Fannye Cook Nature Trails

Fannye Cook Nature Trails are nestled between the Pearl River and the metropolitan area of Flowood, MS. Originally purchased by the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to serve as the Pearl River Basin Mitigation Bank and then acquired by Wildlife Mississippi in 2014 for the purpose of educating the public regarding conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, and encouraging them to become responsible stewards of Mississippi’s natural resources; providing quality outdoor recreational opportunities; and conserving habitat, especially wetland and stream habitat.

Mendrop is currently helping Wildlife Mississippi develop the 3,000-acre site such that the park will provide the community with approximately 25 miles of nature trails, boardwalks minimizing impacts to the natural flow of water, a kayak boat launch providing access to the Pearl River, park benches, viewing blinds, and wildlife observation areas – all of which will give opportunities to enjoy Mississippi’s nature.

Potential issues involve the filling of wetlands, altering streams, and the negative impact on cultural resources. Since the majority of the area is in a wetland and stream mitigation bank, compliance with the mitigation banking instrument and easement is being observed. Approval for the proposed developments was obtained in April 2021 by MDOT’s Environmental Division and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

With funding allocated from the Alternative Transportation Set-Asides Program, Wildlife Mississippi is required to follow the project processes set by MDOT’s Local Public Agency policies. Services provided by Mendrop include survey, plan design and production, construction cost estimates, project management, and construction inspection services, including stormwater monitoring once the project is complete. Additional services were provided by Headwaters, including coordinating with USACE and MDOT to update environmental approvals.