It’s officially lake season, but one area lake might be under more stress than ever.
The Balaton City Council on Monday was informed that Curly-leaf pondweed has found its way to Lake Yankton.
Tabor Hoek even brought a sample of the invasive weed for his discussion Monday with the council, as he is looking for some kind of solution to remedy the infestation.
“We have a new visitor at Lake Yankton — actually it’s not super new, it’s been here for about five years,” Hoek told the council. “As of this afternoon, I’ve heard that we’re going to be listed as an invasive species lake because of this. It’s not a list you want to be on.”
However, Hoek said, going on that infamous list does open some doors for help when it comes to funding and permitting. Management of invasive aquatic plants involving either mechanical removal of plants or application of herbicides to public waters requires a permit from the DNR.
About 9% of Minnesota’s 11,842 lakes are on the infested waters list.
“Up until now, everything in our lake has been natural,” said Hoek. “Now we have something new. I think it can be managed. Lake Benton’s been dealing with it for many years; there are thing that can be done to control it.”
But that requires permits and money. Hoek’s question for the City is how deep does it want to dive into a solution — all the work and money that goes into effective lake management.
“The County has made assurances that they are wiling to permit, manage money … they’ve got an AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) department,” Hoek said. “They get significant grant funding every year that they can use. I’m curious if the City would be OK with that.”
Curly-leaf pondweed is a rooted, submersed aquatic plant, whose coloration varies from olive-green to reddish-brown. The flower stalk grows up above the water surface, typically in June. The stalk grows to about one inch tall and appears reddish-brown in the water but is actually green when examined closely.
Curly-leaf pondweed generally grows from the shore to water depths of 15 feet and can grow up to 15 feet tall. It tolerates low water clarity and will readily invade disturbed areas.
Curly-leaf pondweed impacts lake by forming dense mats at the water’s surface that inhibits water recreation. It can overtake habitat and outcompetes native aquatic plants, potentially lowering diversity and provides unsuitable shelter, food, and nesting habitat for native animals.
Hoek believes there are many interested residents in Balaton willing to join the battle. After all, the lake plays a vital role in the small town, especially at this time of year.
“But there are mechanics that have to go along with that,” he said. “If you have interest in that, or maybe letting the County do their thing?”
Hoek’s purpose Monday was to gauge the council’s interest and offer its opinions on what entity should take the lead.
Towns like Lake Benton have organized lake associations that include people who do things like fundraising to help a lake that has been plagued with curly leaf pondweed for considerably longer than Balaton has.
