Green BOATING GUIDE FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES THE WATER IN THE Upper Basin, TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

INTRODUCTION 4 A river and the place we call home 4 What is Green Boating? 5 How does boating impact waterways and aquatic life? 6

GREEN BOATING: THE WAY TO BE CLEAN AND GREEN 7 Cleaning up waste 8 Fuel 8 Engines 9 Oil spills 10 Solid waste 11 Cleaning your boat 12 Water and sewage 17 Boat Storage 20 Operating you boat 21 Personal watercraft and jetboats 23 Green boater checklist 24

PROTECTING SENSITIVE AREAS 25 Minimizing boating impacts on birds 26 Migrating birds 27

INVASIVE SPECIES OF CONCERN IN THE UPPER COLUMBIA BASIN 30 Identifying invasive species 33

PART OF THE SOLUTION 39

RESOURCES 40 The area discussed in this guide includes the streams, rivers and lakes in British Columbia that flow into the Columbia River. The suggestions and tips presented in this guide can be applied to any freshwater body you’re recreating on.

2 3 WHAT IS GREEN BOATING?

Being a “green” boater means learning how to do what you love without damaging the ecosystem in which you do it. It also means educating yourself about what’s good and bad for the environment and how to be more responsible toward the wildlife that also call the Columbia Basin home.

This guide is for everyone who THOUGH THIS GUIDE IS FOCUSED enjoys having fun on water in both GEOGRAPHICALLY ON THE UPPER motorized and non-motorized INTRODUCTION COLUMBIA RIVER, MANY OF THE boats. TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR GREEN BOATING ARE APPLICABLE By following the ideas and tips in this guide, you can help minimize TO OTHER FRESHWATER BODIES any negative effects boating IN CANADA A RIVER AND THE PLACE WE CALL HOME might have on your waterways - and you’ll likely save money and have more fun by doing so. The upper Columbia River Basin environment supports an exceptional quality of life for the people who live and visit here by providing clean water, fresh air, spectacular landscapes, and a range of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Water bodies—including lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands—play a significant role in supporting the high quality of life in this region. Indeed, many of the region’s towns and tourist centers are located around the prominent waterbodies in the region, including the Columbia River, , Arrow Lake, Lake Revelstoke and Lake Windermere.

Boating is an integral part of life for many of us who enjoy the upper Columbia Basin. But unless we are careful, the way we use and maintain our boats can have a big impact on the water bodies we love.

4 5 HOW DOES BOATING IMPACT WATERWAYS AND AQUATIC LIFE?

The number and size of boats has been increasing on our waterways since the 1960s, and this trend is likely to continue. Boats impact aquatic ecosystems through movement, noise, physical contact, and toxins. There may be additional long-term impacts from boating that haven’t been discovered yet. GREEN BOATING THE WAY TO BEING CLEAN AND GREEN

BOATING CAN IMPACT WATERWAYS THROUGH THE FOLLOWING MECHANISMS: As a boater, there is much you can do to ensure the future health of your lakes and other freshwater bodies. By following the ideas and tips in this section, you protect your fishing and recreating grounds— and you’ll save money.

6 7 CLEANING UP WASTE GREEN WAYS TO FUEL YOUR BOAT

FUEL Spilling diesel fuel or gasoline while refueling is the most common polluting event on the water. Fuel spills and poorly maintained Oil spreads very quickly into a thin engines can cost us a bundle, sheen on top of the water, creating Part of the problem comes from the fact that most fuel dock pumps are able foul the water and damage fish a barrier to oxygen that normally to supply fuel much faster than small and medium-sized boats are able to and wildlife habitat. That makes moves across the water’s surface receive it. The “kickback” from adding fuel to a tank too quickly is a major the other things we do by water, and causing problems for both source of fuel spills. like fishing and swimming, animals and plants. Oil can poison a lot less pleasant, or even microscopic organisms living in impossible. water, and get on to the water- protective feathers and coats of Big oil spills are often featured animals, poisoning them as the on the news; we know those are groom and preen. bad for the environment. But it is not so widely recognized that Thus, just a little oil spilled in your even a few drops of oil can do a favourite lake or river can cause a lot of harm. significant amount of damage.

SOME BACTERIA FOUND IN MINERAL-RICH WATER s Fuel your boat on land. CREATE AN OIL-LIKE FILM ON s Take your time when fueling your boat. THE WATER. YOU CAN TELL s Install a whistle in the line to warn when fuel tank level is nearly full. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN s Install an anti-surge valve in the fuel vent FUELING: BACTERIA AND OIL BY LIGHTLY line.. TAPPING THE WATER’S s Close the vent on portable gas tanks WHAT SURFACE – IF THE FILM when the engine is not in use. BREAKS UP AND STAYS APART s Transport and store gasoline out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. IT’S BACTERIA; IF IT FLOWS s Be prepared for spills: YOU BACK TOGETHER IT’S OIL.

