Curlyleaf Pondweed: A Growing Nuisance That Must Be Addressed
Eurasian watermilfoil made big news in 1988 when it was found in Minnesota for the first time, in Lake Minnetonka. It has now been spread to several rivers and streams and 205 Minnesota lakes, including several in Crow Wing County. However, another invasive aquatic plant is far more common and is causing increasing problems in Minnesota lakes -- curlyleaf pondweed.
Curlyleaf pondweed has been in Minnesota since the early 1900s and it is present in over 800 of its lakes today. It does not cause problems in every lake where it is found, but it can be a nuisance in lakes where it does well and it can disrupt the natural ecology of the lake.
There are several aspects of its life cycle that make curlyleaf pondweed unique. Curlyleaf acts like a winter annual, beginning its growth under the ice and continuing to grow far in advance of other aquatic plants. Typically, new curlyleaf pondweed plants sprout from seed-like growths, called turions, in September and October. It continues to grow in the lake until the lake freezes over. Growth slows, but doesn’t necessarily stop, during the winter. As soon as the ice goes out, curlyleaf’s growth explodes. It can reach the lake’s surface by mid May and it can form dense mats, interfering with recreational use of the lake. Upon reaching maturity, curlyleaf produces its turions and drops them to the lake bottom where they lie until fall, waiting to start the whole process over again. Having completed their annual life cycle, the plants die back, generally in late June or early July.
So, if the plants die back by mid summer, why should we worry about controlling the curlyleaf pondweed in our lakes?
First, it can grow very dense, and by the time it reaches the surface it can create a mass of vegetation that is difficult for fish to swim through and for watercraft, both motorized and non motorized, to navigate through. Stem densities have been recorded at up to 2,000 stems per square yard, denser than nearly all native plants and even denser than Eurasian watermilfoil.
Second, the timing of its die-back is problematic for the lake itself. Native aquatic plants die back in late summer and early fall, when temperatures are cooler and days are shorter. Nutrients from plants dying back late in the season go into bacterial growth (part of the natural ecology of a lake) rather than algal growth. However, curlyleaf pondweed dies back early in the growing season. The nutrients from the decomposing plants fertilize native plants and provide food for the algae population, which is growing rapidly at this time. Thus, it contributes to increased algae blooms.
If curlyleaf pondweed can be reduced in a lake, both recreational and ecological aspects of the lake will be enhanced. If it is allowed to proliferate unchecked, it will impede recreational enjoyment of the lake and eventually cause enough ecological disruption to result in degradation of lake water quality. In the long run, a degraded lake will equate to lower lake property values.
We all have an investment in the water quality of the three Cullen Lakes. CLA will do its best to protect that investment.
Purple Loosestrife: An Invasive Plant Needing On-Going Control
(See article on page 3 for more details.)
Purple loosestrife, a beautiful but aggressive invader, arrived in eastern North America from Europe in the early 1800s. It has since spread westward and can be found across much of Canada and the United States. Because it is not a native plant, it has no natural enemies and it multiplies with no checks or balances.
The problem: Purple loosestrife is a very hardy perennial which can rapidly degrade wetlands, diminishing their value for wildlife habitat. Wetlands are the most biologically diverse, productive component of our ecosystem. Hundreds of species of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, fish and amphibians rely on healthy wetland habitat for their survival. When purple loosestrife gets a foothold, the habitat quickly becomes choked under a sea of purple flowers. The negative impacts of purple loosestrife are so great that it is a prohibited invasive species in Minnesota. It is illegal to possess, plant, transport, or sell purple loosestrife in the state.
Once established, purple loosestrife is difficult -- but not impossible -- to control. The shallow woody root system forms a dense mat, making mature plants difficult to pull. If the entire root is not taken, it will resprout. If plants are mowed, the stem pieces will actually send out new roots, eventually become anchored, and begin new colonies. Besides these vegetative maneuvers, each plant’s flower spike has the capability of producing 120,000 seeds in a single season. The seeds remain viable, when submerged, for many years while waiting for the opportunity to sprout. Often the dispersal is such that the seedlings have the capacity to completely replace native vegetation.
