The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will initiate a drawdown for giant salvinia control on Iatt Lake in Grant Parish on July 27, 2015. 
 
The previously scheduled drawdown was postponed due to high water levels on the Red River, preventing the lake from draining. 
 
The lake level will be lowered 6 feet below pool stage to allow drying of the lake bottom, concentrating giant salvinia and increasing the effectiveness of herbicide applications.  After evaluation, the water level may be lowered an additional 2 feet. 
 
The control structure will be closed no later than November 5, 2015, to allow the lake to refill.
 
The drawdown is a component of LDWF’s plan to control giant salvinia on Iatt Lake.
Currently, an estimated 3,000 acres of giant salvinia coverage exists. The vegetation management plan for the lake identifies a target of 1,500 acres of giant salvinia coverage for a drawdown to be considered. 
 
Additional benefits of the drawdown include increased control of submerged aquatic vegetation as well improvement to fisheries habitat.   After water levels return to pool elevation, 49,000 triploid grass carp will be stocked into the lake to further assist in submerged vegetation control. 
 
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) 487-5888.  For press inquiries contact Ashley Wethey at awethey@wlf.la.gov or (504) 286-8733.