Spring 2004

President's Message

This past February, the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation hosted the annual Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Expo in Canton. Although it was the first time for this location, it was the fifth Expo that has been hosted by the Foundation in the spring of the year.

Due to the support of our sponsors, exhibitors and attendees, the show was a tremendous success. The Platinum Sponsors of the Expo were Clear Channel Communications (MISS 103) and the Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Gold Sponsors were the Clarion Ledger and Cellular South. The Silver Sponsors were BASF, The Carbon Fund and the Yazoo Mississippi Delta Levee Board. The Bronze Sponsors were the Canton/Madison County Multipurpose Complex, Jackson Coca Cola, The Comfort Inn, Community Bank, Mean Mallard, Mississippi Land Trust, Mississippi Outfitters Association, Mississippi Woods and Waters Magazine, Service Printers, St. Dominic Hospital and Wild Exposures. A special thank you goes to the staff of the Canton/Madison County Multipurpose Complex and the staff of the Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau due to all the extra effort on their part to make the Expo a success.

The main focus of the Expo was turkey hunting and fishing with other types of outdoor activities being represented, such as camping at our parks or boating on our lakes. Of course, there were other types of exhibitors there so the whole family could come and see something of interest. There were children's activities, such as the Rock Climbing Wall and the Laser Shot at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks' booths (which the adults also participated in). There was art for the home, clothing for the family and jewelry for the ladies. There were government agencies in attendance that could answer questions regarding conservation programs that are available and how landowners could best use them.

It always amazes me to see just how many people are interested in the outdoors. From a U.S. Congressman to kids wanting to catch bream, the crowd was diverse. It just reinforces what I have said in the past and will say again, Mississippi’s natural resources are abundant and need to be conserved.

Thanks again to everyone that made the Canton Expo a tremendous success.

Jeff Clark, M.D.
President