It will soon be time to put the boat back into the lake. But before you launch, Conservation Officers in Saskatchewan want you to be aware of an invasive aquatic species known as zebra mussels that is knocking on the province's borders. 

"It's definitely a huge issue in Saskatchewan now," says Senior Conservation Officer, Lindsey Leko of Weyburn. "Especially in the southeast corner and with Boundary having the power plant there and relying on the water for cooling the plant."

He explains that they are launching a campaign targeting boaters with the simple message to 'Clean Drain & Dry' their boats.

"I know the province is trying to be very proactive in getting the message out to the public to make your your boat is clean."

And this means increased patrols and enforcement.

"We have officers out there right now who patrol and are on the look out for it. But in reality, we have to put some of this responsibility back on the public. 

So far, the work is paying off. 

"We have zebra mussels in Manitoba, we've got them in North Dakota, and Montana. We've had no confirmed cases of zebra mussels in Saskatchewan."

The damage the mussels can do is extensive. They can clog up pipes which would be disastrous for Boundary Dam which uses the water in the lake for cooling purposes. They can also damage boats by attaching to anchors, live wells, trailer and the cooling system of the boat. 

"They attach themselves to almost anything. They'll clean the water and eventually all the nutrients will be out of that ecosystem so that's not great for the fish. The dead zebra mussels wash up on shore and the nice sand beaches will be impossible to walk on in bare feet."

He also explains that once they are in a body of water, it is very hard, if not impossible to get rid of them.

"It costs a lot of money to eradicate these species. Some of the states have spent millions and millions of dollars trying to control it."

However, prevention might be the best weapon we have against this invading species.

"If your boat is dry, the mussels can't live."