$1 million in Environmental Projects on Mobile County Agenda

Posted on: Mar 25th, 2013 | News and Announcements

A formal kayak trail through the spectacular waterways of Chickasabogue Creek will become the newest addition to the Alabama Scenic River Trail by approval of a resolution set for a vote at 10 a.m. Monday at the Mobile County Commission meeting. The meeting will be held in the auditorium of Government Plaza. ?This designation means the trail will be featured on the statewide website for the scenic River Trails, which is followed by many of the kayakers and canoeists,? noted County Commission President Merceria Ludgood. ?Not only will locals get better use of the trail, but we will bring in people from outside the state.? Another resolution set for a vote Monday would give the go-ahead for a $1 million federal grant to rebuild what were once pristine wetlands surrounding Mobile County?s water source in Big Creek Lake. ?We are being conscientious stewards of our land and water, making sure we can pass on all these treasured resources to generations that come after us,? said County Commissioner Connie Hudson. Design on the trail have been completed and the project is expected to be completed by the summer. Signs will be posted along the route to ease the way for paddlers as they navigate twists and turns of the two-mile stretch of river from Chickasabogue Park in Eight Mile to William Brooks Park in Chickasaw. Kiosks at the two ends of the trail will feature maps and interpretive panels. Cost of the project will be about $30,000. Monday?s referendum also will approve the naming of the trail as the Ron Jones Paddle Trail, after the county?s former Parks and Wildlife Manager, who died in 2006. The trail had been a priority of Jones, but he died before he could see it become a reality. ?These improvements are quality-of-life measures that benefit the people who live here, but also add to our assets that can promote eco-tourism,? said County Commissioner Jerry Carl.