LOWNDES and TIFT COUNTIES, GA – News release from U.S. Fish Wildlife Service

Banks Lake is choked with aquatic plants such as fanwort and bladderwort. This makes boating difficult and harms the health and quality of the fishery.

A periodic drawdown of the water level is the most effective and economical method to control aquatic plants at Banks Lake. By drawing down the lake, refuge managers will improve the sport fishery and achieve multi-year aquatic plant control.