Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board Approves 20 More Projects

JACKSON, Miss. - Governor Tate Reeves announced that during its most recent public meeting, the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (MOSTF) Board of Trustees awarded its fourth round of competitive grants since its inception in 2022. These awards add 20 additional projects, totaling more than $13.6 million for conservation and outdoor recreation projects statewide and leverage over $14.1 million in additional federal, state, local, private, and in-kind funding to complete these projects for communities located across Mississippi. There were 60 project applications submitted from August 1 through September 19, 2025, from four state agencies, 25 municipalities, six county governments, and 20 conservation-based non-governmental organizations.

"The MOSTF Board of Trustees continues to accomplish tremendous things on behalf of Mississippi since I signed the Outdoor Stewardship Act into law in 2022," said Governor Tate Reeves. "There have now been 100 projects funded across the state benefiting Mississippi communities and supporting jobs. Since 2022, MOSTF has awarded over $50.2 million in legislative appropriations to projects that leveraged over $100.2 million in matching funds, for a total of over $150.5 million invested in wildlife and fisheries conservation and nature-based outdoor recreation across our great state. It is exciting to watch these investments improve communities around the state and enhance our state's $8 billion outdoor recreation economy, which supports more than 79,000 jobs."

"Each year since 2022, thanks to continued legislative appropriations, MOSTF accepts grant applications from state agencies, municipalities, and conservation-based nongovernmental organizations for review by the MOSTF Board of Trustees," said MOSTF Executive Director, Ricky Flynt. "These competitive proposals must meet the statutory goals of improving our state's parks and outdoor recreation trails, municipal parks, improving access to public waters and lands, and to preserve, enhance, and restore native wildlife and fish resources and their critical habitats across Mississippi. Each eligible application is scored individually by each board member based upon a standardized criteria that follow the priorities outlined in the Outdoor Stewardship Act of 2022."

Ed Penny, President of Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Coalition, said, "This program is establishing its place in conservation and outdoor recreation history for the state of Mississippi thanks to the generous support of Governor Reeves and the Mississippi Legislature. Our coalition has worked long and hard to highlight the importance of this program for our state and are very proud of the progress and accomplishments."

David Holman, Chairman of the MOSTF Board of Trustees, stated, "The MOSTF Board of Trustees is committed to funding projects following the priorities outlined by the Stewardship Act. We know that each application received has potential to make a difference in recreational opportunities for individuals, families, and communities for generations to come. It is an honor for each board member to be involved and a task that is taken with great consideration and responsibility. We encourage all eligible entities to plan now to apply during the next application cycle (August-September) for projects that will create and enhance conservation and outdoor recreation."

A few projects that have unique attributes:

1. City of Columbus ($536,950) - Cretaceous Fossil Park, Walking Trail, Kayak and Canoe Launch. This is a unique and first of its kind in the state of Mississippi offering a public place for fossil hunting, as well as providing new public access to a public waterway (Luxapalila Creek).
2. Walter Anderson Museum of Art ($300,000) - Washington Avenue Public Access and Front Beach Connectivity Project. This project leverages an incredible matching funds component at over 1,460% of the MOSTF funding request. The Washington Avenue Public Access and Front Beach Connectivity Project are part of a larger community investment led by the Walter Anderson Museum of Art through its new Creative Complex, a $4.69 million campus expansion that creates publicly accessible gardens, outdoor classrooms, and green space for recreation and environmental education. This project will construct a missing sidewalk in Ocean Springs along Washington Ave., add wayfinding to Calhoun and Jackson Avenues, and link downtown to the city's new public green space at Front Beach.
3. The Nature Conservancy ($499,619) - Groundwater Conservation Through Irrigation Automation. This is the first funded project for MOSTF that is primarily concentrated on water quality and water conservation, which is one of the priorities listed in the Outdoor Stewardship Act of 2022. This project will install a minimum of 250 well timers on an estimated 25,000 acres in the Mississippi Delta. At an estimated 20% reduction in annual water usage, there will be a high return on investment for water savings. This project will improve agricultural practices on private lands, resulting in the conservation of a public natural resource that many municipalities and industries rely on, the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer.

MOSTF is planning to open its next grant application period on August 1, 2026, pending funding secured during the 2026 Legislative Session. For more information, please visit their website at https://www.dfa.ms.gov/most, Facebook at Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund or Instagram at @msoutdoortrustfund.