CLA has been assisting property owners for many years in an effort to control this invasive plant, especially on Middle Cullen, where it is more heavily concentrated. There are a few infested areas that are impossible to safely access by foot and very difficult to access by watercraft. Professional assistance will be necessary to deal with these areas. What can you do to control purple loosestrife and help prevent its spread?
By hand: Younger plants can be pulled. Older plants can be dug out, but roots must not be broken off or they will resprout. All plant parts must be removed, dried and if possible, burned, otherwise plant parts can reroot. The very least you should do is cut off the blossoms, carefully bag them, and dispose of them as just explained for other plant parts.
By herbicide: CLA has a permit from the DNR that allows Cullen Lakes property owners to apply a herbicide to purple loosestrife plants on their property near the lake. CLA also has sprayers and an approved herbicide that property owners may borrow to spray this invasive plant on their property.
Please take responsibility for the control/eradication of purple loosestrife on your property. If you are physically unable to do this, please contact one of CLA’s Invasive Species Committee co-chairs, Carol Lindahl or Georgia Maguire.
What Are CLA’s Plans Regarding Curlyleaf Pondweed and Purple Loosestrife?
As reported in the spring ’08 newsletter, the lake association’s Board of Directors has decided it is time to take a more aggressive approach in dealing with the increasing presence of curlyleaf pondweed and the on-going efforts to control/eradicate purple loosestrife in and on the Cullen Lakes chain.
Since that report and before entering into any formal agreement with the company named in the spring article, board members met with representatives from two other companies that deal with control of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in an effort to keep expenses as low as possible while still getting quality services. After discussing the comparative costs and services provided by all three companies, the Board decided to hire Professional Lake Management (PLM), a company that has its Minnesota branch in Pequot Lakes. PLM provides services for a number of the area lake associations that are working to control nuisance mats of curlyleaf pondweed.
The following is the plan agreed upon:
*In late June, 2008, PLM delineated peak densities of curlyleaf pondweed in all three Cullen Lakes. They found more in Middle Cullen than was found in the May, 2007 DNR survey because the survey was done later in the growing season. This delineation was done to determine the nuisance areas most in need of chemical management. (Approximate cost -- $1200)
Note: The MN DNR will only allow 15% of a lake’s littoral area (that area of the lake where aquatic plants are found -- generally up to 15 feet of depth) to be chemically treated in any given year. This makes it important for CLA to determine the areas that present the greatest nuisance for
recreational use of the lakes.
*In late July, 2008, PLM will do a point intercept survey (this is the method used by the 2007 DNR late May survey). (Cost -- $2486)
Note: CLA will not be charged for either of these surveys if we sign a five year contract with PLM. It is an established fact that it takes at least three consecutive years of treatment to effectively rid an area of curlyleaf pondweed, due largely to the turions (seeds) that are deposited into the lake bottom during its reproduction stage.
*In May, 2009, PLM will chemically treat areas in all three lakes that are agreed upon by the Board of Directors and allowed by the DNR. The charge for this chemical treatment will be $309 per treated acre.
Note: The maximum allowable treated area of each lake is -- Upper Cullen, 45 acres; Middle Cullen, 19 acres; Lower Cullen, 27 acres. It is unknown at this time how many acres of nuisance curlyleaf pondweed exist in each lake, and we will only be treating an area as it becomes a nuisance to recreational use of the lake.
*Since chemical treatment of nuisance areas of curlyleaf pondweed usually requires a minimum of three years to be effective, this will be an on-going project, at least for the near future.
*PLM will assist CLA with control of purple loosestrife in areas that are difficult to access (such as the area between the Middle Cullen public access and the access to Upper Cullen).
