Access to Chotard Lake is now Gauranteed to Sportsman

[Buckwabit]

A little over three years ago, this writer challenged our state leaders on an important issue (State must take steps now to protect its public oxbows, Feb. 17, The Clarion-Ledger).

Public access was being lost at Delta oxbow lakes, and was threatened at two of the most popular, Chotard and Albermarle north of Vicksburg.

At the close of that commentary was this:

"The time is now for the state to act, either by securing long-term leases or funding to purchase minimal acreage for a ramp and parking.

"Whatever it takes, we must do.

"It worked at Eagle Lake in the 90s when public access was guaranteed.

"We can't afford to lose another oxbow, and shame on officials, from the governor to the Legislature down to the wildlife and environmental commissions and agencies, and even the levee board, if it happens on their watch."

Today, I am writing a thank you note to some of those very people, and tendering it on behalf of Mississippi fishermen and the many sporting generations to follow. The state, thanks to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, this week closed on the 11 acres of Chotard Lake shoreline known as Laney's Landing. We own it.

"This is not a lease; it was a purchase," said fisheries director Ron Garavelli. "Our name is on the deed."



This is a great thing our state has done

[RobertM]

I agree! this is good!

[JDgator]

This mean you can hunt there, too? Or just fish?

[deltadukman]

[Wingman]

[msbigdawg1234]

Sure Willow Point property lines will be surveyed and marked as soon as the deal goes down for the sale ...that way ya'll know where ya can go and cant go on the western side ......Glad the state has stepped up to protect this resource for the public

[stang67]

[tombstone]

[DuckBoat]

Excellent. Way to step up MDWFP