A joint project of Rossburn Municipality, Rossburn CDC, Rossburn Game & Fish Assocation and Rossburn Collegiate.
The Rossburn Watercraft Inspection Station is part of the Together for Clean Lakes initiative, a community partnership dedicated to protecting Rossburn’s local lakes from aquatic invasive species (AIS), including zebra mussels.
Located on Centennial Avenue beside the Rossburn Fire Department, the station provides watercraft inspections and decontamination services to help prevent the spread of invasive species. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Rossburn Municipality, Rossburn Collegiate, Rossburn Game & Fish, and the Rossburn Community Development Corporation, with support from volunteers and educators.
In addition to inspections, the program focuses on public education through the Clean, Drain, Dry message, community outreach, and lake monitoring. By working together, the Together for Clean Lakes initiative helps preserve the health of Rossburn’s lakes for residents, visitors, and future generations.
Funding provided by the Manitoba Government.
CLEAN – DRAIN – DRY
… is a simple prevention message used across Canada and the U.S. to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), such as zebra mussels, spiny water flea, and invasive plants.
- Clean – Remove all plants, mud, animals, and debris from your boat, trailer, fishing gear, and other water equipment before leaving the water.
- Drain – Drain all water from your boat, live wells, ballast tanks, bilges, motors, and any equipment that holds water before transporting it.
- Dry – Allow your watercraft and equipment to dry completely before entering another water body. If drying the equipment isn’t possible before using in a different water body, items can be decontaminated using a Manitoba approved treatment.
Please visit the watercraft inspection station before launching on our lakes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is inspection mandatory before launching at Rossburn’s Lakes?
If you only use your watercraft locally (and/ or not in zones with AIS), follow the regular CLEAN-DRAIN-DRY principles before launching into a new lake. Whenever leaving a water body in Manitoba, the water-related equipment, or watercraft users must follow the CLEAN-DRAIN-DRY steps before entering a new water body. Like putting your seatbelt on before driving a vehicle, before leaving a water body always CLEAN-DRAIN-DRY on your own to help keep Rossburn’s lakes free of aquatic invasive species. Decontamination only happens at the station if AIS are found during the inspection. If you had your watercraft in a water body known to have AIS, you decontaminate before launching.
How do I know if I used my watercraft in a water body that has AIS?
Visit Manitoba.ca/stopAIS to find which water bodies have aquatic invasive species and other AIS-specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get a watercraft inspected and / or decontaminated?
Inspection and decontamination are free, thanks to generous funding from the Manitoba Government. You also don’t need an appointment; just pull up at the station during opening hours, and soon enough, you’ll be ready to go and enjoy Rossburn’s lakes.
What else can I do to help prevent the spread of AIS to our beautiful lakes in Rossburn?
Help us spread the word – about the watercraft inspection station and CLEAN-DRAIN-DRY principles. Tell others! We’re also always looking for volunteers who would like to spend some time at the lakes or the Rossburn gas station to distribute pamphlets and educate other boat owners. Contact us if you are interested!
Our friendly staff at the station is always ready to answer any questions you might have! You can also get informative pamphlets there.
For more information on aquatic invasive specie, visit: Manitoba.ca/StopAIS.