*PLM will work with CLA to develop both an Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan and a Water Quality Management Plan that will help CLA access grant money to help pay for the treatment program. PLM will also assist CLA in obtaining grant monies.
Thanks to past years’ generous donations from its members, CLA has enough money in its Projects Funds to pay for one year of chemical treatment of nuisance beds of curlyleaf pondweed. However, for the first time since the early 1990s, CLA will need to conduct a fund drive to raise funds to pay for future years’ treatments.
The CLA Board of Directors has established a Fund Drive Committee. Members are John Szafranski, chair, Nancee Carpenter, David Hirschey, Rich Johnson, Carol Lindahl, and Georgia Maguire. The committee met July 8 for the first time to discuss the best ways to accomplish raising the needed funds to carry out this important project. They will bring their suggestions to the Board this month.
This entire issue, both the project itself and the proposed fund raising, will be a topic of discussion at the August 9 Annual Meeting.
An Open Letter to the Membership
by Tom MacGibbon, CLA Board member
In the coming months the Cullen Lakes Association Board will launch a campaign to reduce and control the curlyleaf pondweed infestation that is present and expanding in numerous areas of the three Cullen Lakes. As you’ve read earlier in this newsletter, curlyleaf pondweed is an invasive non-native plant that chokes off the life supporting systems for fish, fowl and other wildlife -- including us humans who enjoy fishing, a boat ride or a swim without getting snared in the stuff.
As a visitor since birth, the Cullen lakes have provided me the opportunity to escape the rigors of a tough day at kindergarten class through today’s seemingly 24/7 overloaded connection to the rat race. I believe the intended result of the CLA Board taking this action is to improve the quality and extend the natural life of the Cullen Lakes. A primary benefit will be to provide future generations an opportunity to also use and enjoy the lakes and to sustain the local wildlife – fish, eagles, loons, et al -- which significantly enhance the quality of the life on the lakes.
An additional benefit of taking this action is that it does help preserve the investment of the Cullen Lakes property owners. One can argue this may not be the most noble reason for controlling such infestations, but it is a compelling reason nonetheless.
The CLA is very fortunate to have elected engaged, committed and skilled board members. Over this past winter several CLA board members researched the options available to tackle this curlyleaf pondweed infestation of the Cullen Lakes and the available funding options for treatment. Several companies which provide curlyleaf infestation treatment services have been identified and some have been investigated and interviewed by the CLA Board. This has included a close examination of each company’s plan to identify the infested areas of the lakes, their treatment strategy and implementation plan and their associated costs.
A number of board members are currently researching available grants and other possible funding sources to help pay the treatment costs. It is a certainty that the CLA will need to raise funds to cover some of the treatment costs beyond what any grants may cover. Also, no grant has been awarded at this time and there are no guarantees the CLA will be awarded any grants. If any CLA member has fund raising experience or ideas to raise funds I encourage you to contact the CLA Board.
The lakes are assets and, like other assets, proper maintenance is needed or they no longer keep their value , including utilitarian value – no fish, no boating, no fun.
We are looking to the CLA membership for help in preserving the Cullen Lakes. Please feel free to contact the CLA Board with your ideas, comments and suggestions or if you would like to help with this project.
Enjoy the lakes!
July 4th Boat Parades -- Enjoying the Lakes!
Once again the Middle and Lower Cullen Fourth of July boat parades were a resounding success!
Varying reports from Middle Cullen indicated the parade had anywhere from 21 to 30 watercraft. The parade was a mixture of pontoons. speedboats. and jet skis.
There were 42 watercraft in the the Lower Cullen parade this year, well over the average number. There were pontoons of all sizes, speedboats, fishing boats, and two flag-bearing waterskiers pulled by a festively bedecked speedboat.
CLA Membership Update
CLA membership as of July 10 is 237, 16 of which are new Cullen Lakes property owners who received a one year complimentary membership. Donations were received along with dues from 111 members and ranged from $5 to $185.
