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Curly-leaf pondweed found in Upper Clam Lake; county reviews annual lake monitoring and Clean Boats grant
Summary
Staff reported the first documented inland occurrence of curly-leaf pondweed in Ashland County, and the committee discussed annual Lake Monitoring Protection Network and Clean Boats Clean Waters grant work and 2026 tree-and-shrub orders.
County conservation staff reported a new invasive-plant discovery and reviewed routine annual grants that support lake monitoring and watercraft inspections.
Scott (staff member) told the committee that county teams surveyed inland lakes this season and documented curly-leaf pondweed for the first time in Ashland County in a bay of Upper Clam Lake. Scott said staff removed adult plants and overwintering buds (turions) from the bay and that the infestation appears localized. He reported three new aquatic discoveries this season (including two "mystery snails") and said staff are monitoring high-use Lake Superior access points for additional introductions.
Tim (staff/project coordinator) reported the county's Clean Boats Clean Waters grant application for 2026: the project total is $5,335 with a $4,000 grant award and a $1,335 local match. Scott and Tim also described ongoing outreach such as a Student Science Expo planned for Oct. 8 and the county's 2026 tree-and-shrub sale, which will emphasize climate-resilient species mixed with historical favorites.
Staff also noted Day Lake is scheduled for drawdown this fall to allow dam repair and aquatic-plant management; Scott said drawdowns can be an opportunity to reduce invasive aquatic populations but require coordinated effort on timing and monitoring.
Why it matters: Curly-leaf pondweed is a species that can change lake ecology and recreation if it spreads. County staff said the early detection and removal in a single bay increases the chance of keeping the infestation localized.
What's next: Staff said they will continue monitoring affected lakes, pursue Clean Boats Clean Waters funding to support watercraft inspections in 2026, and post educational signage where blue-green algae has been observed this season.
