A management program aimed at controlling aquatic invasive plants and improving fish habitat has gotten underway on the Chippewa Flowage. As a result, local residents and property owners will begin to notice a slow, but significant, change in water levels.

Based on the recommendation of the Chippewa Flowage Partner group, Xcel Energy began a drawdown of the flowage to aid in the reduction of the invasive Eurasian Water Milfoil. The recommendation to conduct the drawdown this fall was made based on aquatic plant surveys and on-water observations of resource conditions in the flowage, specifically an over-abundance of aquatic invasive species and the potential fisheries benefits received.

The fall drawdown will bring the level of the reservoir down to about 1,309 feet by mid-November. The 15,300-acre reservoir currently has an elevation of 1,310.56 feet above sea level. It is considered full at 1,313.0. Following ice up, the drawdown will resume through early March when the water level will be about 1,305 feet above sea level. If minimal snow is received during the winter months, the drawdown depth will likely be minimized due to concerns with refilling in the spring. If heavy snowfall is received during the winter months, a deeper drawdown may occur. During spring runoff, the water level will gradually be restored to normal elevation. Precipitation and inflow from tributary rivers and streams will determine how quickly this happens.