Louisiana Officials Target Invasive Aquatic Plants

USSFN:  2/02/05 - (Beaureguard Parish, LA) - The drawdown currently in effect on Bundick Lake in Beaureguard Parish will be extended, according to officials from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Inland Fisheries Division. The drawdown is now scheduled to conclude on February 28, 2005. Heavy rains in November and December allowed the lake to regain pool elevation, prompting the extension.

The department began the drawdown on September 15, 2004. The scheduled drawdown had specific goals; the most prevalent was to eradicate aggressive invasive aquatic plants such as salvinia, hydrilla, alligator weed and water hyacinth. The drawdown was also to provide the opportunity for structure and spillway inspections and repairs by the Department of Transportation and Development. Individuals also use the time to make repairs on private property such as replacing wharves, bulkheads and boathouses.

The increase in water level caught many off guard while trying to make repairs, prompted requests to LDWF for an extension to the drawdown. Department personnel believe an extension would have no adverse effect on fish populations, and have thus granted the request.

Contact:  Bobby Reed, (337) 491-2577  breed@wlf.louisiana.gov

Source:  Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries