US Army Corps of Engineers St Louis District

Today we pause to remember the lives lost and the heroes who rose in response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We honor their memory, their courage, and the resilience of our nation. #PatriotsDay #NeverForget

Park rangers at Rend Lake recently teamed up with young campers to talk about water safety and how to stay safe while having fun at the lake. Learning how to stay safe on and around the water helps everyone enjoy the lake responsibly. Remember: Learn to swim well and always wear your life jacket when on or near water. #PleaseWearIt

The Carlyle Lake Triathlon will take place Sunday, Sept. 21. For everyone’s safety, please be aware of the following temporary closures: • Lake Road (West Spillway entrance → Dam West Boat Ramp entrance): Sat, Sept. 20 at 9 a.m. – Sun, Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. • Saddle Dam II (McNair Campground → Dam East Boat Ramp entrance): Sun, Sept. 21 at 6 a.m. – end of race Other areas (Dam West Day Use and Beach, Main Dam, Clinton and Bond County roads, Spillways, General Dean Recreation Area) will remain open but will be part of the racecourse. Please drive slowly, watch for athletes, and follow volunteer guidance. Want to help? Volunteers are still needed to keep the event safe and successful. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/efK7qdqB Info: Carlyle Lake Project Office – 618-594-2484 | carlyle.lake@usace.army.mil

It’s National Preparedness Month. Knowing what to do before an emergency or disaster strikes can reduce stress and save both time and money. Don’t wait until the last minute to decide what to do to keep yourself and your family safe. Completing a family emergency plan can help you keep track of important information like your family’s doctors or medical providers, insurance information and contact information to help you stay connected when an emergency or disaster strikes. To download the form, visit: https://lnkd.in/geeKxPFR #PreparednessStartsAtHome

While having fun in the sun, play it safe by wearing a life jacket and swimming and boating with a buddy. Assign someone as a water watcher to watch children constantly while in, on, or near the water. Make sure the watcher knows drowning is silent and can happen in seconds.

When paddling on rivers, steer clear of commercial vessels. They have the right of way in a navigation channel. Human-powered vessels should avoid commercial traffic. Boats don’t have brakes and it takes an average of ¾ to 1½ miles for a towboat pushing barges to stop.

Come Work with Us! We’re seeking a Master Tender (XH 5–7) to operate diesel-powered towboats that support the Dredge Potter and its critical mission of maintaining safe and reliable navigation on the Mississippi River. Key responsibilities include: Tending the floating plant Assembling tows Moving crane barges Supporting dredging operations Applications close August 5, 2026. Apply today: https://lnkd.in/ejE8YRjp

For the first time ever, youth hunters will have the chance to experience a managed deer hunt at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton, Mo. On Nov. 1 – 2, the St. Louis District’s Rivers Project will welcome five youth hunters (ages 6 – 15), each accompanied by a non-hunting adult, for this special opportunity. Participants will be randomly selected from applications due Sept. 15. “This hunt is part of our Riverlands Deer Management Plan to address over-population within the Sanctuary. We look forward to extending this opportunity to youth within our community and appreciate the understanding of visitors during this temporary closure,” said Tyler Goble, team lead wildlife biologist. For more information: 618-513-2439

Recently, the Kaskaskia River Project hosted an Industry Day with partners and stakeholders to highlight ongoing collaboration to address backlog maintenance needs, the transition from Level of Service II to Level I, and efforts to maintain reliable navigation. Attendees toured the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam to see updates on miter gate machinery and tainter gate repairs, as well as hear outlooks on dredging and future operations. This unique project is managed through a partnership among the State of Illinois, the Kaskaskia Regional Port District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with each playing a vital role in its continued success.

Happy #LaborDay from the St. Louis District! Today we recognize the dedication of our workforce and the hardworking men and women across the nation. Many will be enjoying time on the water this holiday, please remember to put safety first. Wear your life jacket, look out for one another, and have a safe and wonderful day.