Steve,
It is too early to tell for
sure about the effects of
the Galleon application, the
Sepro representatives will
be on the lake later this
week taking a look at the
salvinia. It is promising
that we have not had any
significant rainfall, so the
Galleon should not have
flushed out of the intended
treatment areas, and
hopefully the herbicide
concentrations can be
maintained for the required
60 – 90 day contact time for
maximum effectiveness.
Over 78,000 lbs of weevil
infested giant salvinia has
been stocked in Lake
Bistineau during the past
two weeks, estimates are
that this material held over
1.8 million adult weevils.
Approximately 50 LDWF
personnel from across the
state were involved in
harvesting, transporting,
and stocking the weevil
infested salvinia in this
massive two week long
effort. The weevils were
stocked in a protected area
which has harbored salvinia
for over two years and will
retain water during the
drawdown.
The District 1 spray crews
have been heavily involved
in preparing for and
conducting the Galleon
application and stocking
weevils for the past 3 weeks
so there has not been as
much spray activity as
normal on Bistineau. We do
plan on bringing additional
spray crews to assist in the
near future.
In response to the
discussion during the
meeting with Secretary
Barham, there were several
ideas that were discussed
and some have sufficient
merit to warrant further
investigation. These
include the capability to
further dewater the lake
during a drawdown past the
7’ drawdown capabilities we
currently have and some
discussion by the police
juries concerning thinning
the cypress timber in
certain areas of the lake.
James Seales
District 1 Fisheries
Biologist Manager
6-29-09
James,
Please provide an opinion of the
Galleon application, at this early date,
is there an overall opinion regarding
success potential? Is the relocation of
weevils still underway and what is the
magnitude of the effort? where are they
being placed?.. I haven't noticed any
activity...weevil placement and/or
herbicide spraying in several weeks! In
a monthly civic meeting there was
discussion concerning a meeting that
local officials had with Sec. Barham and
some other politicos last week wherein
several thoughts (draining of the lake
to the maximum extent,, increasing
salinity, etc. ). what do you know of
these discussion or , in particular ,
any speciific results that may be coming
forth?
Steve,
As I indicated earlier the Galleon application will
take place tomorrow and we plan on starting large
scale movement of weevil infested salvinia from
Gheens next week. Other than the drawdown, other
activities are still in the planning stage.
We do not actively politic for funding, but will
work with other organizations in their attempts to
secure outside funding.
James Seales
District 1 Fisheries Biologist Manager
6-10-09
James,
I'm looking at Catfish pond and Gregg lake and both have a very
large amount of Salvinia floating about...not quite as bad as when
you saw it 2-3 weeks ago; but not passable in a normal outboard
motor because of clogging the water intake and overheating...WLF has
been responsive and for the most part has performed commendably in
difficult circumstances ; however, it is NOT ENOUGH! I think just
from casual observation that salvinia is winning and we are in a
crisis situation with the primary growing season just beginning.
Spraying must be intensified! If we can help by addressing the
situation with the legislature for additional resources (spray
crews, the consolidated spray crew effort as was done last year,
etc.) then, we are ready and more than willing to initiate that
action. We can and will play those cards with LWF participating or
if you feel it not politically correct to actively participate then
we will act independently. Please let us know the near term plan
for intensification and your position concerning the pursuit of
legislative involvement by June 10 so that we can correctly organize
our campaign. Thank You
Steve J. Shows
6-1-09
James,
Spray crews continue in this general area with primary
emphasis on the South end of Catfish pond. It's
absolutely horrible in that area. I boated out today and
the mouth of Spring branch where the barrier has been
installed is very bad. It does appear the barrier is
doing some good in keeping the mess from entering Spring
Branch. All around Our Place Bar Grill is very bad and
the big Memorial Day event will draw even more negative
comments from the Lake users because of the event being
so close to the water. I understand that the salvinia
washing over the spillway is significant.
Steve J. Shows
5-20-09
James,
At least 2 spray crews were dispensing herbicide on and
around Fairview point on 5/18 and 5/19 and seemed to
concentrate on the bank line between the roadway/levee
leading out to my house and Camp Joy. This same area
may be an excellent candidate for the Galleon
application. It was great to see such an expedited
response to our sincere appeal. I understand Mother
Nature has also been favorable by washing a tremendous
amount of Salvinia over the spillway during this "high"
water period. We need all the help we can get. Thanks,
Steve J. Shows
5-19-09
James,
Thanks for the responsiveness, as of Sunday, the NE
winds has the Salvinia scattered; however, there are
enough patches to warrant spray activity plus the bank
line between the levee coming out to Fairview pt and all
the way to Camp Joy needs major spray activity
Steve J. Shows
5-15-09
Steve,
I plan on sending the crews your way on Monday. Please
let me know what you see. I looked at your area today
and you are correct in that it is really bad right
there, we had a lot of salvinia flush out of the area
around the State Parks and the wind is pushing it north
when it hit the open water areas.
