Can I remove aquatic vegetation in front of my property?

Aquatic vegetation removal falls under provincial regulations, as does any action below the high water mark. In general, waterfront landowners can manicure a 4-meter-wide lane of aquatic vegetation if it is required to install a dock or moor a boat. In all other circumstances, authorization may be required.

According to the disturbance standard for temporary seasonal docks, the waterfront (or semi-waterfront) holder may only cut aquatic vegetation if:

• Cutting of aquatic vegetation is directly incidental to the permitted activity. Where this is the case, it must be done in accordance with the following:

  • aquatic vegetation may only be cut once per year;

  • aquatic vegetation may only be cut between July 15 and September 15;

  • the area from which aquatic vegetation may be cut is restricted as follows:

    (i) the length of the area from which aquatic vegetation is cut may only consist of a single lane from the bank in a direct path perpendicular to the shore;

    (ii) the width of the single lane shall be a maximum of 4 meters;

    (iii) the single lane must remain in the same location every year;

    (iv) the depth of cutting of aquatic vegetation shall not be greater than 1 meter below the water surface; and

    (v) Aquatic vegetation may only be cut by manual or mechanical means;

  • All cut aquatic vegetation shall be immediately removed from the bed and shore and disposed of so that nutrients and debris will neither accumulate on the bed and shore nor re-enter the water body.

In this case the "permitted activity" is to allow a boat to be moored without getting tangled in vegetation, and vegetation can only be cut in a small lane, not pulled up across the whole property.

The ONLY CIRCUMSTANCE that aquatic vegetation can be fully removed is if it is listed as a Freshwater Dwelling Invasive Plant under Item 2 of the Schedule in the Fisheries (Alberta) Act.

More information about the removal of aquatic vegetation:

Waterfront and Semi-waterfront Property Owners Fact Sheet

Disturbance standard for temporary seasonal docks

Freshwater Dwelling Invasive Plants (page 39)

If you spot an aquatic invasive species, call 1-855-336-2628 (BOAT) or report it on EDDMapS Alberta