Curly-leaf pondweed is a rooted submersed aquatic plant. It varies in color from olive-green to reddish-brown. It can be identified by its wavy lasagna noodle-like leaves that are approximately a half-inch wide and two to three inches long. Leaves have an obvious mid-vein, “toothed” or serrated edges and blunt tips. 

• It can overtake native aquatic plant habitat, outcompeting native plants. 
• It can form dense mats at the water’s surface, interfering with water recreation  activities.
• It provides unsuitable shelter, food, and nesting habitat for native fish and animals. 
• It readily invades areas of disturbed lake bottom. 
• Its mid-summer die-off contributes to late summer and fall algae blooms. 

CLA has been treating areas of curly leaf pondweed treated since 2009.  However,   treatment was not allowed by the DNR in 2018 because of the lack of its growth and the abundance of active native plants within the proposed treatment areas at the time the treatment had to be done. Also, in 2019 proposed treatment areas in Middle Cullen were not allowed to be treated and areas treated in Upper and Lower Cullen were greatly reduced in acreage for the same reason.  

The DNR only allows a certain percentage of a lake’s area to be treated each year.  Also, chemical treatment of curly leaf pondweed is only effective in larger areas of  the plants. In small areas the chemical used is not able to stay in contact with the plants long enough to be effective.