Boating

From canoeing to jet boating, floating on water is a popular recreational activity and mode of transportation in Alberta. As with all other recreational activities, boating does impact the environment and other users. Impacts can include:

• Habitat destruction
• Loss of vegetation
• Soil compaction, contamination and erosion
• Transfer of weeds
• Water contamination
• Wildlife disruption

By following these simple practices, you can minimize the impacts of boating.

• Plan ahead and be prepared

  Know the following:
  • Applicable regulations
  • Ground and weather conditions
  • Terrain
  • Your route

• Be courteous and respectful

  Keep your wake low in high use and swimming areas as well as when you are close to shore.

• Leave what you find

  Don't disturb:
  • Archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest
  • Plants, waterfowl and other wildlife
  • Rocks
• Manage your food and waste
  • Dispose of human waste responsibly; on shore in an outhouse or sewage disposal site.
  • Never litter.
  • Pack off what you take on the water.
• Minimize your impact
  • Carry the proper tools to clean up an oil or gas spill if one occurs.
  • Concentrate use in established areas and use established egress sites and boat launches.
  • Wash your boat at a car wash between lakes to minimize the transfer of species from one lake to the next.

 

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Updated: Aug 19, 2009