Aquatic Invasive Species
What Are Aquatic Invasive Species?
Aquatic Invasive Species are plants and animals (mussels) that can infest our lake, damage pumps and irrigation systems, and clog boat props.Once established, aquatic invasive species are almost impossible to remove.
What Can You Do?
- Learn more about aquatic invasive species below.
- Clean, drain and dry your boat and gear to prevent the spread of invasive species.
- Keep the boat out of the water for at least 30 days to ensure no mussels have survived. If it has not been out of the water for more than 30 days, have your boat inspected. Call 1-855-336-2628 for the nearest inspection site.
Information About Chestermere's Work On Aquatic Invasive Species
- Read our Chestermere Aquatic Invasive Species watch list for more information on concerns to our lake
- “Development Of Best Strategies For The Control Of Butomus umbellatus L. (Flowering Rush) In Alberta“. Lisa Cahoon, University of Calgary
Questions? Call 1-855-336-2628 (BOAT)
Flowering Rush
Flowering Rush is an invasive aquatic plant that has been identified in Chestermere Lake.
Although its bright pink flowers may look beautiful, Flowering Rush can spread quickly, crowd out native vegetation and impact aquatic habitat and recreation.
To learn how to identify Flowering Rush and understand why it’s a concern, download the Alberta Invasive Species Council’s Flowering Rush Identification Guide.
Where has flowering rush been identified?
Lakefront Homeowners/Flowering Rush Removal
The City encourages residents to help manage Flowering Rush using proper removal techniques. Whether removing plants during the growing season or during the annual fall lake drawdown, care should be taken to remove the entire plant and root system to help prevent further spread.
A Flowering Rush disposal bin is located at the Eco Centre. Please contact the Parks Department if you have any questions at 403-207-2807 or parks@chestermere.ca.
Watch the City's Flowering Rush removal video for step-by-step instructions
Note: This video demonstrates proper Flowering Rush removal techniques. While the video was filmed during the annual lake drawdown, Flowering Rush may also be removed during the growing season using the same careful removal practices.