Invasive species identified in Messines

Aquatic invasive species found in Messines

Eurasian watermilfoil

This plant has been spotted in Petit lac des Cèdres and lac Blue Sea for nearly 10 years. Since then, both lake associations have been working hard to stop it from spreading. You can learn more about their ongoing efforts on their respective websites:

Banded mystery snail

This freshwater snail, also known as Viviparus georgianus, is easy to spot thanks to its yellow-brown shell with dark brown or black bands. It can grow up to two inches long and causes problems by competing with native snails for food and space. It feeds by filtering debris from the water and by eating algae and fish eggs found on the lake bottom. When their numbers grow — sometimes into the hundreds per square metre — they can become a real nuisance. In 2021, many dead snails were reported floating on Grand lac des Cèdres. The APLC is keeping an eye on the situation and tracking sightings on a map. Experts recommend that shoreline residents remove any dead snails they find and bury them well away from the lake to help prevent the spread to other species.

Didymo

Didymo (Didymosphenia germinata) is an aquatic algae that grows in stringy filaments on the rocky bottoms of rivers and streams. It can form thick, slippery mats that harm aquatic life and disrupt the ecosystem. As an invasive species, it can spread quickly and take over natural habitats. A large amount was observed in spring 2022 in the stream flowing from Grand lac des Cèdres to Petit lac des Cèdres. For now, no action is planned. There’s no evidence that the algae is toxic to humans. The APLC continues to monitor the situation and consults with experts regularly.

Species of concern in the area

Zebra mussel

Originally from Eurasia, this mussel was accidentally introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1980s. It filters huge amounts of water, clogs pipes and disrupts the aquatic food chain.

Check out: Vulnérabilité des lacs du Québec à la moule zébrée – RAPPEL (in French only)

Common reed (Phragmites australis)

Found in many parts of Quebec, including in the Outaouais, this reed grows in dense patches that harm biodiversity and raise the risk of fires.

Check out: Le roseau commun – Une menace pour les milieux humides du Québec (in French only)

Asian carp

Introduced to the U.S. in the 1970s, this fish has spread into Quebec’s rivers. It eats large amounts of aquatic plants, upsetting the balance of the ecosystem. Populations have been found in the Rouge and Outaouais rivers.

Spiny water flea and hooked water flea

These tiny creatures were found near McConnell Lake (Ottawa River) and often spread from one lake to another by boats. They interfere with the reproduction of some fish species. Once they take hold, they’re hard to control — so preventing their spread is key.

Q&A

I am a non-resident coming for a day to kayak/canoe/paddleboard. What rate applies to my situation?

The cost for decontaminating a non-motorized watercraft is $5.

I’m visiting Messines on vacation and bringing my motorized boat. What rate applies to my situation?

Unless you are staying on the territory of Messines for the entire summer, you must pay the visitor rate directly at the decontamination station ($25 per decontamination session). If your place of stay is on the shore of the lake where you plan to navigate, your decontamination certificate remains valid as long as you do not remove your boat from the water. If during your stay you decide to visit other lakes, including those in Messines, you will need to use the decontamination station again and pay the $25 fee to obtain a new decontamination certificate.

I am a resident, and a non-resident places their watercraft on my property. Can I still get an access card at the resident rate?

No. To qualify for an access card at the resident annual rate, you must prove ownership of the watercraft. Otherwise, the person placing their watercraft on your property must obtain their own card at the non-resident annual rate.

My watercraft are in my name, but the residence is in my spouse’s name. What rate applies to my situation?

You must provide proof that you live at that address (e.g., an electricity bill in your name, your driver’s licence showing the address, etc.) and register as a tenant rather than a property owner. You will then be eligible for an access card at an initial cost of $15. There is no annual renewal fee, unless a replacement is needed due to loss, damage or theft of the card.

I am a resident of Messines and have rented or been lent a dock space. What rate applies to my situation?

There is no specific rate for the rental or loan of a dock space. If you are a resident of Messines, whether you are an owner or a tenant, the annual resident rate applies.

Residents of Messines (property owners, their spouses, children and stepchildren, or resident tenants) can purchase an access card for a one-time cost of $15. This card gives you unlimited decontaminations for the season. There’s no annual renewal fee. If the card is lost, damaged or stolen, a $15 replacement fee applies.

