| Abstract: | ABSTRACT: Lake drawdown as a management or restoration technique for controlling macrophytes in eutrophic lakes is reviewed for effectiveness, longevity, and positive and negative impacts. Drawdown can be effective but is species specific, and some nuisance plants are resistant or stimulated. The responses of 63 nuisance plants are reviewed. Advantages of the technique include low cost, absence of toxic chemicals, enhancement of fisheries, and the opportunity to carry out other lake improvements. Drawbacks include nutrient release, algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen, lake user dissatisfaction during the process, and failure to refill. The technique is recommended for situations where susceptible species are the major nuisance and where prolonged (1–2 months) dewatering of sediments under rigorous conditions of heat or cold is possible. |
