The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will begin its previously announced drawdown of Lake Bistineau on July 23. The Department has begun to deploy a temporary floating boom to aid in giant salvinia control efforts. The boom is intended to control the drift of floating aquatic plants as the water level decreases, keeping it from spreading as easily, and allowing more effective herbicide application on the aggregated plants.
The floating boom will be deployed across both Bossier Slough and the Main Channel, including the wooded area in between, as depicted in the attached map. The boom is highly visible and will be marked with additional lights and signs. Passageways will be marked in both Bossier Slough and the Main Channel.
The drawdown is scheduled to begin July 23, 2018, and the lake should dewater at a rate of 4 to 6 inches per day. The maximum drawdown level is 8 feet below normal pool stage. Aquatic habitat conditions in the lake will be evaluated during the drawdown to determine the most appropriate time to end the drawdown and allow the lake to refill for recreational activities.
For additional information, contact Daniel Hill at (225) 765-2328 or dhill@wlf.la.gov.