The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will begin its annual drawdown of Lake Bistineau on Aug. 12 as part of its ongoing effort to control giant salvinia, an invasive aquatic plant that continues to impact the lake.

According to LDWF, Inland Fisheries staff and contractors worked throughout the year to manage giant salvinia while keeping the lake at its normal level for as much of the summer as possible. Despite those efforts, the fast-growing plant has continued to spread, making the drawdown an important part of the agency’s long-term management plan to improve aquatic vegetation control, maintain recreational access and enhance fish habitat.

Once the water control structure is opened, the lake is expected to drop 4 to 6 inches per day until it reaches a maximum of 8 feet below normal pool stage. The structure is expected to close around Nov. 30, allowing the lake to refill for winter recreation and early spring activities.

During the drawdown, late-summer heat will help dry out exposed giant salvinia, while LDWF crews will continue herbicide treatments and use floating booms to limit the spread of the invasive plant. Approximately 10,000 acres of water will remain in the lake during the drawdown.

This year, LDWF said its vegetation management efforts included treating approximately 4,900 acres with herbicides, completing about 120 days of contracted herbicide applications, and releasing more than 37,000 giant salvinia weevils into hard-to-reach areas to help naturally control the plant.

Boaters will continue to have access to the lake from the Port of Bistineau Launch, Bossier Public Launch, Grice’s Landing and Bayou Dorcheat Public Launch, but officials urge extra caution. Lower water levels may expose underwater hazards, and boaters should watch for floating booms and cross them slowly at marked locations when possible.

Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries social media

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