The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has scheduled a drawdown for Cotile Lake in Rapides Parish on September 8, 2015 as part of an integrated management plan to control nuisance aquatic vegetation.
 
The lake level will be lowered at a rate of approximately 4 inches per day to a maximum of 8 feet below pool stage. As the water level is lowered, herbicide sprays will be conducted, particularly in those areas accessible with spray equipment.
 
The control structure will be closed no later than January 15, 2016, to allow the lake to refill.
 
In addition to the drawdown and herbicide applications, 1,000 triploid grass carp were previously stocked in the lake to slow the regrowth of hydrilla.
 
Although the lake will not be closed to fishing, caution is advised of boaters during the low water period as boat lanes will not provide normal clearance for underwater obstructions.
 
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources.  For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.
 
For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Ricky Moses, LDWF Biologist Manager, at rmoses@wlf.la.gov or (318) 487-5885. For press inquiries contact Ashley Wethey at awethey@wlf.la.gov or (504) 286-8733.