June 19, 2025 Update

Portage Residents,

We recently received the results and analysis of the survey PLM conducted of Portage Lake on June 10. Here is a summary of what Drew from PLM shared:

It was a great day for surveying, and we found plenty of Curly Leaf. The Curly Leaf is currently flowering, which means it is at its peak in terms of growth and density. It should not get any worse than it is now, and will likely start to die back on its own as we continue through June.

I understand that the group and the lake residents are likely upset to see such an explosion of growth. Unfortunately, that is the nature of this invasive plant, and is why we’ve been doing the survey every summer. Fortunately, we have a history of controlling it on Portage Lake.

I attached a map of our survey tracks and waypoints where we found Curly Leaf. Also attached is a map of the plots that I think would be most beneficial for treatments next spring.

I really recommend that we use Flumioxazin (Flumiguard) next year, as it is incredibly cost effective, and is quite selective for Curly Leaf. We’ve been doing research with the University of Minnesota, and we have some very good results using this product. In the past, we had used an herbicide called Aquathol K. We are trying not to use that anymore, as it is very expensive and will also kill the native pondweeds that are favorable for habitat and fishing. 

We can't give you exact costs to treat yet as the manufacturer might make some changes as we go into next season. As always, I will send a contract in the winter to secure final prices. I don’t think we will need to do another survey in the spring before those treatments, but the DNR might want us to just go out and “confirm” that the Curly Leaf is present in those plots before treatment. 

Before we treat, we would need signatures for anyone within 150 feet of the treatment plots. I recommend collecting signatures from all lakeshore landowners on the following roads: 210^th Street; Fisherman’s Drive; Forest Park Drive. Signatures are valid for 2 years, so they will work if the plots move a little bit for 2027 as well.

Kari Smith has offered to head up the signature gathering effort. She will have forms available at the dinner on Sunday evening at LaPasta. 

I'll be offline for a few days for my daughter's wedding this weekend. I'll check this email account again on Monday, June 23.

Sincerely,

Amy Aasen, President