Candace BarnetteMississippi is putting $13.4 million toward conservation and outdoor recreation projects through the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (MOSTF). That funding will be combined with an additional $25.3 million from other private, federal, state and local sources for a total of $38.7 million.
MOSTF was established in 2022 as a funding mechanism to encourage investment in projects like improving parks, trails, and habitats, restoring public access to natural resources, and acquiring critical areas for conservation and outdoor recreation.
Gov. Tate Reeves said awards for projects like these are what he was expecting when he signed the Outdoor Stewardship Act into law.
“The MOSTF is benefiting Mississippi communities and supporting jobs,” Gov. Reeves said in a statement. “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.”
The Board of Trustees awarded the grants across 28 projects. Some major projects include:
- $2.5 million for the Terrene Landing River Park Project in Bolivar County
- $1.5 million for protecting riverine habitat, military readiness and improving recreation on lands and waters in Mississippi
- $1.5 million for Vicksburg Riverfront Park development
- $1 million for enhancing waterfowl habitat in the Mississippi Delta
- $878,000 for creating a city-wide nature-based model for living with outdoor activities in Clinton
- $749,000 for an educational outreach pavilion and deer interaction pen
- $674,638 for the River Avenue Pedestrian Bridge and Leaf River Overlook in Hattiesburg/Petal
- $500,000 for Waveland waterfront improvements
- $500,000 for wells for waterfowl at the Trim Cane Wildlife Management Area in Oktibbeha County
The full projects list can be found here. MOSTF is planning its next grant application period for August 1, 2025, pending funding secured during the 2025 Legislative Session.
Photo Courtesy
Robert Barnette via Flickr
