Saline Lake Water Levels Dropping Today for Invasive Weed Control

It's the time of year that anglers, boating enthusiasts and lakefront property owners all over northwest Louisiana have come to expect drastic changes to their favorite watering holes.

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Each year at this time, officials begin to dewater or "draw down" several of our lakes in the effort to combat the invasive aquatic fern, Giant Salvinia, which is native to Brazil.

Giant Salvinia was first discovered in Louisiana nearly thirty years ago, in 1998, when it was found in Toledo Bend Reservoir. Since that time, it has plagued most, if not all, northwest Louisiana lakes.

While the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has deployed a number of efforts to control salvinia including Salvinia Weevils and routine herbicide sprays, they feel the most effective control method is to reduce the amount of lake surface area in which the salvinia can spread, by lowering the water levels of the lakes where they can do so.

Lake Bistineau is one such body of water that allows for it's lowering via a system of flood control gates, and though there has been no official date for its drawdown released by LDWF, the general consensus is that it will occur in the next week or two.

However, LDWF has announced that the drawdown of Saline Lake (Natchitoches and Winn Parishes) will begin today, July 13, and the lake should dewater at a rate of 4 -10 inches per day.

The water level will be lowered to a maximum drawdown level of 8 feet below normal pool stage, depending on Red River Pool 3 water level. The Saline Lake control gates are scheduled for closure on October 5 to allow the lake to refill for fall, winter, and early-spring recreational activities.

During the drawdown, an estimated 2,500-3,000 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 when on the water, as numerous obstructions that are normally not seen are present.

This action is an important component of LDWF’s integrated management plan to control overabundant aquatic vegetation and to improve and sustain access for recreational activities. An annual cycle of high and low water fluctuation can provide beneficial effects similar to a natural overflow lake system and replicate the natural ebb and flow of the watershed.

The Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Louisiana You Should Know About

Louisiana is known for our fantastic waterways, from swamps and bayous to scenic lakes that are perfect for fishing and boating. But with all of this natural beauty comes an abundance of wildlife, including snakes. In fact, Louisiana has over 50 different snake species, many of which thrive around freshwater lakes, marshes, and coastal habitats.

Where are snakes most commonly found across the Pelican State? Here’s an updated guide to the most snake-infested lakes in Louisiana.

Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott