To the editor,
With summer in full swing, many of us are off to our favorite lake or stream to enjoy water recreation.
Please note that these bodies of water are under constant threat of aquatic invasie species of many kinds. At our July Lakes and Streams meeting, we had a very long conversation about a terrible plant called curly-leaf pondweed. Two of our board members talked about their particular lakes being infested with zebra mussels and now pondweed.
The pondweed has limited fishing and stopped many of the recreational aspects of boating on their respective lakes. A lot of their water from 12 feet or below is so thick with these weeds that it will stop a motor or plug up a jet ski in minutes.
Pondweed is often spread by watercraft and trailers and often is first found at the public boat dock. Small fragments of the plant that drop into the water off either boats or trailers can start an explosion of weeks.
Unlike zebra mussels, if caught soon enough, the pondweed can be sprayed and treated. You can Google curly-leaf pondweed to see what it looks like and gather more information. If you suspect you have run into pondweed, take a picture of the plant and notify your local conservation office. Do not take it out of the lake and transport it without permission from GFP.
In our case at Lakes and Streams, we are monitoring our lakes and will attempt to eradicate the pondweed after securing proper licensing. If you frequent lakes, please take some time and make sure your trailer and boat is free from muscles and weeds.
Our children and grandchildren deserve our very best effort. Enjoy your favorite lake and be safe. Thank you!
Steve Charron
Huron
President, South Dakota Lakes and Streams
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