Curly-leaf Pondweed in Pelican Lake

In the summer of 2007, the DNR visually inspected all accesses on Pelican and Little Pelican and identified curly-leaf pondweed in two locations in Pelican Lake. The DNR report can be found on our website at www.pelicanlakes-poa.org. As you read the report you’ll note that the plants were found at the private access/dock in Breezy Point Bay and the public access in Halverson Bay.

Curly-leaf pondweed is a submerged aquatic plant that typically grows in 3 -10 feet of water. In the spring, curly-leaf can form dense mats that interfere with boating and other recreational activities. It can also cause ecological problems as it displaces native plants. In mid-summer, the plants usually die back and wash up in thick masses along the shore. This is often followed by an increase in phosphorus and undesirable algae blooms.

Curly-leaf is believed to be spread lake to lake by the transporting of the turions, hardened stem tips, on plant fragments carried into the water by trailered boats or personal watercraft. It is believed to have been accidently introduced when the common carp were intentionally brought to Minnesota in 1910. Curly-leaf is in hundreds of lakes around the state and has caused varying degrees of distress, depending upon the type of lake.

Past experiences in Minnesota and elsewhere have shown curly-leaf cannot be eliminated from a lake. Lake associations currently utilize different control methods ranging from herbicide treatments to mechanical harvesting or both, depending upon the severity of the infestation. For very small infestations, the plants may be pulled by hand. The DNR will provide limited technical advice and has recently offered grants to help lake associations cover associated treatment costs. In our meeting last fall with the DNR, PLPOA was advised to contact an independent expert to obtain advice to address our infestations.

As a result, the PLPOA board hired Steve McComas, owner of Blue Water Science. Mr. McComas met with us this past January and provided valuable information on the invasive plant. We requested a proposal from Mr. McComas that includes mapping current infestations and growth patterns as well as potential treatment protocols. While we are evaluating sediments to determine where it might spread, we will also look for areas that may be prone to Eurasion watermilfoil (not currently present) and for future zebra mussel colonization locations. (not present but are in Ossawinnamakee) From there, we will develop a management plan for curly-leaf as well as potential action plans to follow if the other species appear in our lakes. In addition, we have invited Steve McComas to speak at our annual meeting on July 19^th so you can have your questions answered by the expert.

As you might expect, there are costs associated with this process. We’re anticipating needing upwards of $10,500 for this summer’s activities but will try to utilize volunteer help to reduce costs. We would greatly appreciate financial contributions to help cover these expenses.

If you are willing to volunteer some time, please contact us at info@pelicanlakes-poa.org, or send snail mail to our PO Box or call Joan Mondale at 952-412-6023. No experience necessary!