Letter To The Editor – Sept. 23, 2010

Park Closing Doesn’t Suit Texas Tourist

To: Executive Director of Mississippi Departments of Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Dear Sir:

I was informed yesterday that my favorite vacation spot, George Cossar State Park in Yalobusha County, Mississippi, is going to close October 31. This particular bit of news has broken my big ol’ Texas heart. There is nothing I have enjoyed more than the hills, streams, lakes (and okay, chiggers) of North Mississippi, the walking trails in the state park, the cabins, the restaurant that serves the best fried catfish in the entire deep south, on my frequent visits there. In fact, I love that area so much, especially the park, that my fiancee and I have purchased a retirement home in Oakland, Miss. specifically because of its proximity to Cossar State Park.

What am I to do NOW?????

As you may know, Texans spend a lot of money outside of Texas. We are big hunters and fishermen. We are avid naturalists. We love recreation! We are happy tourists, spending a lot of time and dollars getting out of our beloved state of Texas to visit places with trees and lakes and hills. We even come to Mississippi, sir, and I’m sure I am not the only Texan in love with Cossar State Park. Why, I drove 14 hours in AUGUST (yes, August) just to come there. Man, was it hot and sweaty. But I came, because I love Cossar State Park (well, there is a certain man involved, and I am marrying him in October and retiring … right near my beloved Cossar State Park.

I repeat: What am I to do NOW???

On a less selfish note, surely you know that Cossar State Park is a major employer in the Oakland area. Oakland is not a very big town, even though the population will increase by one when I move there. People are struggling in Yalobusha County. There is no industry save one loan food packing plant and a sad little sawmill. People don’t want to leave their homes, but people need jobs. I am personally acquainted with a number of people who make their living at Cossar State Park. They are my friends. My husband-to-be himself was in line for a job there before our very sad news. Where is HE to go now? There is an entire population of people out there at the park who live there and have vacation homes there!

You may consider this impassioned letter as one small voice among many voices, asking you to fight as hard as you can to save our park. It is a cultural phenomenon in Yalobusha County, and in the state of Mississippi. Hear us!

Carol Ann Bauer
Midland, Texas