Submitted by: Emily Wolf, Regional Extension Educator, U of MN Extension Service, (218) 998-5790

One hundred people got more out of this winter than snow shoveling. They attended Curly Leaf Pondweed Management workshops focused on aquatic plant ecology, curly leaf identification, management techniques, and local field experiences.

Lake association members, individual lakeshore owners, and others who attended possessed various levels of knowledge and experience with curly leaf pondweed. All attendees found a review of aquatic plant ecology and identification of this plant beneficial. Of particular use were the presentations of both mechanical and chemical plant management techniques. Advantages, disadvantages, and costs were described, which allowed each lake association or individual to choose the solution that best fits their situation. The workshops also gave participants a great opportunity to network with others tackling the curly leaf problem, allowing additional contacts to be made and information exchanged. Overall, people gained a greater understanding of the complexity of curly leaf pondweed and that there is no “magic bullet” that will eliminate the need for control.

The workshop was a successful collaborative of multiple groups including the University of Minnesota Extension Service and Water Resources Center, MN Sea Grant, Initiative Foundation, MN Department of Natural Resources, and the MN Lakes Association. Several other organizations also played important roles such as the Sauk River Watershed District, Morrison County Planning and Zoning, aquatic plant management professionals and area lake associations.

Please visit the website, or contact a Regional Extension Center for more information.

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