8/10/2005
Ivan Lake, a 520-acre waterbody in Bossier Parish, created in 1954 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, was recently surveyed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Inland Fisheries Section.
Submerged vegetation was present in moderate to severe amounts in a fringe around the lake that goes out to 7 feet in depth. The area of the lake approaching the Highway 529 bridge is the most severely impacted, with boating access restricted to the creek channel. All vegetation species combined cover approximately 35 percent of the waterbody, with the most problematic species being hydrilla.
Due to the infestation of submerged aquatic vegetation and lack of funding for expensive aquatic herbicides, LDWF is recommending the second of five consecutive fall/winter drawdowns to be performed.
The gates will be opened on Sept. 15, 2005 allowing the lake to fall at the rate of 3-4 inches per day until it is 8 feet below pool stage, or at the 192 feet mean sea level (msl) contour. LDWF will survey the lake after the lake level reaches 192 feet msl to assure dewatering of the majority of the vegetation.
This 8-foot drawdown should continue until Jan. 23, 2006, when the gates should be closed to allow the lake to refill. LDWF will conduct yearly surveys to monitor vegetation levels and adjust the management plan as necessary.
For additional information, please contact James Seales at 318-371-3063 or jseales@wlf.louisiana.gov.
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