Iconic Mississippi treasure recently revitalized

September 5, 2023

Delta National Forest, a flooded forest along the water. — Delta National Forest is the only bottomland hardwood forest in the National Forest System. Located in the southeast and southcentral United States, bottomland hardwood forests are flooded forests that occur along streams and rivers. USDA Forest Service photo.

MISSISSIPPI—More than 80 Forest Service employees from across the state came to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, recently as part of an effort to clean up and make repairs to iconic treasure Delta National Forest, the only bottomland hardwood forest in the National Forest System. They brought bulldozers and backhoes, chainsaws and lawnmowers, and, most importantly, they brought the commitment and determination to improve the forest.

A group of Forest Service employees at an outdoor table covered with papers, including map, to discuss day's work. — *A group of Forest Service employees plans out the day’s work at the Delta National Forest Work Center. USDA Forest Service photo by Mario Rossilli.*

Located in the southeast and southcentral United States, bottomland hardwood forests like Delta National Forest are flooded forests that occur along streams and rivers.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support from all districts and the supervisor’s office,” said John Wesley Crews, acting district ranger. “We greatly appreciate the contributions from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.”

Over about three weeks in June, Forest Service employees replaced signs, mowed campsites, felled hazardous trees, graded roads, rehabbed trails, busted up beaver dams and cleaned up recreation areas.

Highlights include:

40 campsites mowed, rehabbed; picnic tables and fire rings replaced;
26 miles of forest roads improved in collaboration with Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks;
12 trail head parking areas, kiosks and signs cleaned;
12 beaver dams removed;
11 culverts cleared;
10 trails rehabbed;
two wooden kiosks replaced with metal kiosks;
two recreation areas mowed; and
one recreation area entrance sign replaced.

District Ranger Chris Locke, who leads the Bienville National Forest in east central Mississippi, said he was excited to be part of the revitalization effort. He organized a team from around the state who worked on projects at the Blue Lake Recreation Area.

“We worked on the nature trail, including replacing the boardwalk section of the trail. I think visitors are really going to enjoy it,” said Locke. “It was my first time visiting the Delta National Forest. It’s unique. It’s really a special place.”