The dedication of the newly constructed public boat ramp on Clear Lake is taking place Thursday, Oct. 5, at 5 p.m. The boat launch is located approximately 15 miles northeast of Natchitoches on Hwy 1226, 4.1 miles north of U.S. Hwy 84 E.
Sen. Louis Bernard, Rep. Gabe Firment, and Parish President John Richmond are among the local dignitaries expected to attend.
The project was a joint effort between the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Northwest Louisiana Game and Fish Preserve Commission constructed to meet local demand, as the Commission estimates approximately 2,400 boaters will utilize the launch each year.
Funding for the project was a joint effort between LDWF and the Louisiana legislature, which each contributed $125,000 for the $250,000 project.
A limestone access road and parking lot have also been put in place adjacent to the concrete boat ramp.
To facilitate ingress and egress to the boat ramp, the project also included the removal of sediment from the existing canal to a depth of four feet. The canal, which has been in place since the 1940s, has been continuously maintained to ensure adequate access depth for boaters accessing Clear Lake from the boat ramp.