Plans call for dewatering 8 feet below spillway crest height to control nuisance aquatic vegetation
With about 1,200 acres already covered in giant salvinia, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is scheduling a drawdown beginning July 1 to control nuisance vegetation on Saline Lake in Winn Parish.
Dewatering is scheduled until the lake reaches a level 8 feet below spillway crest height, when a large-scale herbicide will be applied, a press release states.
Fluridone, an EPA-approved herbicide, will be injected into the water where it needs to remain at appropriate concentrations for 30 days to be effective.
The treatment is not a threat to humans or animals, but lake water should not be used for irrigation during the application, according to the release.
Results are dependent on weather conditions, with minimal rainfall optimal. Weather conditions also will determine the gate closure date, which could be as soon as early fall depending on how the operation progresses.
However, the release states the gates will close no later than Nov. 20 to allow the lake to refill.
During the drawdown, the lake will not be closed to fishing and anglers will be able to gain access from Mulligan’s Inn boat ramp on Parish Road.
Boaters are advised to use caution during the low water period as boat lanes will not provide normal clearance from underwater obstructions.
