December 18, 2020

Honourable Jason Nixon
Minister of Environment and Park
Executive Branch
323 Legislative Building
10800-97 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6

Re: Watercraft Inspection Stations Needed for Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program

Dear Minister Jason Nixon,

Immediate action is required to protect Alberta waterways, measures that will save Alberta millions of dollars. Alberta Environment and Park’s closure of watercraft inspection station in 2019 significantly increase the threat of aquatic invasive species (AIS) entering Alberta Lakes. The Pigeon Lake Watershed Association with support from Pigeon Lake Watershed Management Plan, Steering Committee and endorsement, by order in council, from local municipalities, request that you reinstate inspection stations along Alberta’s western border by May 2021 to protect against the threat of Eurasian Watermilfoil from waterways in British Columbia. In addition, we request that new watercraft inspections also be considered within close proximity to sites where aquatic invasive species are present.

The number of watercraft inspection stations in Alberta was reduced by more than 40 percent, from 11 permanent and two roving stations in 2018 to only eight permanent stations in 2019. Stations that have been eliminated were along the Alberta, British Columbia border. The only remaining inspection stations are located near the borders with the eastern provinces. While, inspecting watercrafts from the east is an important measure to help shut down the pathway of Quagga and Zebra mussels, eliminating inspections along our borders with BC leaves Alberta waterways vulnerable to Eurasian Watermilfoil. This non-native plant has plagued lakes across British Columbia. The Okanagan Basin Water Board, as one example, budgets $850,000 of local property taxes annual for the mitigation of Eurasian Watermilfoil with an estimated cost of $20 million over the life of the program. Eurasian Watermilfoil, as with many AIS, can be very difficult to eradicate once established. Prevention will support healthy ecosystems in Alberta waterways and save Alberta money.

Over the last 10 years, AEP has led the way in AIS prevention. The government has measures including policy, legislated enforcement of inspections, education and outreach, collaborative partnerships, and cross departmental mandates. Reducing inspection capacity undermines these prevention measures—measures that were established to protect the recreational value of lakes, fisheries, lake property values, and drinking water. Alberta needs to enhance prevention measures before it is too late. We respectfully request that watercraft inspection stations along the western borders between Alberta and BC be reinstated to protect against the transport of Eurasian Watermilfoil into Alberta waterways.

Sincerely,

Wayne Buskas, President

Pigeon Lake Watershed Association

Robert Gibbs, Chair

Pigeon Lake Watershed Management Plan,
Steering Committee