Beginning Jan. 2, the Lower Colorado River Authority—the state agency that manages  the lower Colorado River—will draw down lakes Austin and LBJ to allow property owners an opportunity to repair and maintain their docks and retaining walls as previously announced, according to a news release. The project will also help stop the growth of hydrilla and other invasive aquatic vegetation in the lakes, the release said. Lake Austin will be lowered 10 feet and Lake LBJ will be lowered 4 feet. For Lake Austin shoreline properties, owners are required to get authorization from city of Austin staffers to perform work on their structures in or along Lake Austin during the drawdown, the release stated. These owners can contact the City of Austin Development Assistance Center at 512-974-6370 or Liz Johnston at the Watershed Protection Department at 512-974-2619 for more information. Although a permit is not needed for dock repairs performed on Lake LBJ during the drawdown, all work must comply with LCRA’s Safety Standards for Residential Docks on the Highland Lakes, with some work being required to be registered by owners with the LCRA. The refill of Lake Austin will occur Feb. 9-13. The refill of Lake LBJ will occur Feb. 10-13. LCRA last lowered Lake LBJ in 2008, Lake Marble Falls in 2009, and lakes Inks and Austin in 2011, the release stated. No drawdowns occurred in 2012-16 because of the drought, it stated. For more information on the drawdowns, visit www.lcra.org/lakelowerings.