Over the years, accumulations of leaf litter from the cypress canopy along with decomposing emergent and submergent vegetation have built up a large amount of organic matter on the lakebed. This has led to the loss of spawning habitat for desirable sport fish such as largemouth and spotted bass, crappie and bream.

"The first drawdown took place last year and good results were achieved prior to the lake being inundated by heavy rains beginning in early October and lasting through the end of the scheduled drawdown period," said James Seales, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Inland Fisheries Division biologist manager. Significant habitat improvements were observed in several areas as a result of the last drawdown. Some of the organic muck dried and decomposed, and sandy areas underneath the layer of muck were exposed in several areas of the lake. Another benefit of the drawdowns will be improved boating access in the waterbody due to the reduction of submerged vegetation. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will continue its efforts to control noxious floating and emergent aquatic vegetation through herbicide applications in conjunction with the drawdown.

This year's drawdown will begin on July 15, 2005, and will run through Jan. 31, 2006, at which time the gates will be closed and the lake allowed to refill. It is expected that the lake will dewater at a rate of 4 to 6 inches per day until it is lowered to 7 feet below normal pool stage.

The effects of the drawdown on the fisheries habitat, fish population, and aquatic vegetation coverage will be evaluated each year.