Bulletins

WHAT:  Pursuant to Section 7(1) of the National Parks General Regulations, of the Canada National Parks Act, the following activity is restricted or prohibited by order of the Superintendent:

All watercraft use is prohibited in the waterbodies listed below. Fishing and the use of waders and wading boots in prohibited in all the waterbodies listed below.

WHERE: Hidden Lake, Little Herbert Lake, Margaret Lake and Creek (including the headwall and stream up to Turquoise Lake and a small portion of Hector Lake at the outflow of Margaret Lake) and Helen Creek. See attached maps.

WHY: Lab results have confirmed presence of Whirling Disease in Banff National Park. This parasitic disease affects some fish species but does not present any health risks for people or other mammals. Westslope Cutthroat Trout (WSCT) are listed as a threatened species in Canada, and are one of the fish species susceptible to the disease. This restriction is in effect to protect WSCT habitat from the whirling disease parasite. It will remain in effect until alternate management strategies are implemented. The risk factors for spreading the disease include (in descending order) the movement of: fish, mud/sediment, aquatic vegetation and water.

PENALTY: Violators may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act: maximum penalty $25 000.

Start date: 2024-04-01

End date: 2025-03-31