Senate Concurrent Resolution 581

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ENACT APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION TO OPEN ALL ROADWAYS IN THE NATIONAL FOREST WITHIN HARRISON COUNTY TO ALLOW ACCESS BY THE PUBLIC.

WHEREAS, within the last few years, the National Forest Service has embarked upon a program to close more and more roads which, in many cases, have been in existence for more than 100 years on lands owned by the people; and

WHEREAS, over the last three decades, significant funds from taxpayers have been expended to improve these roads only to have them closed. No maintenance or improvements have been made to these roads since the initial upgrades many years ago; and

WHEREAS, the National Forest Service has either temporarily closed the roads by placing huge earthen berms or iron gates at the entrance or have permanently destroyed these roads, which limits access to the handicapped and disabled, creating undue hardships; and

WHEREAS, the road closures have severely reduced activities enjoyed by the public that are part of local traditions and heritage, and have curtailed alternative activities for young adults which encourages them to be productive members of society and keeps them out of trouble:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby request and urge the United States Forest Service and the United States Congress to enact legislation to open all roadways in the National Forest within Harrison County to allow access by the public to public property and to hold an open meeting with the citizens of Harrison County to discuss access to the public lands in Harrison, County, Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted to the members of Mississippi's Congressional Delegation and Chief Tom Tidwell of the United States Forest Service and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.