James Seales
District 1 Fisheries Biologist Manager
5-15-09
James,
As I look to the South from Fairview point, I am estimating the
salvinia is solidly covering this area of the lake from the
north bank of Catfish pond to Spring Branch and from the channel
in Greggs lake to the east bank of Catfish pond...or, as another
perspective 50-70% of Catfish pond is covered with Salvinia ...I
have not seen , heard or had any reports of spray activity !
It would seem to me this would be an ideal time to encapsulate
this area with the boom material; for heavy dosing with
herbicide in a dormant corral. When will the contract sprayers
begin and where? What about the mechanical harvesting? I have
read your estimates of 1500 acres of salvinia coverage , at this
time. Candidly, I think that is an understatement. If more
aggressive treatments are not undertaken, we will not be able to
use the lake because of salvinia NOT because of the lake
drawdown potential. This morning is as bad as I've seen from
this vantage point.
Steve J. Shows
5-15-09
Steve,The predominate southerly winds in this area have pushed large mats of giant salvinia into several areas of the lake where it is causing many problems. There is currently approximately 1500 acres of giant salvinia on Bistineau, and much of it is in very noticeable locations and impeding boat traffic and access for shoreline property owners.
LDWF has five spray crews in the District with two crews assigned to Bistineau. We may also pull in additional crews from other areas of the District in the next few weeks to assist on Bistineau as we have done previously. We also are getting some new surfactants on contract in the near future which are supposed to be more efficient and increase the effectiveness of the foliar herbicide applications.
I received notice yesterday that a work order for the private contractor to begin spraying and he will likely begin spraying in the next week or two. This contract is for treatment of 800 acres of giant salvinia on Lake Bistineau which will supplement what our crews spray.
Due to travel restraints no large-scale applications as was conducted last year are planned. We may utilize a few additional crews from other areas of the state, but I will not have all the crews available as was done last year.
Plans are to test a new herbicide, Galleon, in a couple of coves or isolated pockets on the lake, this herbicide requires a long contact time (60 days minimum) with the giant salvinia so it is not well suited for areas where there is a lot of water exchange as the concentrations will become quickly diluted in the water and be ineffective.
We are waiting to see how effective the contractors, the new herbicides, and new surfactants are prior to deciding on any drawdown plans.
Hope this information is helpful.
Here are few other things that I know that are not mentioned in this letter:
Billy Montgomery has been working hard to get the Parishes (Bossier, Bienville, & Webster) to participate. He is asking that they pay for contract spraying on the lake which would supplement the job currently being done by LDWF. My sources tell me that Bossier is willing but the other two Parishes say they have no money for this. Bossier is not willing to do this alone which is understandable. The wind blows this weed around so what is in Webster Parish today might float over to Bossier tomorrow. We need them all to help us! I think it is time to put pressure on the Parish officials.
As the letter states, 2 spray boats are assigned strictly to Bistineau. They spray Monday - Thursday every week weather permitting. Now that I live on the lake and work from home much of the time, I have personally seen them spraying on many occasions. As you can see...that is not enough.
I have seen aerial photos showing the Salvinia last July when it was estimated to cover 4500 acres and from January when the gates were closed showing approximately 1500 acres of coverage. The photos are convincing that the drawdown helped. The majority of the people I have spoken with around the lake feel as I do that if we have to have another drawdown hopefully it can be from Labor Day to late winter instead of July to late winter. I have talked with LDWF about this and I feel they will be agreeable to that. That will give us all a couple more months on the lake.
LDWF has 2 real needs...money and manpower. It doesn't look like either is coming from the State. I believe James Seales and his crews at LDWF are doing EVERYTHING they can do with what they have. I have met with him on many occasions and he is as mad at this stuff as we are!
That is all I know for now...hopefully good new is coming.
Pete Camp |
James Seales
District 1 Fisheries Biologist Manager
5-12-09
James,
I am forwarding another email from a concerned lake user.
|
Dear Mr. Adkins,
My name is Charles Sale and we have had property on Lake Bistineau for the last 55 years. The salvinia has taken over my entire lakefront---out past the end of my pier which is 356 feet long----and I am unable to take out a ski boat or fishing boat. Can you give me the email address of the person who oversees the spraying so I can make them aware of my severe problem.
I am south of Clarke's Bayou on the west side and barely Southwest of Brim Island.