Wedge an absorbent pad into the same CAN DO side as the filler pipe.

Wrap an absorbent pad or cloth around the nozzle before moving it.

8 9 GREENING YOUR ENGINE PREPARING TO CLEAN UP OIL SPILLS

The single most important thing Sometimes accidents happen, no matter how careful we are. If you need to you can do to save on fuel costs ANOTHER STRIKE AGAINST clean up an oil spill, follow the tips below. and minimize water pollution is to 2-STROKE MOTORS: replace your 2-stroke engine with FEDERAL LAW Discharging pollutants like fuel into a waterway a 4-stroke engine. PROVINCIAL LAW A study* of motorized boat use is an offence under both the Federal Fisheries Act and the Provincial on a lake in California found that Most 2-stroke engines leave up to Environmental Management Act. People exhaust from 2-stroke outboard who pollute the water could be fined. 25% of their oil and gas unburned, motors contributed methyl tert- and leak it into the water instead. butyl ether (MTBE)—a possible These engines not only pollute air human carcinogen that imparts s Act quickly: Remember that a small spill and water, they waste $2.50 for can spread quickly. a noticeable taste and odor every $10 boaters spend on gas. s Place an absorbent oil-only mat pad over to drinking water in very low Four-stroke engines are well- the spill. concentrations — at a level sealed, quieter, produce very s When the pads are saturated, use gloves that exceeded drinking water and wring out the oil into a container little smoke, and burn fuel most standards. No one wants to drink for recycling. Dispose of the used pad efficiently. You might even pay for boat exhaust! properly. the cost of a four-stroke engine in *Reuter et al (1998) Concentrations, sources, and s Report all spills that reach the water! fate of the gasoline oxygenate methyl tert-butyl ether Even spills of less than a liter are a few years with your savings on (MTBE) in a multiple-use lake. Environmental Science fuel, maintenance, and repairs. and Technology. 32:3666-3672. significant.

Who to Call

Report spills or oil sheens of any size to: s Replace your 2-stroke engine with a 4-stroke engine. s B.C.’s Provincial Emergency Center: s Regularly maintain your engine to prevent 1-800-663-3456 or leaking seals, gaskets or hoses. ENGINES: s Environment Canada’s Spill Reporting SPILLS: s If your exhaust is not virtually invisible, Line 1-604-666-6100 or then your engine requires maintenance. s The local Conservation Officer service. WHAT s Collect all waste oils and antifreeze for WHAT recycling or disposal (most marinas You will be asked: or service stations will accept these s Where, when and how did the spill wastes). occur? YOU s Antifreeze is harmful to marine life: Use YOU CAN DO only when necessary. s What kind of pollution is it? CAN DO s What is the size of the area affected? s If you use your boat primarily for low- speed activities in calm water, consider s Is anything being done to clean it up? getting an electric motor with a battery and an outboard propeller. Keep a tray s You may also be asked for your name under your battery to catch acid spills. and phone number

10 11 SOLID WASTE CLEANING

When a gust of wind comes up Cleaning is a regular part of boat ownership. Following the practices listed on the water, plastic bags and below will help you ensure that protecting waterways becomes part of your other loose items on a boat can cleaning routine. easily be blown into the water. Plastics and other items can CLEANING TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES release toxins into the water, and can kill animals when they Clean your boat after taking it out of the water to help ensure that plant become entangled in or ingest and animal species are not transferred to places they don’t belong. Aquatic those materials. invasive species are also referred to as ‘nuisance’ or ‘exotic’ species and they are one of the most significant threats to our water resources. Aquatic invasive species often travel from one body of water to another by ‘hitchhiking’ on watercraft, recreational equipment and animals. Go to page xx [insert page number] to learn more about the danger of transporting invasive species and how to identify them.

To reduce the possibility that plastic wrappers CLEAN: Remove all plants, animals and other waste will blow into the water: and mud. Thoroughly wash everything, including crevices and other hidden areas. CLEAN IT WASTE: s Keep a sealed trash receptacle on board. :

s Consider bringing food items with less DRAIN: Thoroughly drain your boat before leaving the area, including WHAT WHAT packaging. wells, ballast, and engine cooling water. Plan to bring back everything you take with YOU you. Dispose of all recyclables such as glass, YOU aluminum, plastic, newspapers and oil in the DRY: Allow time for your boat to CAN DO appropriate containers on land. completely dry before launching in CAN DO other waters.

12 13 CLEANING THE BOAT HULL LAKE-FRIENDLY CLEANERS

A dirty hull increases your boat’s Read labels and look for non-toxic, chlorine-free, phosphate-free products.* drag in the water and reduces fuel efficiency. It can also spread invasive species like algae, SOME DO-IT-YOURSELF OPTIONS ARE: plants and mussels. Therefore, it’s important to clean your hull. However, the process of cleaning VINEGAR BAKING SODA TEA TREE OIL can chip away paint on your hull FEDERAL LAW Letting water and add toxic material to the that contains CLEANS, KILLS SCOURS, DEODORIZES, LIFTS TAPE water. toxic paint from washing a boat flow MOLD, DISINFECTS, CLEANS FIBERGLASS. ADHESIVES, DISINFETS, into a waterway is considered an DEODORIZES, COUNTERACTS FOUL action that harms fish. If caught, you BLEACHES, PREVENTS SMELLS IN TOILET You can take the best care may be issued an Inspector’s Direction SALT BUILD-UP IN BOWLS SHOWER of your hull by following the and subject to an enforcement THE HEAD, DISPERSES SUMPS AND BILGES. practices outlined below: action under the Fisheries Act. DIESEL ODOURS.

FOR SPECIFIC CLEANING TASKS:

FIBERGLASS: BAKING SODA AND SALT (IN WET PASTE) s Frequently wash your boat to reduce the build-up of dirt and algae. DECKS: 1 PART VINEGAR TO 8 PARTS WATER s Wash your boat on a lawn or other surface where the runoff will not go into a ALUMINIUM: 1 TBSP CREAM OF TARTAR IN _ LITRE HOT WATER waterbody. BRASS WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE VINEGAR AND SALT s If your local marina has a wastewater : , SOLUTION collection system, pressure wash your hull there. CLEAR PLASTIC/GLASS: 1 PART VINEGAR TO 2 PARTS WATER s Use detergents only when absolutely necessary. Make sure they are BOAT HULL: WOOD POLISH WITH OLIVE OIL phosphate-free and non-petroleum : based. TOILET/SHOWER: SCOUR WITH BAKING SODA WHAT s Try out the alternative cleaners listed on the following page. MILDEW: VINEGAR AND SALT SOLUTION OR TEA TREE OIL s To help prevent plant and algae growth on your hull, wax your hull at the BLEACHING: HYDROGEN PEROXIDE BLEACH, NOT CHLORINE YOU beginning of the season. BLEACH CAN DO s If you need to use an anti-foulant, use a copper in-epoxy product. Take leftover antifouling paint to a household *Look for EcoLogo™ certified products hazardous waste depot in your area.

14 15 WASTE WATER AND SEWAGE

Water quality is most threatened by materials that dissolve in and are transported in water. Water that transports human-generated waste can be classified as “grey” or “black” and there are separate strategies for controlling each of these pollution sources

GREYWATER BLACKWATER

Greywater is wastewater Blackwater is another term for produced when showering and sewage. Untreated sewage cleaning dishes on your boat. contains harmful parasites, Though it may seem harmless, bacteria and viruses. If released it may be toxic to fish and other into waterways, untreated aquatic life as it often contains sewage is a health hazard for harmful chemicals and soaps. people, wildlife, and fish. Shellfish in particular can easily become contaminated with bacteria from human waste in the water since IT’S LAKE FRIENDLY! they feed by filtering water.

Many ingredients in the cleaners, detergents, degreasers and soaps we use can make their way to our waters and contaminate our groundwater, lakes and rivers. s Conservative use of water is the first step One of the biggest problems affecting our lakes is excess phosphorous in reducing greywater. and nitrogen referred to as nutrients. Phosphates, common in laundry s Whenever possible, use wash facilities GREYWATER: detergents and cleaning products, can impact aquatic life in rivers, streams on shore to reduce the amount of and lakes and cause harmful algae blooms. detergent and soap entering the water. Some progress has been made in reducing the amount of phosphorous s Clean your shower screen and pump. WHAT entering our waters as governments have regulated their use in dishwasher This will extend the life of the pump and improve the quality of any greywater. and laundry detergents. But many other cleaning products contain harmful solvents and harsh chemicals that can harm our aquatic environments and YOU interfere with the natural processes involved in wastewater treatment. Lake Friendly is a consumer awareness program based in Manitoba. It CAN DO encourages people to make “lake friendly” choices by opting for Ecologo certified cleaning products. Choosing Ecologo means you are making a healthy choice for you, your family and our waterways.

