During the May long week, there were seven high risk boats found in Alberta as potentially carrying invasive mussels. The City of Chestermere is well aware of the danger these aquatic invasive species bring and are working hard to keep them away from our lake.
“Chestermere Lake is our community’s biggest amenity,” said Chestermere Mayor Patricia Matthews, “and we are doing everything we can to not only bring awareness of these invasive species but to stop them from infecting our beautiful water body”.
On May 29, 2015, the City of Chestermere received a cheque of $10,000 from RBC’s Blue Water Project to promote public education regarding mussels. In addition to participating in the provincial ‘Clean-Dry-Drain’ campaign, the funds will help Chestermere undertake several public education initiatives to improve awareness about the threat of aquatic invasive species.
“At RBC, we know that fresh water is fundamental to living,” says Mellisa Dang, Chestermere RBC Branch Manager. “By supporting the efforts of the City of Chestermere, we are able to help raise awareness and fund water projects that will help provide access to drinkable, swimmable, fishable water, now and for generations to come”.
Following the cheque presentation from RBC, a watercraft inspection training was provided to City staff, residents, and interested participants in partnership with Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) and the Western Irrigation District.
Along with hosting training, the City is keeping a close eye on boats launched in Chestermere, offering public education seminars and raising awareness at various public events throughout the summer.
“If mussels were to infest lakes or reservoirs in Alberta, we estimate that it would cost Albertans over $75 million annually”, said Kate Wilson, Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist with Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. “Prevention is absolutely the best management strategy when it comes to aquatic invasive species”.
To learn more about Chestermere’s plans for preventing aquatic invasive species from entering Chestermere Lake visit www.chestermere.ca/ais
To report any suspicious species please call the Provincial 24/7 hotline, 1-855-336-BOAT (2628).
