Pierre city parks staff are attacking a pesky weed in Lake Sharpe today (June 2), hoping to eliminate it before it starts to cause trouble.
Curly pondweed primarily grows in warm, clear water where sunlight can be accessed. It grows from the river bottom to within about 18 inches of the surface, forming dense mats that can interfere with fishing and water recreation.
Toby Stertz with the Pierre Parks Department says they treated for the nuisance aquatic plant along the shoreline and boat ramp between the causeway and entrance to the main river channel. He says exposure to the chemical is not considered dangerous to people or animals.
Stertz says timing is tricky when it comes to treating for curly pondweed. He says the water has to be warm enough to allow the plant to sprout, but the chemical must be applied before the weed has much chance to grow.
Stertz says the city applies a chemical using a spray boom attached to the back of a small boat. The boom has drop lines that deposit the chemical among the blossoming weeds. He says the City wants boaters and swimmers to be able to safely enjoy the waterfront, so they’re doing what they can to eliminate the weed.
The City received a permit from the State of South Dakota to apply the chemical treatment.
Map of the treatment distribution area.
Image credit City of Pierre.
Pierre Parks Department staff apply chemical to kill the curly pondweed that grows along the shoreline of Lake Sharpe.
Photo credit City of Pierre.
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