Preventing aquatic invasive species at Banff National Park

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) pose a threat to Species at Risk (SAR) as well as ecological integrity (EI). This project aims to prevent the introduction and manage the spread of AIS to protect EI, support SAR recovery (including Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout), and protect aquatic ecosystems in the Lake Louise, Yoho, and Kootenay Field Unit. Preventing AIS introduction and establishment is the most cost-effective way to protect against AIS, since eradication is expensive and often impossible. The mountain national parks (MNPs), which are connected by watersheds and visitor use, are collaborating on the implementation of AIS programs. The MNP AIS Steering Committee and Working Group were formed with cross-functional representation from Banff, Jasper and Waterton Lakes national parks, and Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay Field Unit. This allows the MNPs to leverage shared resources and create a unified and sustainable strategy to support this and future AIS programs across Canada’s national parks. Approach: — Prevent the introduction of AIS by managing the primary pathways of human-caused introduction. — Research, develop, pilot, and assess the effectiveness of AIS prevention and management strategies, including: regional communications strategies; regulations and permitting; monitoring protocols and risk assessments; Early Detection/ Rapid Response (ED/RR) planning; and internal and external partnerships. — Evaluate and adjust implemented strategies to improve effectiveness. — Develop an AIS tool kit comprised of all project resources, products, rationale and effectiveness data/research with other parks and partners that can benefit from lessons learned during project implementation.