Conservation Corner: April 10, 2000

Livingston Left Mark On Mississippi
by James L. Cummins

Almost 1-year ago Mississippi lost one of its dedicated sons -Howard Miller. Now, cancer has claimed the life of another dedicated conservationist - Representative Dick Livingston, the 12-year Chairman of the House Game and Fish Committee and 28-year member of the Mississippi Legislature.

This Scott County native succeeded his father, the late E.B. Livingston, in the state legislature. The Chairman was a champion of much legislation regarding hunting and fishing and the recent legislation regarding scenic rivers and streams. I am proud to currently serve as Chairman of the Funding Committee for the Scenic Rivers and Streams Program - the very program he helped create.

Many people do not know of the extensive dedication of Chairman Livingston to fish and wildlife conservation throughout Mississippi. I first met this man on July 17, 1989, in Washington, D.C. when I was working for U.S. Senator Thad Cochran.

Chairman Livingston came to Washington to meet with Senator Cochran to discuss the need to increase funding for the USDA Forest Service's fish and wildlife program. I remember, mainly because I wrote it down and still have my notes, that Chairman Livingston said, "The waters of the Southern Region get 20% of the national recreation use, make up 10% of the total waters in the National Forests and get 3% of the funds." Thanks to a man from Scott County, and a certain United States Senator, that has changed.

Representative Bo Eaton of Taylorsville agrees that Livingston worked to further opportunities on public lands. "He was the little man's lobbyist. He was a person who really stood up for what he believed in."

According to Dr. Sam Polles, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, "Besides his leadership in developing the scenic rivers and streams legislation, Dick worked to develop a strong state park system and was a leader in virtually all hunting and fishing matters. He brought a strong commitment to conservation, however, one of his greatest virtues was that he was so adept at avoiding conflicts and resolving issues in a way that would benefit all parties."

As Chairman of the House Game and Fish Committee, Livingston made many decisions on hunting and fishing regulations. And by definition, this subject is very controversial. Nevertheless, he always took the time to return calls and gather the most information about an issue and, above all, treat everyone with respect and courtesy.

Mississippi needs more Dick Livingstons and Howard Millers who strive to make this great state reach its full potential and make our government do a better job of respecting the needs and opinions of ordinary citizens.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi.