Invasive curlyleaf pondweed has been choking East Okoboji Lake, snarling boat propellers, burning up motors and shutting down swimming, tubing and other water sports in an area that depends on recreation.
The weed’s invasion is driving heated debates about how to control it — from using mechanical removal to administering herbicides that raise concerns about drinking water safety.
An aquatic weed harvester has logged 300 hours this spring, chopping and pulling out about 450,000 pounds of weeds from East Okoboji Lake. The plants are drying in a couple of remote spots, with the hopes that farmers might be able to use them for fertilizer.