Drawdown scheduled on Cheniere Lake

The Ouachita Parish Police Jury has scheduled a drawdown on Cheniere Lake to facilitate repair work on LA Highway 3033, which was severely damaged by flooding earlier this year. The project also includes the installation of a new bridge and spillway.

The drawdown is scheduled to begin Wednesday, August 10. The lake will be lowered approximately 4 inches per day to a maximum depth of 6 feet below pool stage. Repair work will take approximately 12 to 18 months to complete. 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries supports the drawdown, as it is an effective fisheries management tool. LDWF has made similar recommendations in years prior to accelerate the decomposition of leaf litter and improve the spawning substrate for bottom nesting fish. These drawdowns have met opposition from both waterfowl hunters and anglers. As a compromise, LDWF has lowered the lake to 3 feet below pool stage on an annual basis since 1998.

Although the lake will not be closed to fishing or other activities, caution is advised of boaters during this period, as most boat lanes will not provide for adequate clearance of underwater obstructions.

For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact the Ouachita Parish Police Jury at 318-327-1340.

*********** An article from: The News-Star on Friday, August 5, 2016 ************************