Cooperatove Conservation Project
COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION CASE STUDY

Enid Lake

Springdale Wildlife Management Area

Location: Southeastern Region: Mississippi

Project Summary: The SWMA is a project to preserve a wetland habitat for plant, fish, and wildlife species, including endangered species, which are provided a protected environment for reproduction and feeding.
Click for Full Size
This observation deck was built by volunteers during the last phase of the Springdale Wildlife Management Area Management Plan. The observation deck is used by visitors for wildlife observation, and during educational events such as Enid Lake's Annual Environmental Awareness Day. During this event students from area schools get a chance to come out and view, learn, and experience the natural resources found at Enid Lake. Students get hands-on learning experience in topics such as wildlife, plant species, wetlands, and enviromental awareness issues.
Resource Challenge
Preserving environmental quality and protecting natural resources, which include: plants, fish, and wildlife species including endangered species, habitat, and wetland.
Examples of Key Partners
 Yalobusha Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Thacker Mountain Chapter of the Mississippi Wild Turkey Federation, Choctaw group of the Sierra Club, Audubon Society, O'Toucalofa Sportsman Club
Results and Accomplishments

The project has opened communication channels between the Corps of Engineers and local communities, has provided an avenue for public interaction in the management of public lands, eliminated degradation of the land by motorized vehicles, increased wildlife populations, provided key habitat for migratory birds, and permently preserved and expanded a large wetland.

Innovation/Highlight

In preserving this wetland habitat, plant, fish and wildlife species, including endangered species are provided a protected environment for spawning, breeding, nesting, or feeding. Populations of many wildlife species enjoy the excellent habitat provided by this wildlife management area. The natural food sources, shelters, and additional food sources provided by the Yalobusha Chapter of Ducks Unlimited are providing abundant nutrition and safe living space for all wildlife inhabitants. The establishment of this area and the volunteered management practices implemented have eliminated degradation of the land by motorized vehicles, increased wildlife populations, provided a safe resting/feeding area for migratory birds, and permanently presrved and expanded a large wetland. The work and continued enthusiasm of these volunteers have brought public attention to the project and created an activated citizenry dedicated to preserving environmental quality and protecting natural resources.

Project Contact
Billy J. Samuels
Resource Manager
Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 10
Enid, MS 38927
(662) 563-4571
billy.j.samuels@mvk02.usace.army.mil
Michael D. Robinson
Supervisory Ranger
Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 10
Enid, MS 38927
(662) 563-4571
michael.d.robinson@mvk02.usace.army.mil
Website: http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/lakes/enidlake/main.php?page=mainContent

To request additions or corrections to this case study email the Administrator