Minister of the Environment will announce funding to combat invasive species in mountain parks | The Canadian News

Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault is expected to announce funding today to combat aquatic invasive species in five mountain national parks in Alberta and British Columbia.

Guilbeault, who is scheduled to be in Banff, Alta., Plans to make nearly $ 15 million available over the next five years to prevent and manage invasive species in Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Waterton Lakes and Yoho National Parks.

The money will be used for prevention and education programs.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says the parks are vulnerable to non-native mussel species, as well as the parasite that causes fish disease.

People who enjoy mountain rivers and lakes can spread invasive species.

4:34Helping to protect British Columbia’s biodiversity

The work is also expected to support the recovery of species at risk, including western slope cutthroat trout, Athabasca rainbow trout and bull trout.

Guilbeault is in Banff after spending Friday in Calgary meeting with representatives from the oil industry and Alberta Environment Minister Jason Nixon.