16 17 Blackwater and Greywater harm aquatic ecosystems. You should be aware of several laws s Fit your boat toilet with a holding tank and empty it into a properly maintained governing discharge of untreated sewage collection system when you’re waters. back on shore. Modern tanks with hard poly-pip plumbing and odour-resistant hoses accompanied with good aeration Law Enforcement: Environment have all but eliminated the noxious smell Canada conducts random of holding tanks. inspections on boats and s Use toilet facilities on shore as much as checks for illegal discharges by possible. adding non-toxic, coloured dye s Create the demand for holding tank pump-out services by letting marinas to the toilet and then looking for know you need and will use those coloured lake water. To date, services. inspections have been conducted s Avoid using chemical additives or on Kinbasket Lake and Lake bleach in your holding tank. If you must break down waste, use only non-toxic, Koocanusa, and biodegradable products such as those Kootenay Lake. Inspections may that use bacteriological action. Avoid be coming to a lake near you! products with strong fragrances and chemicals like formaldehyde; these can interfere with bacteriological breakdown process. s Take care of your toilet: A cup of vinegar mixed with _ cup of baking soda will clean and deodorize your toilet just as well as commercial cleaners.

Blackwaters BLACKWATER: FEDERAL LAW FEDERAL LAW The Regulations REPORT IT! If you are aware of and some for the Prevention pollution discharges into water greywaters are considered “deleterious of Pollution from Ships and for substances” (substances that can bodies please contact B.C.’s WHAT Dangerous Chemicals administered kill fish) under Canada’s Fisheries under Transport Canada prohibits Provincial Emergency Centre Act. The Fisheries Act prohibits pleasure craft from dumping 1-800-663-3456 or Environment discharge of these substances untreated sewage into lakes and Canada’s Spill Reporting Line at into water bodies that are home to rivers. All pleasure craft with a toilet YOU fish, shellfish and other organisms. on board are required to have a 1-604-666-6100. If you are caught discharging holding tank or treatment system. CAN DO sewage or toxic wastewater you will likely be charged a monetary fine and prohibited from using the waterway for a while. Pollution is a serious offense!

18 19 BOAT STORAGE OPERATING YOUR BOAT

By storing your boat on land buoys and their anchors in areas Powerboats can cause damage to ecosystems through their wakes and as much as possible you will with aquatic vegetation. Anchors movement. Waves created by boat wake can rapidly increase shoreline protect your boat from damage and associated props can cause erosion. The resulting damage can decrease property value, degrade fish and protect the waterbody. A damage to plants and stir up and animal habitat, decrease riparian habitat and water clarity and cause boat kept unused on water for sediment as they move across algae blooms due to nutrient release. Boat wakes near shore also swamp long periods of time could be the lake bottom with wind and the nests of shoreline-dwelling birds. Your boat wake can swamp smaller damaged by storms, floating wave action. In areas where vessels operating on the water, too. debris or vandals. If any damage there is no aquatic vegetation, occurs on your boat, such as a consider replacing mooring buoy The movement of boats and their physical contact with the river or new leak of fuel or oil, you would chains with lines that float to lake bottom can churn up sediment, which decreases water clarity and not be able to detect and fix the avoid scouring the lake bottom. reintroduce harmful nutrients into the water column. Shallow lakes, shallow problem for some time. If you parts of lakes and rivers, and channels connecting lakes are the most must store your boat on water, susceptible to these impacts of boating. check on it regularly or have a friend or neighbour check on it. WATCH THE WAKE: The destructive energy in a wake depends on wave height and on the speed at which the wake is moving. The speed If you moor your boat using of your wake moves at exactly the same speed as your boat: the only mooring buoys, avoid placing way to slow down that wake is to slow yourself down.

s To be cautious, within 150 metres of shore* operate your boat with no wake. You can watch to see if your wake hits the shore at varying speeds, and adjust CLEANING UP MARINAS your speed up or down accordingly. BOAT USE s In shallow waters, turn off your propeller : Clean Marine BC is a voluntary environmental to avoid stirring up the bottom. You recognition program for marinas, harbour could also get out your paddle or just authorities, yacht clubs and boat yards in B.C. WHAT stay clear of those areas. s Give all wildlife space; stay clear of The goal of the program is to reduce and prevent water, air and land nesting birds or other wildlife close to pollution from recreational boating. Program participants receive an eco- shore. YOU rating based on their level of environmental responsibility, a marina best s Keep your speed down near small practices handbook, and other benefits like discounts on insurance. vessels that can also be swamped by CAN DO wakes.

Run a marina? Learn how to join the clean marine bc * The community around Lake Windermere Program at: http://www.Georgiastrait.Org has adopted specific recommendations for reducing boat wakes near the shore.

20 21 PERSONAL WATERCRAFT AND JETBOATS BOATING BEST PRACTICES: Personal watercraft (PWC) and jetboats are jet-propelled boats that can

get into areas that other motorboats can’t. As an operator you have the The community around Lake Windermere has adopted recommendations potential to cause different kinds of harm, so may need to think about additional ways to reduce your impact. for boating best practices in its Lake Windermere Management Plan. The guidelines remind people of ways to keep waterways healthy and safe for all users. The Plan recommends slow “no wake” zones in areas where there is a high level of activity in the water and greater public interest in swimming and non-motorized boating. These include Taynton Bay to the mouth of Abel Creek, and within 60 m of the east shoreline.

