# Louisiana invasive species water drawdown operations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/louisiana-invasive-species-water-drawdown-operations > Updated: 2026-08-12T09:37:59.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has initiated water-level drawdowns at multiple locations to combat the spread of giant salvinia, an invasive aquatic plant. In Lake Bistineau, a drawdown scheduled for August 12, 2026, aims to manage aquatic vegetation and sport-fish habitat. Water levels are expected to decrease by four to six inches daily until the lake reaches eight feet below its normal pool stage. This process is slated to conclude around November 30, 2026. Similarly, the Grand Bayou Reservoir in Red River Parish is undergoing a drawdown in partnership with the John K. Kelly Grand Bayou Reservoir District. This operation seeks to control giant salvinia, reduce organic buildup, and facilitate repairs to reservoir structures. Water levels are projected to drop by four to 10 inches per day starting September 8, with gates scheduled to close on January 4, 2027. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-12: Grand Bayou Reservoir drawdown to combat invasive species The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will drawdown Grand Bayou Reservoir to combat invasive giant salvinia and improve fisheries habitat starting September 8. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grand-bayou-reservoir-drawdown-to-combat-invasive-species ### 2026-07-31: Louisiana schedules Lake Bistineau drawdown on Aug 12 2026 to curb giant salvinia Louisiana will start a drawdown of Lake Bistineau on Aug 12 2026 to fight invasive giant salvinia, lowering water levels by up to eight feet before refilling in late November. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/louisiana-schedules-lake-bistineau-drawdown-on-aug-12-2026-to-curb-giant-salvinia --- Cite as: Louisiana invasive species water drawdown operations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/louisiana-invasive-species-water-drawdown-operations