WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE- Beginning at 6 a.m. today, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will close a four-mile stretch of the Atchafalaya Basin in St. Martin Parish to boat traffic.

The closure area is from the Henderson levee on the west side to the Butte LaRose levee on the east side.

The stretch of the basin is being closed due to the current high water conditions that are caused by the opening of the Morganza Spillway. Officials say the clearance levels for boats to pass under power lines is dangerous.

The closure will remain in effect until the water recedes.