Preventing and managing aquatic invasive species in Waterton Lakes National Park

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) pose a threat to Species at Risk (SAR) as well as ecological integrity (EI). This project aims to prevent the introduction and manage the spread of AIS to protect EI, support recovery of SAR including Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout, and protect aquatic ecosystems in Waterton Lakes National Park (WLNP). Preventing AIS establishment is the most cost-effective way to protect against AIS, since eradication is expensive and often impossible. The mountain national parks (MNPs) are connected by watersheds and visitor use. The MNP AIS Steering Committee and Working Group were formed with cross-functional representation from Banff, Jasper and Waterton Lakes national parks, and Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay Field Unit. This will allow the MNPs to leverage shared resources and create a unified and sustainable strategy. Approach: — Implement new watercraft and aquatic related gear Restricted Activity Orders for preventing contaminated vessels entering park waters. — Open a mandatory non-motorized watercraft inspection station, staffed by Aquatic Stewards, to operate seasonally. — Implement a new AIS volunteer program: EcoAmbassadors. — Engage with Indigenous partners and stakeholders. — Develop an AIS monitoring program with consistent protocols across the MNPs. — Initiate a graduate student research project to help inform AIS prevention strategies. — Develop an Early Detection/Rapid Response (ED/RR) Plan and an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) for AIS for WLNP. — Develop an MNP AIS Strategy including Regional AIS Communications and monitoring protocols.