The Red River Waterway Commission is excited to announce the beginning of construction for a new access road and boat launch on the John Franks Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located north of Shreveport, LA. The access to the site is located near 6764 U.S. Highway 71.

The Commission has worked closely with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to locate the access road and boat launch such that it provides the best access to Twelve Mile Bayou while opening the WMA for better use. “Twelve Mile Bayou, which is a major tributary of the Red River, and the WMA are great resources located very close to Shreveport that will provide opportunities for hunting, fishing, boating and general outdoor recreation”, said Commissioner representing Caddo Parish Ron Lattier. Previously, this section of the WMA was only accessible by foot. Now, users will have the opportunity to more easily utilize Twelve Mile Bayou and the WMA.

The project consists of a roughly 1.2-mile asphalt access road from U.S. Highway 71 that leads to a 2-lane concrete boat launch with approximately 25 parking spaces designed for vehicles with trailers. “The Commission is always looking for ways to enhance the relationship between the public and the outdoors. The WMA property was acquired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for mitigation purposes.

Because the Commission has a responsibility to operate and maintain mitigation lands, it provided a unique opportunity to continue our mission to promote economic and recreation development within the
Red River Waterway District,” said Commissioner At-Large Versa Clark.

The design consultant on this project is Civil Design Group of Shreveport, LA. The construction contract was awarded to Synergen Construction of Bossier City, LA. The completion of construction is anticipated near the spring of 2025.