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And just like that, all our hopes and prayers that the giant snow and ice storm that rolled through our area back in February would knock Giant Salvinia into another universe are gone.

Not only did it NOT kill off salvinia like we had hoped, but on numerous area lakes, it was just as bad as ever.

Just this week, the drawdown of Lake Bistineau began and will continue to dewater at the rate of four to six inches daily (dependent on rain fall) until it falls a maximum of around eight feet below the normal pool stage.

Essentially, it's the annual signal to the basic end of water sports, outside of fishing, for the remainder of the year. In addition to Lake Bistineau, we recently reported on the lowering of Clear-Smithport Lakes in Desoto Parish.

Looks like we can now chalk up another victim for this year's salvinia bloom!  The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has scheduled a drawdown of Black and Clear Lake (Natchitoches Parish) for giant salvinia control, organic reduction and fish habitat improvement. The drawdown is designed to reduce the further expansion of giant salvinia as summer and early fall temperatures promote maximum growth.

The water control structure is scheduled to be opened on August 2, 2021, and the lake should dewater at a rate of 3-6 inches per day depending on the Red River Pool 3 water level. The lake will be lowered to a maximum drawdown water level of approximately 4 feet below normal pool stage (95 Mean Sea Level). The Black and Clear Lake control gates are scheduled to be closed on January 31, 2022, to allow the lake to refill for early spring recreational activities.

During the drawdown, an estimated 7,000-8,000 acres of water will remain open in areas of Black and Clear Lake. Boaters may still access the lake from either Black Lake Resort and Campground or Chandler’s Camp ramps located on the North side of the Hwy 9 bridge. Boaters are also advised to use caution when on the water, as numerous obstructions that are normally not seen will be present.

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