Flowering Rush is a weed that has already been found in Chestermere Lake. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development says that it can quickly “form dense stands which may interfere with recreational lake use. Flowering rush may also crowd out native plants and in turn harm fish and wildlife.”
This plant can spread by seed, small bulbs that break off when the plant is disturbed, any root fragments that break off when the plant is pulled out and by rhizomes.
What to do: If you believe you have found Flowering Rush, do not disturb the plants. Call the Chestermere Parks Department at 403-207-2807.
Significant Threats to Chestermere Lake
Zebra & Quagga Mussels are small creatures that can infest our lake, damage pumps and irrigation systems, and clog boat props. They are almost impossible to remove.
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
Once they establish in a lake, they can cause significant damage and inconvenience. They can reproduce at a rate of up to 1,000,000 new mussels per year, can infest irrigation pipes, can cut people wading in shallow areas and create obnoxious odors.
What to do:
If you want to launch a boat that has been in any body of water outside of Alberta:
• Clean: Always clean, drain and dry your boat and all recreational gear.
• Dry: Keep the boat out of the water for at least 30 days to ensure no mussels have survived.
• Inspect: If it has not been out of the water for more than 30 days, have your boat inspected. Call Toll Free: 1 855 336-2628 (BOAT) for the nearest inspection site.
Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org
Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org
Potential Threats to Chestermere Lake
Eurasian Watermilfoil is a weed that has many of the same negative features as Flowering Rush. Eurasian Watermilfoil can already be found across most of the United States and as well B.C., Ontario and Quebec.
It can also be transported on boats or boating equipment. Even a small piece is enough to take root in a new body of water.
What to do: Always clean, drain, and dry your boat and boating equipment thoroughly. Follow the other instructions for mussels to avoid transporting Eurasian Watermilfoil.
Background
About Chestermere:
As Alberta’s fastest growing municipality and newest City, Chestermere has rapidly evolved from a lakeside summer village into a dynamic, recreational oasis for nearly 18,000 residents.
Chestermere is a haven for many families. Excellent schools, safe communities, and a wide range of housing options draw many new residents each year. Attractions such as the 750 acre lake, an 18 hole golf course, beautiful parks and pathways, and family friendly events also contribute to the high quality of life for Chestermere’s residents.
Facts about Chestermere:
• Current Population (2014): 17,203
• Chestermere became Alberta’s newest city on January 1, 2015.
• Chestermere Lake is 4.8 km long, 750 acres and is actively used as an irrigation reservoir.
• Chestermere’s boat launch is open from May 8 – October 12, 2015.
• Number of boats that used the boat launch in 2014: 2806
About the RBC Blue Water Project:
The RBC Blue Water Project is a historic, wide-ranging, 10-year global commitment to help protect the world’s most precious natural resource: fresh water. Since 2007, RBC has pledged nearly $41 million to more than 700 charitable organizations worldwide that protect water, with an additional $8.8 million pledged to universities for water programs. The RBC Blue Water Project is focused on supporting initiatives that help protect water in towns, cities, and urbanized areas. For further information, visit www.rbc.com/bluewater. RBC supports a broad range of community initiatives through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. In 2014, we contributed more than $111 million to causes worldwide, including donations and community investments of more than $76 million and $35 million in sponsorships.
