Red River Waterway Commission

The work of the Red River Waterway Commission represents the seven-parish Red River Waterway District that encompasses Caddo, Bossier, Red River, Natchitoches, Grant, Rapides, and Avoyelles Parishes. Commissioners are appointed from each of those parishes, plus four at-large commissioners also serve.

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News

Launch Information, Career Opportunities, and Website Updates

JOB OPENING: PARK MAINTENANCE NORTH TECHNICIAN

PARK MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN The Red River Waterway Commission, located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, is currently accepting applications for a Park Maintenance Technician. This position will be based out of Shreveport, LA. Starting salary will range from $33,000 to $48,000, dependent on qualifications and experience, with the possibility of future increases. Health, dental, and retirement benefits...

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Red River Waterway Commission Completes Construction of New Amenities at Grand Ecore Recreation Area and RV Park

The Red River Waterway Commission is excited to announce new improvements to the Grand Ecore Recreation Area and RV Park located in Natchitoches, LA. The recreation area is located off LA Hwy-6, at 1071 Tauzin Island Road. The Grand Ecore Recreation area was first developed in 2001 and consists of a 3-lane boat launch with 100 paved parking spaces, restrooms, and a 300-foot floating dock with 8...

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Red River Waterway Commission

Red River Waterway Commission

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The Red River Waterway Commission (RRWC) works to foster economic growth and recreational development

About Us

The work of the Red River Waterway Commission represents the seven-parish Red River Waterway District that encompasses Caddo, Bossier, Red River, Natchitoches, Grant, Rapides, and Avoyelles Parishes. Commissioners are appointed from each of those parishes, plus four at-large commissioners also serve.

OUR HISTORY

After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, settlers flooded the Red River Valley. River transportation at that time was primarily keelboats, flatboats, pirogues, rafts and bateaus. Navigating the river was complicated by log jams, or “raft.” The most famous of these was “The Great Raft” extending from Natchitoches to Shreveport. It wasimpassable even to the Indians.

Recognizing the growth potential for the river, a well-known inventor and engineer, Captain Henry Miller Shreve, offered the U.S. government a plan to clear the river in 1824. With a steam snag boat of his own design, Shreve eliminated the raft at a cost of $300,000, less than 10% of previous estimates. Thus, the Red River became navigable from its mouth north for several hundred miles. But despite the success, efforts to keep the river clear ended with the outbreak of the Civil War.

It wasn’t until the River and Harbors Act of 1968, that the 90th Congress authorized construction of the Red River Waterway project. Since completion of the 5 locks & dams in 1994, it has served as a year-round waterway connecting ports north and south for businesses the world over.

Contact

P.O. Box 776
5941 Hwy 1 Bypass
Natchitoches, LA  71458

Phone:  318-352-7446
Toll-Free:  1-800-874-9431
Fax:  318-352-8156

Report River Hazards

To report a hazard or any other dangerous situation or issue on the Red River, please contact the United States Coast Guard, the Red River Waterway Commission, and the local Sheriff’s office where the incident has occurred.

USCG Sector Lower Mississippi River (SLMR)
2 Auction Avenue
Memphis, TN 38105
Voice: 901-521-4824
Fax: 901-544-3886

For complete information on the river, visit the following River Guage links:

Shreveport River Gauge
Coushatta River Gauge
Grand Ecore River Gauge
Alexandria River Gauge

Red River Waterway Commission
Office: (800) 874-9431
Email: marcuslong@redriverwaterway.com

Hazard Reports

Pool 5 (Shreveport gauge)

When river levels reach 21 with a predicted continual rise, the public boat ramps at Stoner Avenue and Teague Parkway Recreation Areas will close.  When river levels reach 26 with a predicted continual rise, the public boat ramps at North Caddo and Bishop Point Recreation areas will close

Pool 4 (Coushatta gauge)

When river levels reach 29 with a predicted continual rise, the public boat ramp at Coushatta Recreation Area will close. When river levels reach 30.5 with a predicted continual rise, the public boat ramp at Red Oak Recreation Area will close.

Pools 3 (Grand Ecore gauge)

When river levels reach 32 with a predicted continual rise, the public boat ramps at Grand Ecore, Natchitoches, St. Maurice, Montgomery, Red Bayou & Colfax Recreation Areas will close.

Pools 1 & 2 (Alexandria gauge)

When river levels reach 25 with a predicted continual rise, the public boat ramps at Alexandria Levee Park, Ft. Buhlow & Ben Routh Recreation Areas will close.  When river levels reach 28 with a predicted continual rise, the public boat ramps at Boyce, Lock & Dam No.2, Poland & Brouillette will close.