The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Inland Fish Division, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and the Vernon Parish Police Jury are scheduling a summer/fall drawdown for Vernon Lake beginning June 1, 2009 and extending through Oct. 31, 2009.
The lake will be lowered to a level no more than 10 feet below pool elevation (235 feet above the mean sea level).
The purpose of the drawdown will be to make structural repairs to the drawdown gates, dam and spillway area of the lake. The Vernon Parish Game and Fish Commission will also re-mark boat lanes and channels in the reservoir as a safety measure. New boat ramps and piers will also be constructed.
Since a drawdown of this level and duration has not occurred since Hurricane Rita in 2005, the action is an opportunity for property owners to conduct necessary shoreline maintenance
Ecologically, summer drawdowns are very beneficial allowing for growth of terrestrial plants and oxidation of organic material. Related improvements to water quality and game fish populations are expected.