Olive Lake Day Use Area.
Popular canoe launch sites along the Kootenay and Vermilion Rivers including Vermilion Day Use Area, Simpson Trailhead, Dolly Varden Day Use Area, Kootenay Day Use Area, and McLeod Meadows Campground.
Self-certification permits will be available in Yoho National Park at: Yoho Park Gate; Yoho Visitor Centre in Field; Kicking Horse Campground.
Popular water bodies including Emerald Lake, Finn Creek, Wapta Lake and Faeder Lake.
Self-certifying watercraft and gear is not mandatory in Banff National Park, but Parks Canada encourages all national park visitors to help prevent the spread of aquatic species by cleaning, draining and drying all boats, SUPs and gear.
Lead image: Kootenay River in Kootenay National Park. e-KNOW file photo
e-KNOW
