What seasonal period is most commonly used for conducting drawdown in lakes for aquatic weed control?

The most common seasonal period for conducting a drawdown in lakes for aquatic weed control is the winter months. During winter, the water temperature is generally lower, which leads to reduced growth rates of many aquatic plants. Implementing a drawdown during this time can significantly stress and potentially eliminate unwanted aquatic weed species by exposing their roots and rhizomes to dry conditions.

This practice also minimizes the potential impact on the fish populations, as many fish species are less active in colder water and may experience reduced stress when water levels are lowered. Additionally, with a drawdown during winter, the likelihood of achieving effective weed control increases, as many of the plants will be in a dormant state, making them more susceptible to desiccation and reducing their ability to recover once water levels are restored.

Using other seasons could lead to higher amounts of aquatic growth, making the drawdown less effective in reaching the intended goal of controlling invasive species.