The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has scheduled a drawdown of Saline Lake in Natchitoches and Winn parishes for giant salvinia control, reduction of organic material and fish habitat improvement. The drawdown is designed to reduce the further expansion of salvinia as summertime temperatures promote maximum growth.
 
The water control structure is scheduled to open today, June 12, 2018, and the lake should dewater at a rate of 4 inches per day. The water level will be lowered to a maximum drawdown level of 8 feet below normal pool stage. The Saline Lake control gates are scheduled for closure on October 1, 2018, 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 may still access the main waterbody from the Mulligan Inn Boat Ramp with small craft, but caution is advised. Caution is also advised for boaters during the low water period, as the lake will not provide normal clearance of underwater structures.   
 
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 natural conditions that occurred prior to impoundment.
 
For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Villis Dowden, LDWF Biologist, at vdowden@wlf.la.govor (318) 357-3214.