Best practices guidelines may have been adopted for your lake, too. Check with your local or regional government.

FEDERAL LAW The Federal S h o r e l i n e s Operate in water at least 30 inches (76 Speed Restriction law has been cm) deep. Riding in shallow water can adopted in British Columbia. It disturb bottom sediments and aquatic states that within 30 metres of vegetation. shore on inland waters, all power- s Operate at a slow speed and do not PWC: driven vessels should reduce create a wake when operating near speed to 10 km/h (6.2 mph). shore to avoid causing erosion. WHAT Some exceptions: s Do not dock or beach your vessel in s Vessels are allowed to tow a reeds and grasses. This could damage skier, wakeboard, etc. when fragile environments and encourage the traveling perpendicularly out spread of aquatic invasive species. YOU from the shoreline and within designated areas. CAN DO s The regulation does not apply to rivers that are less than 100 metres wide or in buoyed channels.

22 23 THE GREEN BOATING CHECKLIST: Upgraded my motor to a more efficient four- THIS YEAR I: stroke engine.

Maintained my boat before boating season began.

Kept up with regular engine maintenance.

Inspected my fuel line, clamps, and filters monthly.

Fueled up away from the water (I have detachable tanks). Kept on hand in the case of an oil spill bilge PROTECTING pillows and absorbent pads or installed a bilge filter. SENSITIVE AREAS

Stored my boat on land if possible

Used the least-toxic hull paint possible. Some freshwater environments have a harder time recovering from Chose non-toxic cleaners. disturbances than others. These sensitive areas are more susceptible to Drove at a “no wake” speed near shore. stress by pollution and some boating activities. Some sensitive areas include shallow or poorly flushed bays, narrow channels and wetlands. Never discharged blackwater into the waterway. One of the best ways you can ensure sensitive areas remain healthy, Cleaned my boat well (on shore) when leaving functioning systems is to steer clear of these areas. WHAT the water. Kept my boat weed-free. I removed any plants or animals clinging to the hull, trailer, motor, YOU or hiding in the bilge. Respected shoreline wildlife habitat and CAN DO wildlife on water. Educated other boaters on how to improve their practices

24 25 MINIMIZING BOATING IMPACTS ON BIRDS MIGRATORY BIRDS

The Upper Columbia Basin is Some water-dwelling birds like loons and grebes nest right near the water. a critical corridor for migrating Boat wakes can damage nests and splash and cool eggs. As a boat approaches a nest, it may flush the parent from the nest, leaving the nest birds. Let’s show them our best exposed to predators. Canadian hospitality while they FEDERAL LAW No matter pass through. where you are in your boat, it is illegal to dump, In Wildlife Management PROVINCIAL LAW release or discharge a substance Areas, places requiring that could harm migratory birds special protection and management, specific or their nests under the Migratory regulations are in place to protect wildlife. Under Birds Convention Act. the BC Wildlife Act, disturbing wildlife, a nest or its eggs is prohibited, as is being in possession of an animal carcass, nest or egg. Keep your dog on a leash, too, as allowing domestic Approaching the Shore animals to run free is prohibited in these areas. s Approach shorelines at modest speeds, taking care to watch out for birds and small animals that may be nesting or SOME BIRDS ARE MORE SENSITIVE THAN OTHERS: Canada Geese trying to escape. may be comfortable around visitors however, Harlequin Duck, Killdeer and Plover have a difficult time near people. Please give them space. While on the Shore s Give wildlife space: Use binoculars to view wildlife, stay quiet, and stay at a safe distance. s Consider habitat: When accessing the shoreline, do not trample or remove soil and plants. s Watch your pets: maintain control of domestic animals to avoid stress and injury to birds and small animals. BIRDS: s Park vehicles and boat trailers away from water: Only use designated parking sites WHAT or gravel roads that provide firm, dry sites. YOU Report threats s Birds are especially sensitive to oil spills. CAN DO If you see an oil spill, report it to the Provincial Emergency Center: 1-800-663-3456

26 27 FOR LOVE OF LOONS A SPECIAL SPECIES COLUMBIA WETLANDS A SPECIAL AREA

For many Canadians, a lake just isn’t a lake without loons. However, these The Columbia Wetlands have unique characteristics—and unique regulations magnificent birds are quickly declining in numbers. Did you know that the to protect them. use of your watercraft can detrimentally affect the loon population? The Columbia Wetlands, teeming with colour and life, are where hundreds Canoes and small boats plying shallow water in bays or close to shore of thousands of birds, water creatures, and large mammals eat, rest, hunt can frighten loons from their nests or disturb loon chicks taking cover in and breed. The wetlands are 180 kilometers in length, making them one of secluded waters. Faster moving personal watercraft (jet-skis) give loons little the longest intact wetlands in North America. They comprise an ecosystem warning and their operators are often not aware of the loons they disturb. of outstanding regional, national, and international significance. The wetlands Jet-skis and powerboats can also create wakes that wash away loon eggs were designated a wetland of international importance designated under and disturb nests. the Ramsar convention on wetlands and were the first Canadian member of Give loons some space: To help preserve critical loon habitat, slow down Living Lakes International. near sensitive areas, or steer clear of them altogether. The area was designated as a wildlife management area (WMA) in 1996 after decades of study and public consultation. The guiding principle for managing the WMA is that all activities that occur in the area must have a neutral or positive effect on wildlife, fish and plant communities.

