Recreational Users
Respecting riparian areas, including vegetation and wildlife, is a key part of enjoying our natural areas now, and into the future. Some beneficial management practices for recreational users include:
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If you are interested in recreating on provincial Crown lands, click here for more information
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Camp away from shorelines to minimize impacts
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Stay on marked trails and practice “Leave No Trace” principles when visiting recreational sites
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Stop the spread of invasive species by cleaning footwear, wheels, and gear. For horses, use weed-free feed
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Keep your wheels out of water and wet areas to prevent damage to fish habitat or erosion and maintain water and soil health
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Know Before You Go. Plan your route. Only travel on trails that are designated for your activity and do not have closure notices posted
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Be aware of property lines and vegetation beneath the surface which could be damaged by motorized vehicles in the winter season
General Outdoor Recreation
North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA)
Explore to learn more about how you can stop the spread of invasive species when you go to a recreational area. Clean off plants, mud, and organisms from your gear, pets, and vehicles before and after outdoor activities to help stop the spread of invasive species and protect natural ecosystems.
Leave No Trace Canada
Familiarize yourself with the 7 principles of Leave No Trace by planning ahead and being prepared. Topics include minimizing your impact by disposing of waste properly, camping and travelling on durable surfaces away from shorelines, and leaving natural areas undisturbed.
Paddling
Invasive Species Centre
These mobile watercraft cleaning stations help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by enabling users to clean, drain, and dry equipment before moving between waterbodies. In 2026 they were deployed at: Riel Recreation Park, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park, Cardiff Trout Pond, Astotin Lake Launch.
Government of Alberta
Invasive plants can spread through small fragments attached to watercraft. Whirling disease can also be spread through mud and water. To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and diseases always clean, drain, and dry all watercrafts and gear.
Watershed Canada
This resource explains how cyanobacteria (blue‑green algae) blooms form, the health risks they pose to recreational water users, and how to stay safe when using affected waters.
ATV
Government of Alberta
Highlights how ATV use near streams and lakes can damage shorelines and water quality and encourages riders to plan routes and stay out of waterbodies to protect riparian areas.
Government of Alberta
When you recreate on public land on your motorized vehicle, make sure you know the rules of the trail and are ready for whatever it brings. Driving in any body of water, or on the shoreline, is illegal.