Thank you,
Charles Sale
|
Steve J. Shows
5-09-09
James,
I am forwarding another email that basically echoes what we've been suggesting for months! I beg to know what is going on. What is the spray crew configuration (one time, I recall it was stated that 4 full time crews were assigned to this district and this would be supplemented by contract sprayers. what is the status!) mechanical harvester? other planned events? the massive spraying effort as was done last year bringing in multi crews from around the state ...casual observations made by frustrated residents are identifying the problem magnitude and begging to know what the LWF is doing and/or planning to do...may we please have an answer in a very short period so that the lake users can be informed...It seems worse everyday?
Mike and Pete,
I just wanted to add some pictures and comments to Mr. Neel Hearberlin's email from Monday and ask that you forward them to Mr. Seales and/or Mr. Shows:
1. The attached pictures were taken from our place which is just south of Blazer/Shady Point on the east bank of the lake around channel marker 70. Our shoreline is directly across from Bird Island.
2. This area is right on the main channel.
3. The pictures were taken around 5:30pm on Monday 5/4/09. There was virtually no build-up here when I left the lake on Sunday evening 5/3/09 about 6:30pm. Therefore, this all accumulated in less than 24 hours from an unusual west wind after Sunday's storms. Bird Island has been choked for weeks, so the wind has hopefully just temporarily pushed it across to us, but it's there-waiting/growing.
4. The dam area does look great, but Bird Island North is going to be impassable, even on the main channel, before much longer. The area where Clarks Bayou and the channel connect has been clogged for a good while which surprises me because that is the way to the State Park. Continuing north up the channel it just gets worse.
5. I have spend a significant amount of time on the lake in the last few weeks and have not encountered one spray crew.
6. I believe that we have had extremely consistent/strong south winds recently which have pushed the Salvinia toward the north end of the lake. This may be a good thing for spraying as the prevailing winds should continue to be from the south and keep it toward the north end of the lake for the summer (if I am not mistaken). The southern end will be hit hard when the winds shift after the summer.
7. I would like to know if any spraying was done while the lake was let down since last summer. Dropping the lake level does not appear to have been very effective.
8. I would request a full report be made available to the public. It should include the area of lake covered by Salvinia at present, the steps taken so far including their results, the plan for the future, etc.
We need to get aggressive and creative. For example, I have believed for a long time that we need to get the property owners more involved from a manpower standpoint. I know several of my neighbors would be glad to spray this stuff when it invades our area of the lake. I bet others would do the same. I would like to hear if that approach is possible or an explanation if it is not. I have seen several e-mails in the past regarding trouble filling positions due to what sound like bureaucracy to me. This is not acceptable. If LDWF can't get the manpower up here, they can at least organize volunteers in my opinion.
All I know is, we are losing this battle as far as I am concerned. It is sad.
We need to turn up the burners on this!
"Click" on a picture for a larger view!
Regards,
Robert Dean
5-05-09 |
Steve J. Shows
5-05-09
James,
Some graphics of increasing salvinia problems...it appears to be returning with a vengeance. This morning around fairview pt. the salvinia coverage is as bad as it's been in quite a while
| Please forward this message to Mr. James Seales.
I recently asked for a chemical cost tracking report on where the Aquamaster and the Galleon is being sprayed. The lake could be broken down into 4 or even 2 or 3 parts to show the tracking. I've been traveling home across the dam and the southern part of the lake looks like it is in great shape and salvinia free. There are always LDWF personnel at the boat launch on the east end of the dam. This has created a weed free show piece for people to see as they travel along the dam and see what a good job the spraying is doing. This is all well and good. The only bad thing is the public can not see, from their vehicles, what the condition of the lake is from the central to the northern part on up past Port of Bistineau. These areas are covered. Most people come to launch their boats and turn around and go home after they see what they're up against. �I've seen 1 spraycrew up here in the past 2 years. Attached are pictures of what I saw this morning. (5/4/09) I'm going to show these pictures to more interested parties to see if we can't get help on this end of the lake before it's too late. These pictures were taken from Blazer Construction's recreation park, Shady Point, south down the channel. Let's move the work zone on up the lake. Please keep the people informed of what's going on. "Click" on a picture for a larger view!
Neel Heaberlin 5-04-09
|
Steve J. Shows
5-04-09
Steve,
This response was sent in response to another e-mail from Mr. Rodgers but also covers what is in this version.
Mr. Rodgers,
I can’t advise you to spray the lake yourself, and the herbicide you mentioned, Roundup, is not approved for aquatic use. Certified aquatic herbicide applicators may make applications provided they coordinate with our Department their application plans.
