Millwood Lake Drawdown To Control Unwanted Vegetation

ASHDOWN - Millwood Lake will be temporarily drawn down three-feet beginning Nov. 26 until Feb. 19 to control unwanted and damaging aquatic vegetation. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake has moderate to heavy concentrations in parts of the reservoir.

Beginning Nov. 26, the lake will be gradually drawn down from elevation 259.2 to 256.2, depending on weather conditions. The unwanted vegetation is predominantly American lotus, alligator weed and hydrilla. Drawing down the lake and exposing shallow areas of the lakebed to alternate drying and freezing will help control the aquatic plants. Also while the lake is down, crews will be able to clean and remove sediment from boat ramps.

The excessive vegetation in portions of the lake not only creates hazards for boaters and anglers, but it also contributes to accelerated silting of the lakebed and is damaging the lake environment.

Officials say they are aware this will create some hardships because boat launching access will be limited. This may impact such activities as fishing and duck hunting. However, problems being caused by the vegetation outweigh the temporary interruptions in recreation during what is primarily the off-season, the Corps says. This drawdown has been coordinated with the Southwest Arkansas Water District, Millwood State Park and others with an interest in lake operations.

Beginning Feb. 19 the Corps will reduce releases from the lake and allow it to begin refilling to elevation 259.2. For more information call Steve Spicer at (870) 898-3343 or e-mail him at steven.e.spicer@usace.army.mil.