Giant salvinia in Lake Bistineau, located near Minden, has reached the threshold necessary for a lake drawdown.  Current estimates include 2,000 acres of salvinia coverage in the 17,000-acre lake.  Continuous expansion is expected as summertime temperatures promote maximum growth of the invasive weed.  Most of the salvinia in Lake Bistineau is currently confined to isolated coves off the main lake and in areas of thick timber north of Lake Bistineau State Park.
 
The water control structure on Lake Bistineau is scheduled to open on August 4, 2014.  The drawdown will include a dewatering rate of 4-6 inches per day.  The maximum drawdown level will be 7 feet below normal pool stage.  The Lake Bistineau control gates will be closed no later than December 1, 2014 to allow the lake to refill.
 
During the drawdown period, an estimated 8,000 acres of water will remain in Lake Bistineau.  Boaters will be able to access the lake from the following public boat launches: Port of Bistineau Launch (East side Webster Parish), Bossier Public Launch (West side of the lake), Grice’s (Southeast side of lake at the dam), and Bayou Dorcheat Public Launch (North side of lake on main bayou Dorcheat in Webster parish- HWY 164).  
 
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 Jeff Sibley, LDWF Biologist Manager, at 318-371-3066, ext. 2 or at jsibley@wlf.la.gov.
 
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 press inquiries, contact Rene LeBreton, rlebreton@wlf.la.gov or 504-286-8733.