PGOLID has been treating Curly-leaf pondweed (CLP) in the Pelican Group of Lakes for the past 20 years. Originally this program treated up to 100 acres of CLP annually. Prior to that large stands of CLP were found in several parts of the lakes. Curly leaf has a unique life cycle it grows under the ice in winter and flowers early in the year. It then dies off around July 4th and often uproots, floating around until it lodges on the shoreline.
The CLP treatment has been very successful in reducing the amount of CLP in the Pelican Group of Lakes. The treatment process usually starts with a plant survey in early May to detect the locations of the CLP for treatment that year. At this time of year the CLP often stands well above any native aquatics. Sampling includes dragging a weighted sampler across the lake bottom. Treatment needs to occur before the water is 60 degrees, so it usually occurs in late May. In 2024-2025 almost no CLP was found in the Pelican Group of Lakes.
This year, it has grown back in some areas in the west end of Pelican, near the east access of Pelican, in Little Pelican, and in Bass lakes. Treatment will occur in late May 2026. To see the survey report and areas for treatment see the report below:
MN DNR Curly Leaf Pondweed
MN DNR Aquatic Moss