Northeast B.C. lakes targeted for weed-harvesting pilot

The Peace River Regional District is moving ahead with a twoyear pilot to harvest dense aquatic weeds at public boat launches on Charlie Lake near Fort St. John and Swan Lake near Dawson Creek. Officials say the thick plant growth has made it harder for people to launch boats and access the water, especially at Charlie Lake, where weeds can stretch far from shore. The district has secured permits for limited harvesting and hopes to begin work in 2028, though the plan still depends on provincial approvals and the purchase of specialized equipment. Local conservation representatives say the plants are noninvasive and part of a productive lake ecosystem, but they can also contribute to summer algae buildup and create strong odors when they decay. The pilot will be timed to reduce impacts on spawning fish and nesting birds, and it will help determine whether future work could expand beyond the launch areas.