WHAT'S  NEW  AT  THE  LAKE

Sportsmen's Club Hosts Meeting to Assess Curly-Leaf Pondweed in Everett Bay

On Thursday, December 3rd, the Sportsmen's Club hosted a meeting at the Tower DNR office to discuss the presence of Curly-Leaf Pondweed (CLP) in Everett Bay. Mr. Richard Rezanka, DNR Grand Rapids, presented his findings.

Curly-Leaf Pondweed is a submerged invasive aquatic plant not native to North America. It's taken root in approximately 800 Minnesota lakes over the years. CLP begins growing under the ice in late winter. In spring, it forms dense mats that shade out native plants and interfere with boating. CLP spreads from one part of the lake to another -- and to other lakes -- by the unintentional transfer of the hardened stem tips (turions) by watercraft and boat trailers.

Mr. Rezanka, who surveyed Everett Bay for CLP last June, confirmed the invasive is present, but so far it has only spread to 4% of the bay surface. It appears the plant has been in the bay for several years and likely arrived via the public boat landing. He recommends we do not treat it with herbicides at this time. Rezanka plans to return next spring to check for signs of growth or spread in Everett Bay. He also plans to check Stuntz Bay, since there have been unconfirmed reports of CLP there as well.

[Learn more about the club's invasive species prevention work here and how to identify Curly-Leaf Pondweed here.]

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Renee Aro Joins Sportsmen's Club Board of Directors

Renee Aro was appointed to the vacancy on the Sportsmen's Club board at the board's October meeting. She represents the Tower end of the lake and replaces Paula Bloczynski, who passed away in July.

Aro will serve until the 2010 annual meeting, when the vacancy will be filled by election.

Board meetings are open to all club members. Please check with any board member [contact info] for the time and location of the next meeting.

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Sportsmen's Club Volunteers Complete 2009 "Invasive Species" Boat Checks

Sportsmen's Club volunteers checked 42 boats on the Friday before Labor Day, bringing the 2009 total to 289 boats. Most important, says Bob Wilson, invasive species prevention coordinator, no invasive species were found on any boat or trailer for the third year in a row.

Since 2005, trained Sportsmen's Club volunteers have staffed public boat ramps during major holiday weekends, checking boats and discussing the invasive species threat with our guests. 

[Learn more about the club's invasive species prevention work here.]

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