Below are project summaries of the additional 17 awarded projects:

1. Archusa Lake Dam Repair ($2,000,000) - Pat Harrison Waterway District. On July 16, 2023, the dam at Archusa Creek Water Park was breached. The 450-acre lake was quickly emptied of recreational waters and the Pat Harrison Waterway District (PHWD) was tasked with determining the cause of the breach and moving forward with repairs. The park has secured $2 million from the Mississippi State Legislature for Phase 1 of the dam repair, which includes design of a new structure and demolition of the existing damaged structure. Phase 1 is already underway. The District estimates Phase 2, the construction of a new weir structure, at $3 million. The PHWD is requesting $2 million, or 66% of the total project cost, from MOSTF to offset the costs of the new structure. This funding will be matched with $1 million from the PHWD capital improvement funds. With the repair of the dam, the park will be able to refill the lake and bring recreational opportunities back to this park and the community surrounding it.
2. Montjoy Creek Trailhead ($500,000) - City of Diamondhead. Funding will provide an ADA accessible nature trail and nature-themed playground. The project consists of an 8′ wide timber pile supported nature trail spanning .25 mile at Banyan Place designed for walking, running, and biking. The trail will be situated in a scenic area as an extension and access point to the Montjoy Creek Nature Trail and earthen kayak ramp, providing an outdoor space for the community to enjoy Mississippi and Diamondhead's natural landscape and wildlife.
3. Creek Access Trail & Creekside Classroom & Archery Range ($195,000) - Camp Kamassa The proposed project consists of three areas that offer expansion of natural resource-based outdoor recreation and educational opportunities for campers affected by disability and special needs. Project areas include an accessible trail system to the bank of Turkey Creek, and a shallow water crossing to restore water flow, prevent erosion, and improve access to Turkey Creek, an outdoor creek-side classroom structure that overlooks Latimer Branch.
4. Walkiah Bluff Park Ecotourism and Redevelopment Project ($164,500) - Pearl River County Board of Supervisors. This ecotourism and redevelopment project is a holistic effort to redevelop Walkiah Bluff Park by redeveloping existing structures and enhancing nature-based and other recreational opportunities of Walkiah Bluff Park along the East Pearl River in Pearl River County. The core elements of the project will include ADA-accessible improvements to the pavilion and other structures at the site, demolition, and reconstruction of damaged structures on site, installation of a multi-use court, a disc golf course with native plants throughout, and a pilot channel to improve water flow from the East Pearl River.
5. Hannesson Restoration and Public Access Creation ($110,000) - The Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain. With $100,000 in matching funds committed by Chevron, this project restores and enhances 29.75 acres of wetlands and forested habitat in Moss Point. This project addresses Goals #4 ("Improve Community Resilience") and #6 ("Public Facilities and Resources Improvements") in the city's 2024 Community Development Annual Action Plan. Restoration will improve wet pine savanna, bottomland hardwood, and bayhead swamp habitats, re-establish natural hydrology, and protect water quality in the Escatawpa River and Dutch Bayou. A low-impact walking trail and kayak launch will provide the first outdoor recreation opportunities north of the Escatawpa River, expanding public access, ecotourism, and community resilience. The property will be permanently conserved and managed with city support for security and stewardship, ensuring lasting ecological, recreational, and economic benefits.
6. Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge, Walker Tract Waterfowl Sanctuary Restoration and Enhancement Sanctuary ($945,084) - The Nature Conservancy. Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge (TNWR) was established for the purpose of providing habitat for migratory birds, with an emphasis on waterfowl. Within TNWR lies the 550-acre Walker Tract, which is a closed portion of the Refuge that is utilized as a waterfowl sanctuary. For the last three years the Walker Tract has not held water due to the lack of funding needed for infrastructure repairs. This has resulted in limited waterfowl use within the waterfowl sanctuary on TNWR. The Nature Conservancy of Mississippi has entered into an agreement with TNWR to raise funding, survey, design, and construct a hydrological restoration and enhancement project for the Walker Tract. This project will include land forming levees, replacing and upgrading water control structures, installing low water crossings, and refurbishing groundwater wells to restore and enhance water management capabilities to the Walker Tract.
7. Sportsman Lake Wharf and Floating Dock Project ($16,210) - Perry County Board of Supervisors. This project will construct a permanent wharf and a floating wharf at Sportsman Lake in the City of Richton. These improvements will significantly enhance public access to outdoor recreation while meeting accessibility and safety standards for residents and visitors. The structures will provide safe docking areas, improve water access for boaters and anglers, and create new opportunities for family-friendly outdoor recreation at Sportsman Lake.
8. Reconstruction of Foot Bridges, Boardwalk, and Implementation of an Accredited Arboretum ($126,547) - Strawberry Plains Audubon Center (SPAC). Funding will enhance a 2,600-acre sanctuary in Marshall County by enhancing public access, conservation education, and habitat stewardship through a three-phase, two-year project. SPAC is home to imperiled xeric and mesic upland hardwood forests, shrub-grassland habitats, and a wide diversity of bird species of conservation concern. The proposed project directly supports Mississippi's State Wildlife Action Plan by restoring vulnerable habitats, improving public access, and providing high-quality outdoor education and recreation opportunities.
