In an effort to control aquatic vegetation, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will open the water control structure on Lake Bistineau near Minden on August 3, 2015, for a lake drawdown. 
 
Current estimates include 1,781 acres of giant salvinia coverage in the 17,000-acre lake, reaching the threshold necessary for a lake drawdown as identified in the Department’s Lake Bistineau Management Plan.
 
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 pool stage.  The control gates will close no later than January 15, 2016, to allow the lake to refill.
 
During the drawdown, 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 during the low water period, as boat lanes will not provide normal clearance of underwater obstructions. 
 
For further information regarding the drawdown, contact LDWF Biologist Manager Jeff Sibley at jsibley@wlf.la.gov or (318) 371-3066, ext. 1.
 
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.la.gov, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.
 
 
For press inquiries, contact Ashley Wethey at awethey@wlf.la.gov or (504) 286-8733.