Membership dues cover operating expenses such as the Annual Meeting, newsletter, owner map/guide, web site, membership mailings, and office supplies. Donations fund CLA’s projects such as water quality testing, Lake Friendly Shoreline Awards, control of purple loosestrife, and soon, control of nuisance mats of curlyleaf pondweed.
Thank you all for your support of the lake association!
Educational Seminars to Be Held
in August
In the near future you will receive information regarding an upcoming educational opportunity provided by the lake association. The CLA Education and Invasive Species Committees will be hosting two open house-type seminars, August 23 and 30, at which you can get more information on the aquatic invasive species that are currently present in the Cullen Lakes as well as information regarding recognition of invasive species and ways to help prevent the introduction of additional invasives such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels to the Cullen Lakes. The seminars will be held in the upstairs meeting room of the Adirondack Coffee Shop in Nisswa and will run from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Plan to drop by!
Two Water Surface Use Rules Reminders!
*The “No Wake Zone” of the far western bay of Middle Cullen Lake applies to everyone. Not observing the “No Wake Zone” in the bay could result in a citation from the Crow Wing County Sheriff, to say nothing of a serious accident involving moving and non moving watercraft as well as swimmers.
*All watercraft motors must have a muffler, underwater exhaust, or other device that adequately suppresses the sound of the motor. Your motor may not exceed 82 dBA at 50’ and 84 dBA at a minimum of 4’ above the water and at least 4’ behind the boat’s transom.
Violations of both of these rules have been reported this summer. PLEASE OBEY THE RULES.
Spring Road Cleanup
by Anne Kostreba
Although our numbers were small we made up for it with our energy and enthusiasm. As has generally been the case, the day dawned cool and clear. The grass hadn’t yet grown much more than a couple of inches so we were able to easily reach the trash with our long-handled “grabbers”.
Because there were only seven of us it took a little bit longer, but everyone hung in there and did an outstanding job.
Many thanks to the following CLA members for giving of their time and effort: Jim Palmquist, Jim Burrell, Harold Asmus, Margie Hasse, Tom MacGibbon (board member), Jim and Anne Kostreba (all Lower Cullen residents, by the way).
The second road cleanup will be scheduled for late August. The date will be announced at the Annual Meeting and an email notice will be sent to all CLA members who have provided CLA with their email address. Please plan to be there if at all possible.
Currents On the Cullens
New owners: Good Ol’ Days Resort unit -- Malcolm & Janet Findlater (L61);
Wilderness Resort Villas (M94) -- Lucia Stamp
Deaths: Bill Henney, (L11).; Mike Pawlyshyn, (M81)
Note: the letter and number in parentheses is the location on the CLA property owners’ map/guide.
Boaters: Remember to Help Stop
Aquatic Hitchhikers!
By taking a few simple steps when leaving a lake or river, boaters and anglers can do their part to help stop the spread of aquatic hitchhikers such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels in the state’s water bodies. Those steps include removing all aquatic plants from boats and trailers and emptying water from live wells and bait containers.
Anglers who leave waters the DNR has listed as infested and who have live bait they want to keep it for another time should drain any infested water from the bait container and replace it with tap or spring water.
CLA Merchandise For Sale
Again this year, CLA has caps and mugs for sale to its members. All items can be purchased by contacting Ann Beaver, 218-568-5904 or beaver@uslink.net. They are available for pick up at her home on Lower Cullen Lake. Caps and mugs will also be available at the Annual Meeting, August 9.
Caps this year are two-tone, khaki with a gray brim. They sell for $20 apiece or two for $30.
Mugs are available in blue and black with white printing and a loon in flight, designed by Lower Cullen resident Tom Beaver. Mugs cost $10 each.
Half the purchase price of these items is tax deductible, since CLA is a non-profit organization. Proceeds from the sale of caps and mugs will be added to the CLA Projects Fund.