The 2009 vessel operations restriction regulations were designed to help meet the objectives of the Columbia Wetlands wildlife management area dictates: s No motorized vessels in wetlands (off the main channel*) s No towing or wake-boarding activity on or off the main channel

*A third part of the regulation that would limit motorized boat use in the main channel to 20 horse power or less from Fairmont to Donald, excluding Lake Windermere, is expected in 2012.

28 29 DISRUPTIVE IMPACTS ON ECOSYSTEMS

INVASIVE PLANTS INVASIVE ANIMALS

s Alter wetland and shoreline s Disrupt food webs. structure by trapping sediment and creating drier s Alter species diversity. land that favours trees and shrubs, displacing wetland species. GOOD NEWS FOR s Reduce desirable wildlife LAKE WINDERMERE: nesting, cover, and breeding habitat. In 2011, a sampling and DNA INVASIVE SPECIES s Alter streambank vegetation analysis effort led by Wildsight and the associated shade, OF CONCERN IN THE UPPER COLUMBIA BASIN channel structure, and food confirmed that the milfoil species it provides. present in Lake Windermere is

s Increase soil sedimentation, the native Northern milfoil, not the Aquatic invasive species are also referred to as ‘nuisance’ and ‘exotic’ species negatively impacting non-native Eurasian milfoil. and they are one of the most significant threats to our water resources today. spawning habitat for salmon These species disrupt ecosystems and interfere with recreational activities. and other fish species. s Degrade water quality, Aquatic invasive species often travel from one body of water to another by including lowering levels hitchhiking on watercraft, recreational equipment, and animals and even float of dissolved oxygen in planes. Every vessel operator can prevent the spread of invasive species water that can lead to fish between lakes by cleaning their boat and trailer after leaving a lake. mortality.

s Clog stream channels, The following section should help you identify plants and animals that are prevent the passage of currently a problem in, or threaten waterways in the Canadian portion of the fish, and reduce density of Columbia River Basin. invertebrates (fish food).

s Displace both desirable native plant beds and the fish species inhabiting them.

30 31 DISRUPTIVE IMPACTS ON RECREATION + ECONOMIES IDENTIFYING INVASIVE SPECIES

INVASIVE PLANTS INVASIVE ANIMALS

s Increase boat repair and s Cause loss in fisheries maintenance costs. revenue. s Foul fishing lines/nets. s Disrupt recreational fisheries. s Decrease fish populations, s Damage boats. affecting sport fishing. s Clog dams and structures. s Impede swimmers and boat EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL DIDYMO s Are very costly to control/ Myriophyllum spicatum Didymosphenia geminata traffic. eradicate. s Lower property value. s Characteristics: Submerged, s Characteristics: An algae rooted to bottom and grows native to s Are very costly to control/ toward the water’s surface in that has become invasive eradicate. dense mats. elsewhere. It forms a thick blanket across freshwater s Problem: Chokes out native streams and riverbeds. Can plant species, impacts fish, and extend over a river bottom for 2 THE COST OF INVADERS: EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL: impedes recreation. to 3 kilometers.

s ID: 5 cm long leaves arranged s Problem: Smothers out any Eurasian watermilfoil is a rooted, submerged plant inhabiting the shallow in 3-6 whorls around stem. other plants. Can negatively Mature leaves in 14-24 leaflet waters of lakes in British Columbia and other parts of North America. Eurasian impact fish. pairs. No winter buds. Floral watermilfoil is extremely invasive. The plant can have devastating effects bracts are smaller than flowers. s ID: Commonly referred to on the lake it inhabits. Once established, it excludes native aquatic plants, as “rock snot” for its slimy Be careful in identifying this appearance. Feels like wet interferes with recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing, species, as BC has native look- cotton wool. Beige, brown, or and deters tourists for aesthetic reasons. alikes, and some are actually white. species at risk. Bodies of water including Okanagan, Shuswap, and Christina Lakes s Current Locations: Didymo s Current Locations: Known to has been identified in the upper have experienced the destructive effects of Eurasian watermilfoil. be present in Shuswap, Mara, within Kootenay Managers employ techniques such as rototilling to attempt to eliminate Christina, and Champion Lakes, National Park, the Lardeau Columbia and Kootenay Rivers. River, and tributaries of the the plant. In , the cost of rototilling is about $2,500 per Upper St Mary’s River. hectare*. On Christina Lake, $130,000 from property taxes was spent s Control: Options include: Hand-pulling, using bottom s Control: No known methods to remove watermilfoil in 2010**. barriers, harvesting machinery, for eradication.

