Jackson Free Press

Whatever Mr. McGowan's Pearl River Basin Foundation and the Levee Board do to the Pearl River for flood control, they should leave the Mayes Lake public-use areas alone. The trails along the river, the picnic areas and two different primitive camping areas developed for and by local Scout troops are in a lowland section of the park that could be dredged. At least a dozen Eagle Scout projects have improved this area, including a trailhead kiosk and birdwatching deck along the river trail. That deck is at Stop 17 on the Museum of Natural Science trail guide.

We don't know what the lake footprint looks like at this point or how much of LeFleur's Bluff State Park will be condemned if a lake is built. Some of this will be revealed at the upcoming scoping meeting for the single lake flood control project on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 6-8 p.m. at the Agriculture and Forestry Museum on Lakeland Drive in Jackson.

If you use these trails or care about this wonderful park in the middle of Jackson, this meeting is your chance to ask questions and give your concerns.