Firelight Park in west Lethbridge. (Image: City of Lethbridge)

By David Opinko

City of Lethbridge removing invasive fish from Firelight Pond

Aug 31, 2022 | 2:17 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Officials with the City of Lethbridge are gearing up to remove two species of aquatic invasive species (AIS) from a west side pond.

The city says goldfish and koi are non-native species introduced into storm ponds that cause problems for the native species and their habitat.

“The removal process will begin by lowering the water level in Firelight Pond, in advance of the Rotenone treatment,” says the City of Lethbridge in a media release. “Rotenone is a naturally occurring complex that is not hazardous to human, pet or wildlife health, only gilled species.”

From September 1-9, 2022, water pipes will be running from the south end of Firelight Pond onto Moonlight Boulevard West, across Firelight Way West and ending near Metis Trail.

The public is asked to not park in the area as the road will be blocked from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on each working day during that period. Only local access will be available.

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Rotenone treatment and the removal of goldfish and koi will occur on September 8 and 9.

This is not the first time that this work has needed to be done lately, as a similar initiative was undertaken in three Lethbridge parks in October 2021.

You can learn more about invasive species on the City of Lethbridge’s website.

READ MORE: Household pet fish becoming problematic invasive species in Lethbridge lakes

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