We have 2 spray crews assigned to Lake Bistineau, and we are in the process of supplementing their efforts with contract herbicide applicators to make additional foliar herbicide applications. We are also identifying areas to test a new herbicide, Galleon, which is applied to the water and kills the salvinia slowly over a period of time provided herbicide concentrations remain high enough in the treatment areas.
I will pass this information along to our spray crews.
If I can be of further assistance to you please let me know.
James Seales
District 1 Fisheries Biologist Manager
4-28-09
James,
Please
give us
some
feed
back,
thanks.
|
Mike, I have reported the salvinia along the shoreline of Hurricane Bluff (west side about a mile north of dam) several times and still have seen no spraying. The salvinia is greening and based on last year will cover the open water when the weather warms. Please continue to advise proper persons of this problem. The salvinia is not everywhere but hangs out in coves and against boats and points. My address is 380 Hurricane Bluff and my boathouse and pontoon boat have salvinia all the time as I am on a point and collect the weed regardless of wind direction. It would seem that it could be controlled in the next weeks as the area to be sprayed is still small. Is there an approved chemical I could spray on it myself??? Thanks for your work, Jim Rodgers.
|
|
Steve J.
Shows
4-23-09
James,
Since I'm
somewhat
vocal when
not seeing a
spray crew,
it is
equally
important
that I
recognize
effort when
it
happens....and,
it happened
today...I
was in
boathouse
and the crew
came by and
was
performing
what I
thought was
good spray
coverage...thanks
Steve J.
Shows
4-1-09
James,
Attempting
to keep you
aware of
lake
resident
sentiment....FYI,
I haven't
seen any
spraying in
several
months....at
least the
high water
will wash
some of it
over the
spillway !!
Mike,
My name is Larry Rodgers. I live on Bossier Slough, right behind Scout Island. I have read that the salvinia is not as bad as it was in the past, but from where I live it is worse than it ever was. Is there any spraying going on? I never see any, and I am on the lake quite a bit.
Thanks,
Larry
|
Steve J.
Shows
3-31-09
Steve,
I am in
receipt of
your
e-mails,
however I
have not had
time to
respond
and am
pushing
other things
aside for a
little while
in order to
respond now.
The gates on
Bistineau
were closed
this past
Monday by
DOTD with
assistance
from LDWF in
removing
logs from
the gate
openings.
LDWF plans
on
continuing
foliar
herbicide
applications
with
District 1
spray crews
on
Bistineau. We
also plan on
bringing in
other crews
from
different
parts of the
state this
spring, but
will not be
able to
bring in all
the crews at
once due to
budget
constraints
regarding
travel
expenses.
We will
likely be
able to only
bring in 3
to 4
additional
crews at a
time in an
effort to
stay on top
of the giant
salvinia
prior to its
growth
rapidly
accelerating
as
the weather
warms.
You are
correct in
that the
drawdown has
been
beneficial
in reducing
the coverage
of giant
salvinia, we
had
approximately
4500 acres
immediately
prior to the
drawdown and
now have
1000 - 1500
acres of
coverage.
Herbicide
applications
continued
throughout
the drawdown
but the
actual
drying and
desiccation
of the plant
material
provided the
greatest
benefit.
This is
still a lot
of
giant
salvinia to
contend with
but we are
pleased that
we did see a
significant
reduction
during the
drawdown.
We plan on
continuing
to move the
weevils to
new
locations as
populations
increase,
but it will
take several
years to get
them
established
throughout
the lake and
then we are
not sure
what level
of control
they will
provide,
but
hopefully
will at
least weaken
the plants
and slow the
growth as we
have
observed in
several of
the weevil
enclosures
on the lake.
Budget cuts
and hiring
freezes are
adversely
affecting
our
herbicide
control
efforts, we
currently
have two
vacant
positions
which will
not be
filled in
the
foreseeable
future and
travel
restrictions
likely will
prevent a
big
push with
all the
crews at one
time as we
did on two
occasions
last year.
We will be
experimenting
with
mechanical
harvest and
removal and
see
what
applications
it may have
in our
control
program. We
recently
received
a shoreline
conveyor
made to
transport
plant
material
from the
water onto
land or into
a container.
The aid of
the police
juries will
be enlisted
during
this efforts
to help
transport
the
material.
We also
recently got
4000' of oil
spill
containment
boom, this
will be
used to hold
salvinia in
an area
where it can
be sprayed,
and possibly
to help
keep
salvinia off
of the boat
ramp at the
state park,
so visitors
can launch
and load
their boats
without
undue risk
of
transporting
the material
to other
lakes.
We do plan
on utilizing
contract
sprayers
more this
year as we
are
working on
revising the
contract so
more vendors
are
interested
in bidding.
