Entergy has been using drawdowns since 1996 as the primary tool in reducing the spreading growth of nuisance underwater vegetation that is significantly interfering with recreational use on portions of Lake Hamilton. In 1996, in cooperation with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission and the U of A Cooperative Extension Service, Entergy developed a Vegetation Management Plan in response to an explosive growth of a Southern naiad in the southern half of Lake Hamilton. The plan called for the use of more extensive winter drawdowns and the stocking of grass carp as the primary methods of "whole-lake" nuisance vegetation control.

The plan was successful in significantly reducing Southern naiad in the southern half of the lake, but in recent years a new species of nuisance underwater weeds, Eurasian milfoil, has invaded the northern half of the lake. Milfoil, which is not native to the United States, is rapidly spreading downstream. Unlike the native Southern naiad, milfoil is more resistant to winter kill. In response, Entergy and the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission have determined that two consecutive years of nine-foot drawdowns are needed to slow and hopefully reduce this explosive growth. The Vegetation Plan has been revised to include nine-foot drawdowns for both this winter and the winter of 2003. Drawdowns do work in the overall management of vegetation. Though it may not be apparent in one season, repeated fluctuations and exposure will help reduce its overall growth and spread.

"Unlike Southern naiad, milfoil is not a preferred food for carp," said Bobby Pharr, Lakes and Property Coordinator with Entergy. Because of this, it appears that we must become more aggressive with the use of drawdowns and hope for freezing weather to help us. It is our desire to do what we can to preserve the recreational qualities of Lake Hamilton. We call for all lakefront property owners to support this ‘whole lake’ environmentally friendly effort to control the weeds."