When registering their watercraft, owners must indicate the mooring location.

I’m not a resident of Messines, but I’ve rented or have been lent a dock space. What rate applies to my situation?

There is no specific rate for dock rentals or dock loans. The rate is based on your residency status, not on dock access.

For out-of-town visitors, the fee is $25 for motorized watercraft and $5 for non-motorized ones. This one-time fee is payable at the station’s payment terminal.
Residents of Messines (property owners, their spouses, children and stepchildren, or resident tenants) can purchase an access card for a one-time cost of $15. This card gives you unlimited decontaminations for the season. There’s no annual renewal fee. If the card is lost, damaged, or stolen, a $15 replacement fee applies.
Seasonal renters (cottages and campgrounds) can buy a seasonal pass for $80, which allows unlimited decontaminations at no extra charge. This card must only be used for your own watercraft. Sharing this card with a third party will result in its cancellation, and no refund will be issued.
Non-residents can purchase an access card for $150, which entitles them to an unlimited number of decontaminations for the season.

I’m not a resident of Messines. Is there an annual rate or seasonal pass available for me?

Yes, a pass is available for non-residents. The annual non-resident rate is $150, which gives you unlimited access to the decontamination station for the season.

If you’re a non-resident but renting a campsite or cottage for the entire summer, you may be eligible for the seasonal rate of $80. To qualify as a seasonal resident, you must submit the appropriate form, completed and signed by the authorized person listed on it, confirming your seasonal rental of a residence, cottage or campsite.

What are the different rates and packages available for watercraft decontamination?

For out-of-town visitors, the fee is $25 for motorized watercraft and $5 for non-motorized ones. This one-time fee is payable at the station’s payment terminal.
Residents of Messines (property owners, their spouses, children and stepchildren, or resident tenants) can purchase an access card for a one-time cost of $15. This card gives you unlimited decontaminations for the season. There’s no annual renewal fee. If the card is lost, damaged, or stolen, a $15 replacement fee applies.
Seasonal renters (cottages and campgrounds) can buy a seasonal pass for $80, which allows unlimited decontaminations at no extra charge. This card must only be used for your own watercraft. Sharing this card with a third party will result in its cancellation, and no refund will be issued.
Non-residents can purchase an access card for $150, which entitles them to an unlimited number of decontaminations for the season.

What is meant by “resident”?

A resident is anyone who lives permanently in Messines (either as an owner or tenant) or who owns a secondary residence in the municipality. Anyone who owns property (land) in Messines is also considered a resident. This definition also includes the resident’s spouse, children and stepchildren.

I’m a waterfront property owner or I have a notarized right-of-way, and I launch my boat from my own private property. Do I still need to decontaminate my watercraft?

Boats stored on shoreline property adjacent to a body of water that have not been used on another body of water do not have to be decontaminated upon initial launch, and this remains the case as long as your boat does not leave the body of water bordering your property.

Once it leaves the lake, however, it must be decontaminated upon its return.

Can I decontaminate my watercraft at home?

No. To ensure your watercraft is properly decontaminated, you must use a pressure washer with a force of 2,600 psi. Anything less may not remove all the organisms. Temperature is also key — the water must be kept at a constant 60°C.

When should I decontaminate my watercraft?

You must decontaminate your watercraft before every launch. As soon as your boat leaves a lake, it must be decontaminated before being launched again—no matter which body of water, as long as it’s within the territory of the Municipality of Messines.

Is decontaminating my boat mandatory?

Yes, decontamination of watercraft is mandatory.

The Municipality of Messines has passed a regulation requiring watercraft to be decontaminated before launching on any bodies of water within its territory.

Decontamination and inspection of watercraft are effective measures to prevent the spread of invasive exotic species, and all boaters can do their part to keep our waterways healthy for future generations.

Your cooperation is essential for the protection and the preservation of our lakes.

What is the purpose of the decontamination certificate?

First, the certificate confirms that you have decontaminated your watercraft. Additionally, the certificate includes a QR code that allows access to the lake by opening the barrier for both launching and exiting. Your decontamination certificate remains active as long as you stay on the lake.

Where is the Messines decontamination station located?

Check the map to find the location of the decontamination station and the various public boat launch ramps.