July 1, 2002

Dave Majkrzak on Curly Leaf Pondweed (as distinguished from Northern Milfoil), in response to questions regarding floating weeds in the Pelican Lake

This is the same problem we were hearing about (and Vic and I looked at, I have pictures) before our last meeting. The weed is most probably Curly Leaf Pondweed and it has a natural "die off" cycle about this time of year, ( I just talked to our local aquatic plant specialist and the St. Paul office of the MDNR). The plant normally survives and grows over winter, and this year is more healthy due to limited snow, and naturally dies off at this time of year once it reaches the surface. Unfortunately when it dies off, it "breaks off" at the bottom of the plant, near the lake bottom, and we end up with long pieces, that float together, get hit by boats, and can wash to shore in huge mats. The edge of the green leaf of a Curly Leaf Pondweed plant has small serrations (saw blade type of look) that are just visible to the human eye, (so I am told).

I was on the lake yesterday and there are lots of weeds growing from the bottom, and some torn up and floating around, so I expect to hear many complaints if we continue to have wind that blows them to "someone else's" shore. Curly Leaf Pondweed is not the only weed ("aquatic plant" for the MDNR types) that is flourishing this year, again the good sunlight due to little snow cover has all weeds growing well, and many are now at the surface where wind and boats can break them loose. With the heavy boat traffic that July 4th always brings, the complaints will probably be much higher than normal.

Weedrollers can also be a problem if they are installed now in full weed growth, or moved into an area that they have never operated before. Some weeds will wrap up and stay on the tube, others can break off and float away. Under any type of weed removal activity the MDNR allows (including the Weedroller) any loose weeds are to be gathered and hauled away by the property owner. Weedrollers that have operated in the same location simply maintain the area, and there is no plant growth or weeds that are allowed to grow to become a problem. Jed Anderson (Aquatic Plant Specialist, MDNR) commented that is was not uncommon for property owners to blame Jet Skis, fishing boats, water skiers, Weedrollers, and other water activities (and usually an activity they do not do, and/or approve of), after the weeds have washed on shore.

Jed also commented that weed growth is a fact of lake living, and that nitrogen and phosphorous are the two main ingredients that plants need. Lake property owners contribute/control the runoff from there property, the fertilizer on their lawns, and their septic systems. The "quick fix" for weed growth is not readily available, but a partial improvement may come though any reduction in water nutrient loading.