Curly-leaf pondweed

lschultz • December 17, 2019

This week’s invasive species that is going to be highlighted is Curly-leaf pondweed. Curly-leaf pondweed originated from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia and has spread to most of the US by the late 1970s. The state of Michigan states, “Curly-leafed pondweed is currently found in inland lakes of 34 counties in Michigan, distributed both in the upper and lower peninsulas. It is considered widespread throughout the state and region.”

This species is one of the world’s most widespread aquatic species, it is very resistant and flourishes in most freshwater habitats. According to Minnesota Sea Grant, “It spreads by seeds, rhizomes, turions, and plant pieces that break off and float on water currents. It can spread overland to new waters by clinging to watercraft, trailers, and equipment.” By having this advantage eradicating Curly-leaf pondweeds makes it’s almost impossible.

Some of the characteristics of Curly-lead pondweed that make it so successful as an invasive species are…

  • Impede irrigation or flow
  • Promote deposition of sediment
  • Impact recreation activity
  • Decrease open spawning habitat
  • Decrease in native plant species

Curly-leaf pondweed functions in low light and colder temperature waters which can make it a good food source in the colder months for fish and waterfowl. While most plants are flourishing in the summer months Curl-leaf pondweed is actually dying off and contributing to a depletion of dissolved oxygen levels this can harm fish and other aquatic species when these species die-off it can lead to eutrophication of that body of water.

The best way to control this invasive species is by being as proactive as possible. The state of Michigan recommends the following actions.

-Build a coalition of local, statewide, and Great Lakes regional partners to monitor for CLP and other aquatic invasive species
-Improve monitoring and enforcement of distribution and sale of CLP among aquaria and horticulture industries (Maki and Galatowitsch 2004)
-Educate aquarium owners on the hazards associated with dumping aquatic tanks into natural bodies of water and the spread of invasive species
-Provide boat washing stations for high-traffic public lake accesses
-Develop and enforce a sustainable water recreation vehicles and trailers inspection program
-Identify and protect high-value, uninfested sites

Although humans cannot restrict how Curly-leaf pondweed is spread through fish, birds and other mammals we can do our part and help prevent this spread.

Recent Posts

MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project

By Justin Tomei • June 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project Lansing, MI — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), the nation’s largest statewide conservation organization, has submitted formal public comments urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project. In a letter submitted today, MUCC emphasized the need to move this critical infrastructure forward to protect the Great Lakes while maintaining safe, reliable energy transportation. “MUCC supports the tunnel project as the best available alternative to reduce the risk of an environmental disaster in the Straits of Mackinac while continuing to deliver essential energy products to Michigan families and industries,” said Amy Trotter, CEO of MUCC. “We believe the tunnel project strikes a balance between protecting the environment and maintaining energy security.” MUCC’s position is backed by a formal resolution passed by its membership, which includes thousands of hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Michigan. The resolution supports the tunnel as a long-term solution that replaces the aging and exposed pipeline segment currently crossing the Straits, offering greater environmental safeguards through secondary containment. The organization cited the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which acknowledges the tunnel’s benefits, including reduced spill risk and a controlled, buried environment for transporting light crude oil and natural gas liquids. MUCC also rejected the "no action alternative," which would allow the existing line to remain in operation without any new protective infrastructure. “Other alternatives, like transporting fuel by truck or rail, are inefficient and carry greater environmental and safety risks,” Trotter added. “Allowing the current line to operate exposed on the lakebed indefinitely is simply not acceptable.” MUCC’s comment stresses that the organization is not weighing in on the type of energy transported, but rather on the environmental risks and safety benefits of the tunnel itself. Originally approved by the Michigan legislature and governor in 2018, the Great Lakes Tunnel Project represents a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure and environmental protection. MUCC urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue the necessary permits and move forward with construction without further delay. For Media Contact: Justin Tomei jtomei@mucc.org 517-346-6488 #####

Michigan Wildlife Conservation Month: MUCC's Impact

By Olivia Triltsch • June 26, 2025
Since its inception, MUCC has made great strides in the conservation of natural resources through advocacy, habitat, youth education, and communications.

On the Ground: Native Plug Planting at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

By Katelyn Helsel • June 25, 2025
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (PCCI) for a native plug planting day in Barry County. Located on 850 acres, the institute offers both environmental education opportunities and serves as a biological field station for conducting research. Many diverse native communities from wetlands to prairies are present at PCCI, and many rare or threatened species in Michigan like the eastern box turtle call the institute home. 
More Posts