In special session May 31, with Winn Parish Police Jury concurred with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries and Saline Lake Commission by adopting a resolution for a complete drawdown of Saline Lake to begin June 17 and continue through October 7 this year.

Members had heard concerns from some area resident but noted that while the lake is in better shape now than it was at some times in the past, there was no drawdown last year and the problem with giant salvinia is once again increasing.

The recommendation for this control measure comes from LWL&F biologists.  Legislative funding is provided for control measures against this invasive weed and the jury heard that more has been spent on Saline Lake than for many other lakes affected by salvinia.

Winn’s police jury appoints four members of the Saline Lake Commission while neighboring Natchitoches appoints three.  “We appoint the commissioners.  We have to listen,” they noted.  They also observed that it is Wildlife & Fisheries that actually controls lake actions and if the local lawmakers act in opposition to recommendations, biologists could find other lakes on which to spend the control funding.

In separate action in that session, the jury accepted the quote of $22,840 from Albritton Service Co. for a 15-ton air conditioning unit for the basement area of the courthouse.  The area sees  a lot of use, the lawmakers heard, including the Driver’s License Office, VA Offices and downstairs meeting room.