Permit needed for kayaks, canoes in Banff

Decision targets invasive species entering park

People who use non-motorized boating equipment in Banff National Park will have to have a permit filled out and ready to present to park officials starting Thursday.

The self-declaration permit is part of a larger campaign targeting aquatic invasive species in the park.

Daniella Rubeling, visitor experience manager for the Banff field unit, explained that the permits ask canoers, kayakers and paddleboard users to declare that they have cleaned, drained and dried their watercraft gear before entering the water.

“What they are saying by filling out the permit is that they've cleaned, they've drained, they've dried, and now we're adding certified,” said Rubeling.

Drying requirements are 48 hours if the watercraft was last used in B.C., Alberta or the territories, and 30 days if last used in other Canadian provinces or the U.S.

The permits are free and can be printed before travelling to the park, or picked up and filled out at numerous locations throughout the park, including at visitor centres and at many of the lakes popular with canoers and kayakers.

The program aims to prevent the spread of all aquatic invasive species, such as mussels and non-native water plants, as well as whirling disease.

Failure to have the permit could result in a fine as high as $25,000, but Rubeling said because it's a new requirement, parks officials will be focusing on education this year.

“We recognize this is something new for people to get used to,” she said. “We will be out there. We will be checking for permits, but it will be a focus on (education) ... so that people understand they have a shared responsibility for keeping our aquatic ecosystems healthy.”

The self-certification program is already in place at Yoho and Kootenay National parks.

Rubeling said there is a plan to advance it to all the mountain parks gradually.

She said having people fill out the free permits will not only help them understand their responsibility, but it will also help park staff gather data on watercraft use in the park.

Motorized watercraft can only operate on Lake Minnewanka while in Banff National Park.

Those boaters do not require the self-certification permit, but do require a provincial or Parks Canada inspection prior to launching.

Rubeling said this year they've added a new inspection station on the Minnewanka loop.