“LAKE WAVES” -- columns from the North Central Lakes Collaborative
Why Is Natural Aquatic Habitat Important?
Financial advisors will tell you that a diverse stock portfolio is your best bet to protect your investments under a wide range of market conditions. That same advice is equally true when it comes to aquatic habitats. Diverse aquatic habitats are our best bet for sustaining healthy lakes and the fish and wildlife that are dependent upon them.
Lakes are complex ecosystems that are like an ecological stock market comprised of a diversity of plant and animal species. Ecological systems naturally fluctuate between highs and lows just like the stock market. But only a diverse ecosystem easily rebounds after a downturn. Healthy lake habitats support food production, spawning areas, and shelter for young fish including not only the "blue chip" species like walleye, bass, and pike that are recreationally important to us, but also less familiar, though equally important, prey species like minnows and perch.
But human lakeshore development is severely testing our lakes. Healthy lakes have a diversity of natural habitats along their shorelines, the same areas people are choosing to build homes. Current behaviors of many lakeshore residents are no longer sustainable. When we remove nearshore and aquatic plants, add sand blankets, or place monster docks, we erode the ecological capital that makes our lakes resistant to change. The behaviors of the past that were viewed as reasonably acceptable at low levels of development are no longer appropriate today, where our lakes are increasingly reaching full development capacity.
As Minnesotans, we must not be reckless with our valuable lake assets. Here are three easy things you can do this summer to improve the aquatic environment near your lakeshore. First, stop mowing down to the edge of the water. Let the grass grow long in a 10-to-20-foot buffer strip along the shoreline. Longer grasses will help stop the nutrients that cause algal blooms from entering your lake. Second, get a tune-up. Make sure your boats and water bikes are functioning properly so gas and oil pollutants do not poison the waters, plants and fishes along your shoreline. Third, minimize your footprint. Oftentimes, smaller beaches and docks will still accommodate your recreational needs, but will be less intrusive to aquatic plants and wildlife.
A Shoreland Stewardship Checklist
In Minnesota, we value our lakes. How well does your waterfront protect shoreland habitat and water quality? Put your property to the test by answering five short questions from the Shoreland Stewardship Checklist.
Do you have a buffer zone of native vegetation close to the shoreline? Native species are heartier and adapted to local soil and climate conditions. The tangle of native roots along your shoreline will filter impurities from runoff and stabilize the shoreline, while the foliage from trees, shrubs and plants provide critical shelter for shoreland wildlife.
Do you use pesticides or herbicides on your lawn or gardens? If you're fertilizing your lawn, you may as well be fertilizing the algae and rooted aquatic vegetation in your lake. About 55 percent of rain falling on turf lawns ends up in the lake, bringing surface-applied chemicals with it. Most Minnesota soils are already phosphorus rich, which is why Minnesota law prohibits using fertilizers containing phosphorus except in certain situations.
Have you preserved or replaced mature trees along your shoreline? The extensive root networks from mature trees stabilize the slope down to the water’s edge. The shade from these giants also provides a cooling effect in the shallow near-shore waters, where 90 percent of a lake’s fish and wildlife species live or travel.
Do you leave fallen trees and branches in the shallow waters outside of your water recreation area? Fish and wildlife use these critical pieces of habitat for shelter and resting areas. Herons, turtles and largemouth bass are a few of the critters that love these over- and in-water structures. Fallen trees and branches also dampen wave impacts along your shoreline, which can help prevent erosion.
Are there bare spots -- devoid of vegetation -- on your lot? Bare soil can create major erosion, sedimentation, and nutrient loading problems in the lake. Bare spots are often caused by foot traffic, shading, construction projects, or uneven water flow. Replanting native ground cover in these bare areas can help water infiltrate rather than run off into the lake.
Shoreland stewardship practices benefit all Minnesotans. If you value your lake, take care of your shore! For more lakes information email us at lakewaves@dnr.state.mn.us.
UPDATED September 02, 2008
