Catfish Pond is one of the largest bodies of open water on Lake Bistineau. We hope that we never see the day that this body of water is completely covered.  -Mike 11-20-07

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The following letter was sent to Henry Burns, the newly elected District 9 State Representative on behalf of our "group".

Good morning District 9 State representative-elect Henry Burns.  Congratulations on your victorious campaign!  I am Steve Shows and along with Pete Camp, we attempt to coordinate concerns of some 400 people that are united in efforts to assure LDWF maintains focus and aggressive planning to properly manage/control giant salvinia, the very invasive, highly undesirable vegetation that is currently prospering on Lake Bistineau. You attended the August 21 community meeting at Koran Baptist Church and heard the rhetoric. Well, Secretary Hammett has stepped down to campaign for a Senate seat leaving an "acting" Secretary that will almost certainly be replaced with someone from the Jindal administration.  We believe it is most important that the new Secretary, LDWF , be someone from N. Louisiana that will have a major interest in eradication of giant Salvinia.  The lake is fast being overtaken with this noxious vegetation and soon there wiil not be a Lake Bistineau as has been enjoyed by generations of families since the late 1930's.  This problem must receive increased attention; not just words!
 
Also, please periodically review www.LakeBistineau.com and follow the links concerning giant Salvinia which include the latest comments from LDWF.  There are also many pics which certainly convey the magnitude of the problem.  We will certainly need your help in continuing to hold LDWF accountable for the much needed and improved herbicide spraying and other control techniques.  In fact there is data on the web site wherein Gary Tilyou, the administrator of inland fisheries for LDWF talks about resources that will be needed in 2008.  One of their biggest problems today is the ability to hire personnel to staff the spray boats. Many  alternatives, such as prison work release and commercial contract sprayers have been suggested without any known results.  EVERYTHING seems to take an inordinate amount of time!
 
We thank you for what ,we're sure, will be your support and, again, congratulations on your successful campaign.
 
Steve Shows
318 987 2435                       Pete Camp
                                           318 469-9986
10-26-07

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Here are some pictures that Pete Camp took before and after LDWF recently sprayed in Catfish Pond "Click to enlarge" The spray works! These pictures were taken in approximately the same place. 8-27-07

Before

After

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I would like to personally thank everyone who attended the meeting Tuesday night at the Koran Baptist Church. A special thanks to everyone who made a donation to the church in appreciation for letting us use their beautiful facility. A total of $417 was collected and donated to the church. I think that says alot about the quality of people we have at Lake Bistineau. 

Thanks again,

Pete Camp
Steve Shows 8-24-07

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Almost 400 people attended our 1st public meeting about the Salvinia problem. Channel 3 news was there and we were the lead news story on the 10PM news.  8-21-07 -Mike

Bryant Hammett (Secretary of LDWF)

James Seales (Local District Biologist)

Don Maddox (DOTD)

Steve Shows (Lake Resident & Meeting Organizer)