NATURAL
Our land is defined by the water that connects us. We are beaches, bays, rivers, creeks, swamps, marshes, islands and shores. we are home to the nation’s last remaining unimpeded river and 36 miles of sandy beaches. Our water provided us ecological riches unrivaled in other places. Our environment creates seafood known worldwide, freshwater that flows abundant from artesian wells, and unmatched habitats that sustain untold species of flora and fauna.
Southern Mississippi offers explorers unforgettable experiences along miles of beaches, rivers, creeks and bayous. There are currently 10 blueways, or water trails, that have been mapped out for recreational canoers and kayakers. Other water ways listed here are perfect to create your own adventure
Outdoor enthusiasts rejoice! Southern Mississippi has a wide variety of greenways fro adventurers to explore. Experience trilling beauty from our national and state parks, conservatories and nature trails. Also, Mississippi’s Gulf Coast is a great place and endangered Sandhill Cranes – in district areas across the Gulf.
Bring home some trophies fir for royalty. Along the Gulf, you’ll find many great fishing spots along some of our legendary creeks and rivers. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, click this box and you’ll find plenty of options on the next page. We guarantee you will be going home with some great stories to tell.
Get up close and personal with one of our nation’s biggest industries: agriculture. During you visit to South Mississippi, you will get the opportunity to experience farm animals one-on-one. Our partners are dedicated to teaching others about the natural world, and how to take better care of what we have.
The Gulf Coast Outpost business recognition program is part of the 2016 Nature-Based Tourism Plan for Coastal Mississippi. It was developed for the Heritage Area by stakeholders in the industry. Business owners and operators are recognized through a checklist that focuses on training, sustainability and stewardship. The program is aimed at those companies whose primary business is dependent on the natural environment in Mississippi’s six coastal counties. This includes eco tours, locally owned outfitters, charter boat operators, tour guides, eco-lodges and agritourism entities.
Since 2011, members of the Nature Based Tourism (NBT) Task Force have been developing an emerging vision of how investment in this rapidly growing sector of the tourism industry will improve the region’s economy, while conserving precious resources, like clean water and wildlife habitat, for future generations. This 2016 NBT Plan for Coastal Mississippi is the first of its kind in the State and represents the culmination of years of evidence gathering, consensus building, stakeholder engagement and eco-tourism advocacy. ,,
Resources and Permit Information
In efforts to preserve Mississippi’s pristine plant and wildlife, licenses and permits may be required for recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking. These documents are easy to obtain by visiting the following sites.
For information regarding Wildlife Management Areas in Southeastern Mississippi:
https://www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/wma/region/southeast/
To Purchase a hunting or fishing license or a Wildlife Management Permit:
https://www.ms.gov/mdwfp/hunting_fishing/
For information on commercial and recreational fishing, wildlife and plants, and coastal preservation efforts:
https://dmr.ms.gov
If you would like the opportunity to have your business featured as one of MS Heritage Area’s assets and your business belongs to one of Mississippi’s lower six counties, complete and submit the form found in this link.