The
ability to
utilize
contract
herbicide
applications
will be of
great
benefit in
our
efforts to
control
giant
salvinia on
Lake
Bistineau.
On a
brighter
note we
moved into
our new
office last
week and
though we
have been
experiencing
some phone
and computer
issues we
are serving
the
public from
our new
location on
Hwy. 80, 3
miles west
of Dixie
Inn.
James Seales
2-5-09
District 1
Fisheries
Biologist
Manager
James,
Perhaps,
there has
been
communication
in addition
to this
November 10
email...I
don't
remember ;
however, the
rumors are
rampant
around the
lake
concerning
what is
being done ,
what will be
done , etc.
and ,in
my opinion,
this
unnecessary
and
inflammatory
chatter is a
direct
result
of LDWF not
effectively
communicating
with the
citizenry as
has been
recommended
all the way
back to our
original
"town hall"
meeting in
August of
2007. On a
more
positive
note , it
appears to
me the
salvinia
population
has been
reduced...the
concern is
what's going
to happen
when weather
and lake
level
returns to
normal more
growth
friendly
conditions.
Does LDWF
have a plan
in place to
vigorously
attack with
maximum
spray crews
before the
salvinia
growth
begins? This
would seem
to be a
reasonable
approach! If
not, what is
the plan?
Are the
gates
closing on
January 31?
If not,
when?
Steve J.
Shows
1-29-09
Steve,
The gates on
Bistineau
were shut
last week by
DOTD, we are
continuing
with our
plan of
fluctuating
the water
level in an
effort to
allow the
salvinia
trapped in
the trees to
float out to
areas that
can be
dewatered.
We plan on
letting the
lake come up
a couple of
feet and
then
monitoring
the salvinia
and where it
is located
prior to
requesting
DOTD open
the gates
again. There
is currently
approximately
750 to 1000
acres of
giant
salvinia
remaining on
Bistineau at
this point.
Herbicide
applications
by District
1 crews
are ongoing
on
Bistineau.
We now have
11 sprayer
technicians,
which
leaves us
one person
short of
having 6
crews
operating.
Efforts are
continuing
to fill the
remaining
position.
James Seales
11-10-08
District 1
Fisheries
Biologist
Manager
Steve,
I would like
to provide
you with an
update on
Bistineau.
Crews from
District 1
are
continuing
to make
herbicide
applications
on
Lake
Bistineau in
all areas of
the lake,
naturally
our
applications
are
concentrated
where there
are large
concentrations
of salvinia
that is
accessible
by boat.
Herbicide
applications
were made
yesterday in
Spring
Branch and
other nearby
areas where
the salvinia
is now
concentrated.
Earlier in
the drawdown
herbicide
applications
were
concentrated
on the upper
end of the
lake as that
was where
the
majority of
the salvinia
was located
at that
time.
Several
weeks ago
there was
concern
about
minimal
impact from
the
drawdown.
Since that
time we have
seen
considerable
improvement
in the
drying
action on
the exposed
salvinia,
hopefully
the
relatively
dry
weather we
are
experiencing
presently
will
continue and
the drawdown
will be
beneficial
in helping
to control
the
salvinia.
You also
inquired
about
spraying
from
4-wheelers;
while some
areas could
be
accessed
with
4-wheelers
very little
area can be
covered in a
days time
compared to
what can be
sprayed by
boat. As
long as
there are
areas
that we can
reach with
our spray
boats we
will be much
more
efficient
utilizing
our boat
mounting
spray rigs.
Many of the
areas where
we have
stocked
salvinia
weevils are
showing
some damage
to the
plants and
good weevil
numbers.
This weevil
infested
material is
being moved
to other
areas of the
lake to try
and
get the
weevils
established
throughout
the lake.
I have one
new employee
scheduled to
start on
Monday and 4
other new
sprayer
positions
that we are
in the
process of
seeking
administrative
approval to
fill the
positions
with the
recommended
applicants.
Once
these new
employees
begin work
that will
give me 12
spray
technicians
and will
allow us to
have 6 spray
crews
operating in
District 1.
James Seales
10-10-08
District 1
Fisheries
Biologist
Manager
Steve,
Spray crews
from
District 1
have
continued
herbicide
applications
on
LakeBistineau
during the
drawdown.
Most of the
salvinia is
on the north
end of
the lake and
our efforts
have
concentrated
in this
area, but we
have been
conducting
herbicide
applications
in other
areas of the
lake also.
Recent
storms have
contributed
to more
salvinia
being moved
from the
north end of
the lake to
other areas
as the rains
have created
a current
and winds
have blown
the salvinia
around.
Much of the
salvinia
remains in
areas that
are not
accessible
by boat
and cannot
be reached
to make
herbicide
applications
at this
time.
We are
continuing
to evaluate
the
situation
and if large
enough
amounts
are found in
areas that
can be
accessed by
boat to
necessitate
bringing in
additional
crews from
other areas
of the
state, their
assistance
will be
requested.
James Seales
9-16-08
District 1
Fisheries
Biologist
Manager
James,
This is a
representative
sample of
concerns
expressed by
lake
residents
over the
current
state of
affairs.
Hey Pete,
I am curious if there is any spraying planned during the draw down.
Spring Branch is seeing more salvinia right now than we've seen in a
year. I realize access by water becomes an issue as the water gets
lower so they are more than welcome to spray from our waterfront.
Please let me know if you hear anything.
Thanks,
Susan falbaum
|
Personally,
I have seen
more
salvinia in
the last
week than at
any other
time since
the
drawdown
began...i
think the
winds from
Gustav
dislodged
large areas
of
salvinia on
the North
end of the
Lake and it
has down
shown up
near the
mid point of
the
lake....please
provide
comments as
to activity
underway or
planned so
that we may
communicate
with all of
those that
have
expressed
concerns and
those that
are about to
express
concern,
thanks
Steve J.
Shows 9-15-08
Steve,
We are still
considering
shutting the
gates and
raising the
level, and
then
dewatering
the lake
again, but
it will be a
while before
we know
whether we
will attempt
this or
not. It
will depend
on how much
salvinia is
remaining in
the open
water and
the
condition of
the
salvinia
that is
stranded.
We want to
make sure
that most of
the
stranded
salvinia is
thoroughly
desiccated
before
attempting
to cycle
the water
level.
Basically we
will just
have to wait
and see how
everything
goes.
Hopefully
these rains
will quit
and we can
get some
good drying
action
on the lake
bed in the
next couple
of months.
James Seales
8-19-08
Fisheries
Biologist
Manager -
District 1
Louisiana
Dept. of
Wildlife &
Fisheries
James,
What is the
current
planning
related to a
partial
refill of
the
lake after
the initial
drawdown...is
this still
being
considered?
Steve J.
Shows 8-19-08
Steve,
The gates
were opened
on Bistineau
this morning
by DOTD. The
plan is
to lower the
lake 2” to
3” per day
until it is
seven feet
below normal
pool. We
will then
monitor the
salvinia
that is
stranded and
allowed
to
desiccate,
once the
majority of
the stranded
salvinia is
dead we may
close the
gates and
allow the
lake to fill
up a couple
of feet in
order
to let the
remaining
vegetation
drift over
areas that
can be
dewatered,
then open
the gates
again in
order to
allow as
much of the
salvinia as
possible to
strand and
dry out
during the
drawdown
cycle.
Herbicide
applications
will
continue
through the
drawdown
period in
areas which
can be
accessed by
boat and
additional
crews may be
brought in
from
other areas
of the state
if
necessary.
Foliar
herbicide
applications
by District
1 spray
crews have
been
ongoing on
Bistineau
and other
lakes in the
district for
salvinia
control. I
currently
have 5
employees
assigned to
spray duties
and
should be
hiring 3
more in the
next couple
of weeks.
This will
give me
4 fulltime
spray crews
for District
1. The
process has
been
initiated
to create 4
additional
positions on
1 year job
appointments
which
will bring
the total to
6 spray
crews for
this
district.
The lower
end of
Bistineau is
looking much
better than
it has in a
while, but
the upper
end has a
serious
salvinia
problem
despite
ongoing
herbicide
applications.
Hopefully
the drawdown
will bring
some relief
as much of
this area
will be dry
during the
drawdown.
We have been
constructing
floating
weevil
enclosures
and stocking
the
weevil
infested
salvinia
into these
enclosures
on the lake.
We will
also be
moving the
weevil
infested
salvinia
from our
original
enclosures
to other
areas of the
lake which
are
difficult to
spray and
will harbor
salvinia
through the
drawdown. We
are seeing
good number
of weevils
in our
samples
taken from
the
enclosures
and also
noting
damage to
the plants.
James Seales
7-15-08
Fisheries
Biologist
Manager -
District 1
Steve,
From what I
understand
the weevil
population
at the
location in
Gheens
Louisiana
has not
increased to
the point of
where there
are
significant
numbers of
weevils to
harvest and
transport
this
material at
this time.
My personnel
have been
involved in
moving the
weevil
infested
salvinia
in
enclosures
on the lake
to other
areas of
Bistineau at
this time,
including
floating
enclosures
which are
designed to
fluctuate
with the
water levels
and sustain
the weevils
during a
drawdown.
