The results from the Curly Leaf Pondweed Management Program are starting to be known. Terry Wilts, Secretary of the East Lake Okoboji Improvement Corporation says, the chemical treatment on East Okoboji was effective this spring.  “After the treatment, it was more than 90 percent effective when it was applied, and that was by far the … Read more

March 5, 2019 Spirit Lake – Invasive curlyleaf pondweed has become a common site in the spring on portions of the Iowa Great Lakes in recent years. The 2019 plan for managing this plant will be similar to 2018, but treat more acres. A team of leaders from the county, local cities, lake associations, drinking … Read more

From the Sioux City Journal…. OKOBOJI, Iowa — Vacationeers returning to Okoboji this weekend again have been greeted by an invasive weed that threatens to curtail boating, fishing and other activities on some of the Iowa Great Lakes. The later than usual thawing of ice in the Dickinson County lakes delayed the blooming of curlyleaf … Read more

(Orleans)– Officials say it isn’t a question IF curly leaf pond weed will be back in some of the Iowa Great Lakes this coming season, but how bad it will be. Mike Hawkins, a fisheries biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources tells KUOO news they know for a fact it’s already growing under … Read more

A panel of state and local experts presented the Iowa Great Lakes Community with a plan to address Curlyleaf Pond Weed utilizing increased harvesting with two test areas in early spring with herbicide to retard the plant’s dense mat-like growth. Please click the link below to hear more about the forum and comments from the … Read more

(Spirit Lake)– Curly leaf pondweed will be the topic of a public informational meeting tomorrow (Thurs.) evening at the Sami Bedell Center for the Performing Arts in Spirit Lake. Terry Wilts of the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation says a team made up of leaders from the county, cities, lake associations, drinking water utilities, Lakeside … Read more

A monster weed is invading the Iowa Great Lakes and no one is sure how to stop it.

Invasive curlyleaf pondweed has been choking East Okoboji Lake, snarling boat propellers, burning up motors and shutting down swimming, tubing and other water sports in an area that depends on recreation.

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