Jackson Jambalaya

This little post about partying on the sandbars upriver appeared on The Rez News blog:

I have just been told that people were turned away from some of the Madison County side sand bars on the upper Pearl River over the weekend because they didn’t have the proper documentation in the form of a “registration” to authorize them to use the sand bar (Houseboat Island). Is this possibly a misunderstanding? I hear this registration must be obtained and presented to a PRV Officer by EACH PERSON on the boat, not just the boat owner.

The post generated this comment by Brad:

I was at Houseboat Island Friday, July 4th. 2 MWDFP officers pulled up to the sandbar and one got off and walked up to the wooded area then walked back and spoke to the other officer. The other officer then told all the boats that we weren't allowed to be on the sandbar without a WMA permit and alcohol was not allowed on the sandbar. He told us we could go across to the other side (Rankin) or go back to the big water. Two weeks prior we were on the same sandbar and two different game wardens pulled up and hung out, handing out MDWFP bracelets promoting wearing life jackets. They didn't say anything about not being allowed on the sandbar or needing a permit. There were no tents set up on July 4th but one group did have a sun canopy set up. Apparently you must have a WMA permit to stop on the sandbar.

JJ contacted Pearl River Valley Water & Supply District Executive Director John Sigman in an effort to determine what the policies regarding the sandbars are. Apparently Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks has control of seven sandbars on the Madison County side of the Pearl River as they are part of a wildlife management area. MWDFP requires a permit that costs $17 per year for each person that is on sandbars such as "Houseboat Island" that are in the MWA. Mr. Sigman said Flag Island is under the control of the PRVWSD and the same rules are in effect that have been for years. MDWFP also has a no-alcohol policy for its wildlife management areas.

MDWFP Law Enforcement Director Steve Adcock told JJ that the sandbars are indeed part of the wildlife management area (WMA). Regulations prohibit the use of alcohol in these areas. Regulations also require a $17 annual permit per person. HOWEVER the department does sell a $10 one-day per vehicle family non-hunting WMA permit. Permits can be purchased anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold. The $10 permit can be used on the sandbars but they have to be purchased that day. It is more trouble to purchase but it does cover everyone in the boat for a much lower fee.

Chief Adcock said they were not forcing people to leave the sandbars but are just notifying boaters of the policy. He said it became aware of the sandbars when the PRVWSD recently installed signs stating the boundaries of the district's jurisdiction. He said the only problem in the past at the sandbars was litter. He said the policy really affects only one sandbar, Houseboat Island. It is the first major one above Highway 43. He said the agency is not trying to run people off of the sandbar. The agency is discussing the situation with PRVWSD and trying to determine what is the best policy. MDWFP officers are not writing tickets at this time. Chief Adcock said interested boaters can send an email if they wish to state an opinion. Use this form to send comment. He said he will read them.

Kingfish note: The district overhauled its regulations and cleaned up the upper Pearl River last year. Mr. Sigman said they removed 2-3 tons of debris and materials from the sandbars after Labor Day. The Chief made clear his officers were not out to harass boaters but said the rules are what they are and they do have to enforce them. However, he did say they are reviewing the policy and welcome the comments. In my opinion, the ideal solutions is the state should give control of that sandbar to the district so people don't have have to worry about which rule applies to where they are on the river.