The Iowa Great Lakes Association held an informational meeting regarding the Curly Leaf Pondweed that has caused issues with recreation in the Iowa Great Lakes. With over 100 people in attendance at the meeting held at Rolling Oaks Barn, we all walked away with more information thanks to Iowa DNR Fisheries Biologist Mike Hawkins’ explanation … Read more
The Iowa Great Lakes Association will host an informational meeting open to the public on Tuesday, April 4th at 3 pm in the loft of Rolling Oaks Barn in Spirit Lake to discuss Curlyleaf Pond Weed in the Iowa Great Lakes. Mild falls and winters have provided the opportune environment for this invasive species, introduced … Read more
Although Curly Pond Weed has been around the Iowa Great Lakes for years, it is now spreading rapidly on the north end of East Lake Okoboji. It is an Aquatic Invasive Species that has crowded out native plants. Because of its thickness and rapid growth feature is causing navigation and access issues for anglers, boaters, … Read more
Curlyleaf pondweed was introduced into Iowa in the early 1900’s and is prevalent in all but 2 states in the U.S. This plant has had extraordinary growing conditions this year as evidenced by the thick mats of this plant that have grown to the surface of East Okoboji Lake.
After Brian Griffin pulls his boat out of West Loon Lake, a couple of weeds dangle from his trailer and propeller. One is a nice surprise: white-stemmed pondweed, an endangered plant, says Michael Adam, senior biologist for Lake County. The other is a problem: Eurasian watermilfoil.