The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has scheduled a drawdown of Saline Lake, in Natchitoches and Winn parishes, on June 3. The primary purpose is to control the growth of giant salvinia during the upcoming summer months when growth potential is at its highest. In addition, the drawdown will allow for fish habitat improvement and reduction of organic material.
The lake should dewater at a rate of 4 inches per day until it reaches a target drawdown level of 8 feet below normal pool stage. The control gates will close on October 1, 2019, to allow the lake to refill for fall, winter and early spring recreational activities.
During the drawdown, an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 acres of water will remain in the lake. Boaters can still access the main waterbody from the Mulligan Inn Boat Ramp with small craft, but caution is advised. Numerous additional obstructions will be present due to the lower water level.
This action is a necessary component of LDWF’s integrated management plan to control overabundant aquatic vegetation growth and to improve access for recreational activities. An annual cycle of high and low water fluctuation can provide beneficial effects similar to a natural overflow lake system.
The current LDWF Saline Lake Waterbody Management Plan can be viewed here.
For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Villis Dowden, LDWF Biologist, at vdowden@wlf.la.gov or (318) 357-3214.