Boating reopens on Glacier’s Two Medicine and St. Mary lakes

Boating Opportunities Available in Glacier National Park

Introduction

Boating opportunities are now available on St. Mary and Two Medicine lakes on the east side of Glacier National Park. This marks the first time since 2019 that boating has been available on these lakes.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 14: Life Below Water – Protect and restore water-related ecosystems
2. Goal 15: Life on Land – Protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems
3. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Strengthen the participation of indigenous communities in decision-making processes

Contractual Agreement with Blackfeet Tribe

The Blackfeet Tribe and Glacier National Park have entered into a contractual agreement for the operation of aquatic invasive species stations by tribal inspectors. This collaboration aims to protect the lakes from non-native species and preserve the native aquatic ecosystems.

Boat Inspection Requirements

• Motorized boat inspections from Montana State, Whitefish Lake, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Blackfeet Tribe, and Waterton Lakes National Park are accepted.
• A 30-day quarantine of motorized boats before use in park waters is still required.
• Non-motorized watercrafts must obtain an inspection upon each entry to the park.

Reasons for Boating Closure

Park officials attribute the boating closure on the lakes to the impact of Covid-19 and staffing challenges. Despite attempts to operate the stations in 2021 and 2022, the park faced difficulties in recruiting enough staff. As a result, discussions were initiated with the Blackfeet Tribe in 2022 to negotiate the use of tribal inspectors.

Motorized Boating Season

This will be the first season since 2016 that motorized boating will be allowed on St. Mary Lake, following the detection of mussels in Montana. St. Mary, Two Medicine, and Lake McDonald are the only lakes in Glacier National Park that permit motorized boating, with Bowman Lake allowing less than 10 horsepower, non-water-cooled motors.

Aquatic Invasive Species Inspections

Aquatic invasive species inspections are crucial for protecting native aquatic ecosystems and ensuring visitor enjoyment of waterways. Non-native species can have devastating effects on these ecosystems and disrupt visitor activities.

Operating Hours and Locations

• The St. Mary and Two Medicine aquatic invasive species stations will operate from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., seven days a week.
• The St. Mary station will be located at the St. Mary Visitor Center.
• The Two Medicine station is located prior to the park entrance.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – This goal focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. The article discusses the need for aquatic invasive species inspections to protect native aquatic ecosystems.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – This goal aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. While not explicitly mentioned in the article, the need to prevent non-native species from negatively impacting waterways aligns with the broader goal of preserving biodiversity and ecosystems on land.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience and take action for their restoration, to achieve healthy and productive oceans – The article highlights the need for aquatic invasive species inspections to protect native aquatic ecosystems.
• Target 15.8: By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species – The article emphasizes the importance of preventing non-native species from negatively impacting waterways.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches – While not explicitly mentioned in the article, the implementation of aquatic invasive species inspections can be seen as an ecosystem-based approach to managing and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems.
• Indicator 15.8.1: Proportion of countries adopting relevant national legislation and adequately resourcing the prevention or control of invasive alien species – The article mentions the need for inspections and quarantine measures to prevent the introduction of invasive species, indicating efforts towards preventing their impact.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: whitefishpilot.com

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