Measure is necessary to try to control giant salvinia, LDWF says
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has scheduld drawdowns in the coming weeks for both Iatt Lake and Lake Bistineau to try to control giant salvinia.
The drawdown for Iatt Lake in Grant Parish will begin on July 27, and the lake level will be lowered 6 feet below pool stage to allow drying of the lake bottom.
After evaluation, the water level may be lowered an additional 2 feet, according to a release. The control structure will be closed no later than Nov. 5 to allow the lake to refill.
After water levels return to pool elevation, 49,000 triploid grass carp will be stocked into the lake to further assist in submerged vegetation control.
Currently, about 3,000 acres of the lake are covered in salvinia, the release states.
Near Minden, the water control structure on Lake Bistineau will open on Aug. 3 and the lake will be lowered at a rate of 4 to 6 inches per day, not to exceed a maximum drawdown level of 7 feet below normal flood stage.
The control gates there will close no later than Jan. 15, 2016 to allow the lake to refill, the release states.
Current estimates indicate more than 1,700 acres on the 17,000-acre lake are covered in giant salvinia, which is the threshold that triggers a drawdown in the Department’s Lake Bistineau Management Plan.
During the drawdown on Bistineau, an estimated 10,000 acres of water will remain in the lake. Boaters can access the lake from the following public boat launches: Port of Bistineau Launch, Bossier Public Launch, Grice’s and Bayou Dorcheat Public Launch.
Caution is advised for boaters in both lakes during the low water period, as boat lanes will not provide normal clearance for underwater obstructions.
For additional information regarding the Iatt drawdown, contact LDWF Biologist Manager Ricky Moses by email here, or call (318) 487-5888.
For further information regarding the drawdown on Lake Bistineau, contact LDWF Biologist Manager Jeff Sibley by email here, or call (318) 371-3066, ext. 1.