*Okanagan Basin Water Board rototilling, and release of bio- **Christina Lake Stewardship Society control agents.

32 33 IDENTIFYING INVASIVE SPECIES

HYDRILLA BRAZILIAN ELODEA CURLY LEAF PONDWEED FLOWERING RUSH Hydrilla verticillata Egeria densa Potomogeton crispus Botumus umbellatus

s Characteristics: Forms dense s Characteristics: A bushy s Characteristics: Submerged, s Characteristics: Tall plant that mats. Regenerates from small perennial that spreads can rooted aquatic plant that is may grow in dense stands. tubers (potato-like structures) grow out of even a small plant green to red-brown in color. as well as by growing out of fragment. s Problem: Competes with small fragments. s Problem: Forms dense stands native aquatic vegetation and s Problem: Dense mats can that dominate large areas, reduced habitat for wildlife. May s Problem: Dense mats interfere grow up to 4.6 metres deep, crowding out other species; decrease water levels. with recreation and destroy fish choking out native plants, impedes water flow; potentially and wildlife habitat. Can alter clogging waterways, and alters oxygen levels; can impact s ID: Showy flowers with three water chemistry and oxygen interfering with recreation. water recreation activities. petals ranging from white to levels. pale pink. Leaves are sword- s ID: Leaves in whorls of 4. If s ID: Leaf edges are wavy; like and triangular in cross- s ID: Leaves in whorls of 5. If you see a plant like this that has produces red-brown flowers section. leaves are in whorls of more leaves in whorls of more than 3, between May and June. Looks than 3, report it! report it! similar to other Potomogeton Similar non-invasive species: species. American waterweed (Elodea s Current Locations: Well Similar non-invasive species: canadensis) generally has established throughout the American waterweed (Elodea s Current Locations: A nuisance whorls of 3 leaves. southern U.S. states where canadensis) generally has species south of the border in control and management costs whorls of 3 leaves. Idaho. s Current Locations: Upper millions of dollars per year. Kootenay and Columbia River Has been found in Washington s Current Locations: Currently watershed. A nuisance species State. Currently not known in not known in B.C., but stay on south of the border in Idaho. B.C.—but it is a threat so keep the lookout for this plant! an eye out for this plant! s Control: No known methods s Control: No known methods for eradication. for eradication.

34 35 IDENTIFYING INVASIVE SPECIES

POLICEMAN’S HELMET PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE YELLOW FLAG IRIS QUAGGA AND ZEBRA MUSSELS Impatiens glandulifera Lythrum salicaria Iris pseudacorus Dreissena bugensis & Dreissena polymorpha s Characteristics: Spreads s Characteristics: Spreads s Characteristics: An ornamental rapidly through “exploding” rapidly—one plant can produce species brought into gardens. s Characteristics: Freshwater seed capsules that land in rivers 2.5 million seeds annually. mussels that rapidly colonize and streams and drift swiftly to s Problem: Dense stands hard surfaces. new locations. s Problem: Wetlands can lose exclude native wetland species, 50-100% of native biomass which threatens plant and s Problem: Can clog water- s ID: Orchid-like flowers are when dense stands of Purple animal diversity. intakes, Impact recreation, white to pink to reddish, and Loosestrife take over, reducing decrease food sources for are shaped like an English food supply, and plant and s ID: Showy yellow flowers with zooplankton and affect water policeman’s helmet. Has hollow animal diversity. Most birds leaves that fold and clasp the quality. stems and opposite to whorled will not nest in loosestrife stem at the base. Plants reach egg-shaped leaves with a infestations. The plant is already 1.5 metres tall. s ID: Native muscles bury into serrated edge. Can grow to 2 a well-known problem in the sand. Zebra muscles attach s Current Locations: The iris metres tall. Ontario. to hard surfaces above the is already established in the substrate. s Current Locations: Known s ID: Stiff square stems, spikes Creston Wetlands Wildlife in the Lower Mainland, Fraser of showy purple flowers, and Management Area and is a s Current Locations: Not Valley, Vancouver Island, opposite leaves with a smooth threat to all of southern B.C. currently found in B.C. Let’s Sunshine Coast, Central Coast, leaf edge. keep them out! Pemberton, Central Kootenay, s Control: Very difficult to control and Cariboo areas of B.C. s Current Locations: Found once established. To prevent s Control: Report freshwater along the coast, the Southern seed production, plants can be mussel and didymo sitings: s Control: Shallow root system Interior and Cariboo regions of dug up in small infestations or Matthias Herborg, enables easy hand-pulling and B.C. flower heads can be clipped in Ministry of Environment: control. larger infestations. [email protected] s Control: Biological control has had varying success in B.C.

