Caring For Our Lake
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
UW-SP Extension Lakes program that offers training and support for citizen watercraft inspection, boater education, and aquatic invasive species monitoring.
LoonWatch
LoonWatch, a program of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, protects common loons and their aquatic habitats through education, monitoring, and research.
Vilas County Lakes & Rivers Association
VCLRA works with families, businesses and lake organizations to sustainably preserve, protect, and enhance Vilas County lakes and rivers for the benefit of all.
Aquatic Invasive Species: Curly-leaf Pondweed
What is Curly-leaf Pondweed?
Potamogeton crispus, curly-leaf pondweed, or CLP is an aquatic invasive species classified as Restricted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for its potential to cause environmental and economic harm. It is a rooted, underwater plant that prefers shallow water, growing in depths of up to 15 feet. CLP begins growing early in the spring and can impede the growth of native aquatic plants and form dense surface mats that interfere with both lake health and recreation. CLP reproduces via turions (over-wintering buds) in early summer that are dispersed to the sediment when the plant dies back later in the summer. Die back of curly-leaf pondweed releases phosphorus into the water which has the potential to cause algal bloom.
Curly-leaf Pondweed in Harris Lake
CLP was discovered in Harris Lake in 2008 by members of the Harris Lake Association. After the presence of CLP was confirmed by the WIDNR the Harris Lake Assosication contracted with Onterra, LLC to develop a plan to control and continue monitoring of CLP in Harris Lake.
Currently, North Lakeland Discovery Center (NLDC) has been awarded a grant for CLP removal in Harris Lake. This project calls for both hand-pulling removal as well as diver assisted suction harvesting (DASH), a technology that has not been used on Harris Lake to date.
Get Involved
The team at NLDC provides education, training, and support for AIS monitoring volunteers.
NLDC AIS Volunteer Form