CONSERVATION CORNER

Nautical Adventurer Shares Secrets Of Mississippi's Waterways

by James L. Cummins

Scott B. Williams makes a living out of adventure. He has kayaked solo from the Gulf Coast of Florida to the British Virgin Islands, traveled 2,600 miles in a kayak from the lakes of Northern Minnesota to Vicksburg, and has thoroughly explored the waters of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

In Exploring Coastal Mississippi: A Guide to the Marine Waters and Islands (University Press of Mississippi), Williams shares his extensive and detailed knowledge of the wilderness islands, back bays, coastal rivers and the Gulf of Mexico.

Mississippi's barrier islands claim some of the most remote and unspoiled sites along the Gulf of Mexico making our beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast an ideal place for adventure. Williams shares his years of experience exploring Petit Bois Island, Cat Island, Horn Island and East and West Ship Island as well as numerous coastal rivers, bayous and bays. In doing so, he hopes to save the reader some trouble. "Much of what I learned about coastal exploring has been through trial and error. By passing on what I have learned, perhaps I can save the reader from repeating my mistakes," says Williams.

In Exploring Coastal Mississippi, Williams covers the history of the area as well as precise details and directions for navigating the waters around the coastal islands. "Most Mississippians and certainly non-residents of the state may not be aware of the opportunities for adventure and relaxation that await at the southern boundary of our state," he says.

Filled with detailed descriptions of many alluring settings, along with directions for navigation to secluded coves and coastal bayous, this book gives tips and pointers for a wide range of boaters, whether their preferred craft is a canoe, a sea kayak or a luxury yacht.

What are the best and safest routes? What are the weather patterns? How does one select the perfect craft?

One can read more about the book at http://www.upress.state.ms.
us/catalog/spring2004/exploring_coastal_ms.html Exploring Coastal Mississippi: A Guide to the Marine Waters and Islands is available from the University Press of Mississippi for $50.00 (unjacketed hardback, ISBN 1-57806-423-6) or $22.00 (paperback, ISBN 1-57806-424-4).

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. Their web site is www.wildlifemiss.org.