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Home > Current News > 2004

News: 2004

L.D.W.F. Schedules Draw-downs to Control Aquatic Vegetation
Posted: 9/10/04

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Inland Fisheries Division has will be allowing biologists to lower water levels in several Louisiana waterbodies to maintain water quality and enhance wildlife habitat.

Draw-downs are used to dry out some of the aquatic vegetation. Aquatic vegetation sometimes becomes so thick that it diffuses sunlight and upsets the oxygen levels needed by fish and other wildlife. In specific cases, limited herbicide applications may be made to enhance the effect of the draw-down..

LDWF also uses this technique to reduce the accumulation of organic sediments. Sometimes excessive, decomposing plant materials on lake bottoms reduce spawning success of nest-building fish such as bass and bluegill. Decomposition of bottom ‘muck’ is accelerated when sediments are exposed to the air.

In addition, draw-downs give lakeside residents an opportunity to do maintenance and upkeep to their shoreline properties.

During draw-downs, water levels are dropped slowly and monitored by LDWF personnel to prevent fish kills. Limiting recreational activities on the lake during the draw-down period may also further protect the fish populations.

LDWF has released the schedule for draw-downs in 2004:

  • Bundick Lake, beginning September 15 and ending January 31. This draw-down has no recreational restrictions.
  • Iatt Lake, began June 14 and ending October 25. This draw-down is in progress, and no fishing is currently permitted.
  • Indian Creek, beginning September 7 and ending December 6. This drawdown is awaiting a police jury action, with no recreational restrictions planned.
  • Ivan Lake, beginning September 13 and ending January 24. This drawdown has no recreational restrictions.
  • Lake Bistineau, beginning July 15 and ending January 31. The drawdown is in progress, with no recreational restrictions.
  • Lake Chatham, beginning September 7 and ending January 15. This drawdown has no recreational restrictions.
  • Lake Cheniere, beginning September 7 and ending January 15. This drawdown is awaiting a police jury action, with no recreational restrictions planned.
  • Lake Claiborne, beginning September 7 and ending January 14. This drawdown has no recreational restrictions.
  • Lake D'Arbonne, beginning September 7 and ending November 15. This drawdown has no recreational restrictions.
  • Lake Martin, beginning September 22 and ending December 31. This drawdown is awaiting a Lake Martin Advisory Council action, with no recreational restrictions planned.
  • Saline Lake, began June 14 and ending October 25. This drawdown is in progress, and no fishing is currently permitted.

For information regarding these or other draw-downs, please contact the LDWF Inland Fisheries Division at 225/765-2800.

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