The
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has
scheduled a drawdown for Nantachie Lake in Grant Parish to
begin in mid-July. This will be the third consecutive drawdown,
as was recommended by the LDWF in a management plan written
in May of 2005 for the control of nuisance aquatic vegetation.
Numerous calls
concerning submergent aquatic vegetation (SAV) had been received
by fisheries personnel in the LDWF District 3 office. In addition
to native SAV; hydrilla, an exotic noxious aquatic weed, has
become established in the lake and is hindering boating access
and recreational opportunities in many areas of the lake.
Hydrilla was first located at the public launch on the southeast
end of the lake and it has spread throughout most of the southern
half of the lake.
The drawdown is
scheduled to begin on July 16, 2007, and the gates will remain
open until Jan. 31, 2008.
The early start
date is necessary due to the slower than normal ability to
dewater the lake. During the 2005-06 drawdown, it was determined
the lake could only be lowered approximately two inches per
day. Dewatering at a faster rate caused flooding of downstream
property. The lake will be drawn down approximately seven
feet below pool stage.
Nantachie lake
residents and camp owners are encouraged to complete boat
houses, piers and other shoreline projects at this time because
this is the last drawdown scheduled at this time.
