LDWF to kill off giant salvinia on Toledo Bend | Environment

Folks living on the Louisiana side of Toledo Bend may see low-flying helicopters or airboats in the area, trying to rid the lake of giant salvinia.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says a contractor will spray herbicide over 800 acres of the lake on Thursday, November 29 and Friday, November 30. They'll concentrate their efforts on the northern end of the lake in shallow backwater areas with no trees. Airboats will handle the places aerial spraying can't get to.

The agency says the aquatic plant hasn't seen any recent growth due to the drought and low water levels. As the lake levels rise, the LDWF fears the salvinia on the lake's north side could push into the center of Toledo Bend, where the plant could reproduce very quickly.

LDWF wants to assure residents the herbicides being used are not harmful to the ecosystem, animals or humans and is approved by the EPA. Notices will be posted at all boat ramps about where the spraying is taking place, and agents will be in the area to keep boaters away.

It may take up to three weeks for the herbicide to take effect, but people around the lake may notice a change in about three days.