We also plan
on
transporting
additional
weevil
infested
salvinia
from Toledo
Bend this
summer to
Bistineau
and other
lakes where
the salvinia
infestation
has
become bad
enough to
justify
stocking the
weevil
infested
salvinia and
have areas
such as
Bistineau
that are not
accessible
for
herbicide
applications.
We are
continuing
to spray on
Bistineau
with crews
from
District 1.
James Seales
5-28-08
Fisheries
Biologist
Manager -
District 1
Louisiana
Dept. of
Wildlife &
Fisheries
What's
happening
with the
weevil plan
previously
scheduled
for June
'08?
Steve J.
Shows
5-21-08
Steve,
Crews from
District 1
are
continuing
to make
foliar
herbicide
applications
to giant
salvinia on
Bistineau as
well as
other lakes
in the
district. We
are
utilizing
help from
other
districts as
it becomes
available,
but
currently
most of the
spray
personnel
are tied up
with
problems in
their own
areas.
The next big
step will be
the
drawdown. We
plan on
lowering the
lake 7 feet
beginning
July 15. The
plan is to
dewater the
lake a
little
slower than
we had done
in the past
in an
attempt to
let the
salvinia
settle out
in place and
strand and
dry out
rather than
being pulled
out to the
remaining
open water
areas with
the current.
Once it
appears that
majority of
the salvinia
that is
stranded has
dried out
and is no
longer
viable, then
we will
close the
gates and
allow the
lake to
refill
enough to
let the
salvinia
remaining in
the open
water areas
and sloughs
spread out
over the
shallow
areas and
then dewater
the lake
again hoping
to strand
even more of
the salvinia
and allow it
to dry out
and die. We
may repeat
the process
more than
once during
the drawdown
period if
conditions
warrant and
the plan
proves to be
effective.
The gates
will be
closed
January 30,
2009 and the
lake allowed
to refill.
If
significant
amounts of
giant
salvinia are
present in
the channel
and other
open water
areas
accessible
by boat
during the
drawdown,
foliar
herbicide
applications
will be made
in those
areas. Crews
may be
brought in
from other
areas of the
state if the
situation
warrants the
extra
effort.
James Seales
5-21-08
Fisheries
Biologist
Manager -
District 1
Louisiana
Dept. of
Wildlife &
Fisheries
1401 Talton
St.
Minden, LA
71055
James,
I know the
gates are
partially
opened...When
may I expect
to
receive
information
on the other
very
important
questions?
Steve J.
Shows
5-21-08
Has DOTD
reopened the
gates? As
I'm sure you
know the
lake is 2
feet
over the
spillway
level!
Also, any
plans
developed
for future
spraying
activity?
or, what's
next? What
will be done
about
water/salvinia
trapped in
sloughs
depressions
as the lake
level is
reduced by 7
feet? How
long will
lake
be down?
Steve J.
Shows 5-16-08
Steve,
We were able
to spray
every day
except on
Thursday. As
I indicated
in
the e-mail
that I
responded to
yesterday it
will be at
least a week
to
10 days
before there
is any
noticeable
effect on
the giant
salvinia and
even longer
to see the
total effect
of the
herbicide
application.
We
cannot make
any
assessments
of the
effectiveness
of the
applications
until the
plants start
showing the
effects of
the
herbicide
application.
James Seales
4-15-08
Fisheries
Biologist
Manager -
District 1
Hello James,
How many
days were
you able to
spray? I
know
Thursday was
a loss!
Overall
assessment
of
effectiveness?
Steve J.
Shows
4-15-08
We were
spraying
Aquamaster
last week,
this is a
glyphosate
herbicide
and it will
take at
least a week
to 10 days
to start
seeing
results on
the giant
salvinia.
James Seales
4-14-08
Fisheries
Biologist
Manager -
District 1
Hello James,
Please see
the
forwarded
emails and
please
provide your
comments so
that we can
pass along
to a
"satisfied"
customer
"Can we ask James how long it
will take to see results from the spraying?"
"Pete,
I saw a couple of boats from the wildlife and fisheries out the other
day and I asked then if they would spray the area around our boat
houses. They were very nice and they said they would be glad to.
There are 5 families in this area..
I watched them spray and they covered the whole area. I was pleased
with them.
I don't know what they were spraying with but it couldn't be Reward.
This was last Wednesday around noon. Today is Sunday and the growth is
as green as it has ever been.
Has anyone else noticed that the spraying hasn't done any good? I
don't understand why it hasn't done any good. I will continue to watch
and see if it does any good.
Thanks,
Glen Sanders" |
Steve J.