9. Brandon City Park Improvements ($621,563) - City of Brandon. Funding will enhance trails within Brandon City Park and build upon pond improvements already underway, including dredging and fish stocking. These efforts will ensure the pond remains a valued viewing and learning destination while improving ecological health. The project also includes constructing approximately 1,000 ft. of multi-use paths to connect the park to the library's nature trail, tennis courts, and playgrounds, strengthening safe and accessible recreation. Enhancements such as nature-blending seating, an artist station, and a hummingbird and butterfly garden will foster reflection, creativity, habitat restoration, and deeper engagement with the environment.
10. Practicing, Demonstrating, & Fostering Next-Generation Outdoor Stewardship: Clinton Community Nature Center's Conservation & Education Initiative Stewardship ($341,610) - Clinton Community Nature Center. This project will complete a three-pronged project, part of a larger effort to expand and enhance CCNC's conservation mission. 1) Practice stewardship by finalizing a conservation easement for perpetual protection of a 74-acre forest, completing perimeter fencing to safeguard habitats and facilities, repairing bridges, and constructing boardwalks to protect wetlands from foot traffic. 2) Demonstrate stewardship by creating demonstration gardens to educate on native plants, constructing Beaver Dam Analogs to reduce erosion, and offering seminars on long-term planning. 3) Foster stewardship by redesigning the Natural Play Forest and expanding educational programs.
11. Wetland Enhancement for Waterfowl Habitat at Muscadine Farms WMA ($300,000) - Ducks Unlimited. The proposed project will enhance 60 acres of managed wetlands in the waterfowl sanctuary at Muscadine Farms Wildlife Management Area by consolidating several smaller impoundments into one, larger hunt unit. The project will entail removing interior levees, renovating berms, grading, and installing new water control structures. The completed project will provide higher quality habitat for wintering waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife, enhance management capabilities, and support hunting and public access.
12. Neshoba County Lake Spillway Repair and Improvements ($2,175,000) - Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Neshoba County Lake, located in Philadelphia, is a 138-acre State Fishing Lake owned and managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). It has long been a valuable outdoor recreational asset for both the City of Philadelphia and the State of Mississippi. The lake has traditionally been known for its trophy bass fishing, as well as offering excellent opportunities to catch crappie, bream, and catfish. Waterfowl hunting was also permitted at the site. However, a failure of the emergency spillway in 2024 led to the lake being drained and subsequently closed, resulting in the loss of this public resource. This project involves repairing the spillway, reconstructing boating facilities, building a youth fishing rodeo pond, improving fish habitat, and upgrading public access areas.
13. Gordon's Creek VFW Pathway ($312,825) - City of Hattiesburg. This project will complete a portion of the Gordon's Creek Linear Park by creating a pedestrian bridge at Ronie Street and then connect to an existing creek pathway near West Laurel/Walnut Street. As part of a four-phase project for Gordon's creek, this phase will offer residents and visitors another point of access to the creek in the heart of downtown Hattiesburg. This central location offers walkability and access to outdoor recreational opportunities for residents that live in the historical downtown area. Between federal Tap Grant Funds and local city funds, the city has committed $1,321,688 toward the completion of this project.
14. Lick Creek Conservatory & Recreational Area, Phase 2 ($2,331,276) - City of Olive Branch. This $2.9 million phase 2 project will construct a lake with overlook, kayak facility, raptor education center, access drive, and parking-bringing new water access, wildlife programming, raptor rehabilitation, and passive recreation to the community on the 48.43-acre Lick Creek Conservatory & Recreational Area. It is strategically located near U.S. Hwy 78 and the George Harrison Soccer Complex in fast-growing DeSoto County, the state's third-largest county and part of the Memphis metro.
15. Gluckstadt Community Park ($1,527,592) - City of Gluckstadt. This project offers development of a new community park in a newly incorporated community that will provide needed recreational opportunities, while also serving an important environmental function. The project includes construction of walking trails, open green space, and public amenities designed to promote health, wellness, and community engagement. A retention pond, located within the site, provides essential stormwater management, protecting downstream infrastructure and serving as a buffer to a classified blue-line stream.
16. Mounds Park Improvement Project ($353,430) - The City of Batesville. This project will provide construction of a pavilion with restrooms and historical display area, installation of interpretive signage, the creation of both paved and natural surface trails, the removal of windfallen trees, under brushing of approximately 75 acres, and striping of the existing parking lot.
17. Museum Trail Downtown Greenway: Nature Trail in the City ($250,000) - The Jackson Heart Foundation. This project will advance the next phase of the Museum Trail Greenway, a transformative public space and green infrastructure initiative in Downtown Jackson. This 2.5-mile greenway will connect major cultural and natural landmarks, including the Old Capitol Museum, Mississippi Museum of Art, Two Mississippi Museums, Mississippi Farmers' Market, and LeFleur's Bluff State Park, while expanding recreation, improving ecological health, and strengthening resilience through tree canopy restoration, prairie meadows, bioswales, and stormwater systems. Since its first phase opened in 2021, the trail has become an essential amenity for walking, biking, and gathering. The Jackson Heart Foundation has already secured private and civic support, including Entergy Foundation, CCID, and Community Foundation. MOSTF funding will complete the strategy and position the Downtown Connector for construction in 2026.