Lake Wahtopanah restrictions a zebra mussel precaution

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This article was published 05/06/2025 (199 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

RIVERS – The Province of Manitoba has introduced new rules for watercraft at Rivers Provincial Park out of an abundance of caution over zebra mussels, a spokesperson told the Sun in late May.

Signs have been erected around Lake Wahtopanah saying that boats are still allowed on the water, however they will need to be decontaminated. Before entering and before leaving, visitors are required to clean, drain and dry their watercraft, and dispose of live bait and worms.

In an email to the Sun, a spokesperson for the province explained that the rules are designed to prevent the spread of zebra mussels. The species has been detected near the lake, however as of late May it had not been discovered inside the lake.

“Zebra mussels have been confirmed upstream in Clear Lake and detected downstream in the Assiniboine River at the Brandon generating station,” wrote the provincial spokesperson. “Out of an abundance of caution, Manitoba is requiring decontamination after using Lake Wahtopanah and before entering another waterbody, while the province continues further monitoring.”

Water-related equipment — such as scuba gear, watercraft trailers, paddles, ropes, anchors, personal flotation devices, beach toys and floatable devices such as tubes — are also included in the policy. A full list is available on the Province of Manitoba website.

Friends of Rivers Lake president Lorne Green told the Sun that the plan is to keep the lake open. He said the team will encourage visitors to abide by decontamination standards set by the province, but he doesn’t foresee any shut downs.

“We want to just maintain this lake for a good recreational lake, everyone can do their watersports here and swim,” said Green. “Our stance is that we’re going to promote education and inspection of boats.”

The restricted access at Lake Wahtopanah means that if boaters are unable to get the boat decontaminated, self-decontamination will be permitted through guidelines set out by the province of clean, drain and dry. Green said education will be the focus of the group this year.

Mayor of Riverdale Municipality Heather Lamb said she had not heard much from the province about the changes at the lake this year. Lamb said the municipality received a message in spring, but that was all that had materialized as of late May.

In an email to the Sun, Lamb wrote that the Department of Environment and Climate Change informed the municipality that access to Wahtopanah Lake and the Little Saskatchewan River would be restricted due to the zebra mussel threat.

Also downstream of Clear Lake, the possibility of zebra mussel infestation looms over Minnedosa Lake. Friends of Lake Minnedosa member Barry McPhail told the Sun that he expects the invasive species to show up even despite prevention efforts.

“I think it’s coming to Minnedosa whether we like it or not,” said McPhail.

McPhail also said that the volunteer group promotes the decontamination process of clean, drain and dry. But he emphasized that while boats are being blamed for spreading the zebra mussels, many other things such as bathing suits and water toys could carry the invasive species.

Minnedosa Mayor Ken Cameron couldn’t be reached for an update on the status of Lake Minnedosa.

Signs have also been erected along the Little Saskatchewan River this spring, including at Kirkham Bridge, a popular spot for tubers. The signs instruct visitors to decontaminate their equipment after leaving the river and before entering other bodies of water.

» cmcdowell@brandonsun.com