MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Gollott

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE ACQUISITION AND FORMATION OF THE PASCAGOULA RIVER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA.

WHEREAS, September 22, 2001, will mark the 25th anniversary of the purchase of 32,000 acres of the Pascagoula River system in Jackson and George Counties; and

WHEREAS, the Pascagoula River system has been nationally recognized as the largest free-flowing river system in the lower 48 states of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Legislature played a pivotal and innovative role in the acquisition of the Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Legislature created the state Wildlife Heritage Committee in 1974; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Legislature authorized the issuance of bonds in 1975 for purchasing the Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area; and

WHEREAS, the acquisition of the Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area was the result of a concerted private and public effort by The Nature Conservancy and the State of Mississippi utilizing an innovative and complex tender offer; and

WHEREAS, the Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area contains a priceless, rich and diverse community of flora and fauna; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes September 22, 1976, when the deed for Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area passed to the state as a significant event in the history of conservation in Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we commemorate the acquisition and formation of the Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area, and recognize the importance of this event in preserving the rich natural heritage of the Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area for generations to come.