Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development closed the Lake Bistineau control structure gates to allow repair work to begin in the spillway outflow area. The gates were originally scheduled to close on November 30, 2017, but were left open until the repair contract was awarded.
The area immediately south of the Lake Bistineau spillway needs to be dry for work to be completed in the outflow area. To prevent water levels from rising and exceeding the normal pool stage during construction, the gates were left open until work was ready to begin.
The management of Lake Bistineau and its aquatic resources is the responsibility of LDWF. DOTD is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Lake Bistineau dam, spillway and control structures.
The current LDWF Lake Bistineau Management Plan can be viewed at: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/waterbody-management-plans-inland .
For additional information regarding the drawdown, contact Jeff Sibley, LDWF Biologist Manager, at jsibley@wlf.la.gov or (318) 371-3066.