Invasive species identification information provided by Invasive Plant Council of BC 36 37 SUCCESS STORY: INVADERS STOPPED BY THE SLOCAN LAKE BOAT WASHING STATION

The Slocan Lake Stewardship Society spearheaded the establishment of a public boat washing station, set to begin in the summer of 2012. The free service allows and encourages boaters to use a high-pressure water hose to remove invasive plants and residue from the hulls of their craft PART OF THE SOLUTION before entering Slocan Lake.

s Oil spills are expensive to clean up and can be impossible to get out of the fir and feathers of wildlife. s Aquatic invasive species are expensive to remove. What’s more, you REMEMBER... might never get rid of all of them. Even the Shuswap region’s expensive To prevent the spread of invasive species: endeavours ($7.2 million spent since 1981*) haven’t completely gotten rid of Eurasian watermilfoil from the basin. INVASIVE CLEAN: Remove all plants, animals and mud. Thoroughly s Eroding shorelines represent an investment falling into a lake. The repairs SPECIES: wash everything, including are also costly. For comparison, a shore could be stabilized with “hard” crevices and other hidden fixes using rip-rap costing $500,000 for a landowner, with “soft” bio- areas. engineering approaches offering a cheaper, but still substantial investment WHAT of $10,000**. DRAIN: Thoroughly drain your boat before leaving the area, BOATERS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Together, we can prevent these YOU including wells, ballast, and damages from occurring in the Upper Columbia region. engine cooling water. CAN DO Threats to our aquatic ecosystems come from many sources. Boating is DRY: Allow time for your boat to but one of those potential threats. Nonetheless, when we green our boating completely dry before launching practices, we are part of the solution. in other waters. *Columbia Shuswap Regional District *“On the Living Edge” by Sarah Kipp and Clive Calloway

38 39 RESOURCES ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

s Look for lake-friendly boat cleaning products with EcoLogo. Information for this guide was compiled from: s Become a Clean Marina through the Clean Marine Program administered by the Georgia Strait Alliance. s Asplund, T (2000) s Kipp, S and C. Callaway s Join a clean-up near you with Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. The effects of motorized (2002) On the Living watercraft on aquatic Edge: Your Handbook for ecosystems. Wisconsin Waterfront Living. British Department of Natural Columbia Edition. Resources, Bureau of REPORTING s Living by Water Project Integrated Science Services and University of Wisconsin- s Ministry of Environment s Report pollution discharges and oil spills to: Provincial Emergency Madison, Water Chemistry s Okanagan Basin Water Centre: 1-800-663-3456 or Environment Canada’s Spill Reporting Program. Board Line 1-604-666-6100 s Bird Studies Canada s Reuter et al (1998) s Report sighting invasive plants to: 1-888-WEEDSBC (933-3722) Concentrations, sources, s Canada Lakes Loon Survey s Report freshwater mussel and didymo sightings: Matthias Herborg, and fate of the gasoline s Central Kootenay Invasive Ministry of Environment: [email protected] oxygenate methyl tert-butyl Plant Committee ether (MTBE) in a multiple- s Christina Lake Stewardship use lake. Environmental Society 2011 Annual Review Science and Technology. s Columbia Basin Trust 32:3666-3672. s Columbia Shuswap Regional s T. Buck Suzuki – Ecological District Milfoil Control Green Boating Guide Program s Thorsten D, Mosisch H s East Kootenay Invasive Plant and A Arthington (2004) Council Impacts of recreational power-boating on freshwater s Environment Canada ecosystems. In: R Buckley s Georgia Straight Alliance (Ed). Environmental impacts s Greater Yellowstone Aquatic of ecotourism. CABI Nuisance Species Pocket Publishing. Cambridge, MA. Guide s Transport Canada, Office of s Green Boater Blog Boating Safety s Invasive Plant Council of BC s Wildsight

40 41 FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THIS WAS GUIDE PROVIDED BY:

Creating a legacy by supporting the social, economic, and environmental well-being of Columbia Valley people and communities in the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund

SUPPORTING CONSERVATION COMMUNITY INITIATIVES & IN THE UPPER COLUMBIA BASIN AFFECTED AREAS PROGRAM

This guide was brought to you by the Lake Windermere Ambassadors.

The Lake Windermere Ambassadors are a registered B.C. non-profit society dedicated to protecting the ecological health of Lake Windermere, located at the headwaters of the Columbia River. You can help ensure that future CANADA generations get a chance to enjoy the beautiful waters of Lake Windermere.

Visit us online at www.lakeambassadors.ca

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