Shows
4-14-08
Everything
is on go for
the
herbicide
applications
planned for
next
week – April
7 – 11. We
will have
crews
arriving in
stages
beginning
Monday
morning at
9:00 a.m.
and
continuing
through
noon,
depending on
where the
crews are
coming from.
They will
then be led
by one of
the
District 1
personnel to
their
assigned
work area.
We have
flagged off
the lake
into
sections to
facilitate
keeping up
with the
crews and
avoid
duplication
of efforts.
The crews
will be
reassigned
on an as
needed basis
to different
sections via
their group
leader.
Please
understand
that this
will need to
be a very
flexible and
fluid
plan that
can not be
charted out
ahead of
time due to
the way the
salvinia is
moving due
to changes
in the wind
and water
currents in
the
lake. I will
be glad to
try to point
you in the
right
direction to
get
some
pictures for
the web
site, but it
will take
some
communication
either the
day before
or perhaps
even during
the day you
plan on
trying
to get the
pictures. If
you will
provide some
contact
numbers for
me I
will try to
let you know
when we will
be spraying
in an area
that it
may be easy
to get some
pictures.
Otherwise,
with 17
crews out on
the
lake it
shouldn’t be
too hard to
find a crew
if you get
out and
motor
around some,
just please
try not to
travel too
much through
salvinia
that has
been sprayed
as the
herbicide
may be
washed off
as you pass
through the
plants. The
crews will
be spread
out all over
the lake so
I would not
expect to
get more
than one
crew
spraying at
a time in a
picture.
I have been
in contact
with DOTD
concerning
the repairs
to the
headcutting
problem in
the outflow
channel and
they
indicated
that the
bid has been
let. They
will need to
hold the
lake
approximately
1 foot
below normal
pool to
facilitate
the work and
the gates
have been
opened
to allow the
lake to
slowly
dewater to
that level.
They
anticipate
the
work getting
started in 4
to 6 weeks
and
hopefully
finished by
the
first part
of June.
James Seales
4-4-08
Fisheries
Biologist
Manager -
District 1
Steve,
There are
three
launches
that remain
usable
during a
drawdown,
Grice's,
Port of
Bistineau,
and the
Webster
Parish
Public
Launch on
Dorcheat.
We will
utilize
these
launches for
herbicide
applications
during a
drawdown.
The last
time I
talked to
DOTD they
indicated
that a
temporary
repair
to the
headcutting
problem
should be in
place by the
end of May,
or first
part of
June.I have
not spoken
with the in
the last
couple of
weeks to see
where they
stood with
this, but
was told
that once
work begins
it should
not take
long for it
tobe
completed.
We have held
interviews
and
recommended
candidates
for some of
the
vacancies.
I have not
heard
anything
back from
this yet,
but expect
to gain
approval
soon.
It looks as
if we will
be getting
one
additional
crew
transferred
up here
(vacant
positions),
so we will
be posting
fliers and
those
positions
should
beopened to
accept
applications
after
allowing for
sufficient
time for
people to
become aware
of all the
steps they
must take to
be
considered
for the
positions.
You may want
to point
this out on
your web
site and
have any
interested
parties
contact me
for more
information.
We have
everything
ready for
the
herbicide
applications
which were
initially
planned for
the next
week (March
31 - April
4), but we
have
postponed
due to
predicted
weather
conditions
and plan on
moving this
back a week
to April
7-11,of
course this
is tentative
and
dependent on
weather.
James Seales
3-27-08
Fisheries
Biologist
Manager -
District 1
Louisiana
Dept. of
Wildlife &
Fisheries
Hello James,
I was
thinking
about the
potential
for lake
lowering and
continuation
of herbicide
application
after the
lowering....how
do you
plan to
launch the
spray boats
since all
launches
(that I know
of) will
not provide
for water
access?
Also, I
drove over
the dam this
weekend
and observed
the "cut"
that needs
to be
repaired
before the
lake is
lowered and
observed
there is no
action
underway...it
seems to me
this
is going to
be a
protracted
activity
simply
getting rock
and
equipment
to the "cut"
! Your
thoughts/comments?
How is the
employment
process
going? Is
the major
herbicide
application
still
scheduled
for early
April?
Steve J.
Shows
3-25-08
Steve,
We are
hoping to
have 19
crews on the
lake at one
time, but
not sure if
all of them
will be able
to be here
due to the
obvious
problems
associated
with
coordinating
this many
people
(illness,
family
matters,
etc.)
James Seales
3-18-08
Fisheries
Biologist
Manager -
District 1
James,
Are you able
to estimate
the number
of crew
boats that
will be
involved in
this attack?
Steve J.
Shows
3-18-08
